This Joseph was able to repulse, chiefly by his own long-range firing, assisted by a few picked rifles.

But the situation was extremely critical.

The roll of the big war-drum could be heard almost incessantly, rising with weird melancholy from the forest land beneath them.
Despite difficulties the new crop of Simiacine--the second within twelve months--had been picked, dried, and stored in cases.

Without, on the Plateau, stood the bare trees, affording no covert for savage warfare--no screen against the deadly bullet.

The camp was placed near one edge of the tableland, and on this exposed side the stockade was wisely constructed of double strength.