One morning, therefore, the party was divided, and half of them sent back to an ambush in the scrub.

The natives were allowed to pass on in close pursuit of the advance party.

The native dogs, however, scented this ambuscade, and, after their fashion, warned the blacks of the presence of the hidden whites.

As they halted, and began handling and poising their spears, one of the ambushed men fired without orders, and the others followed his example.

The natives faltered, and those in advance, hearing the firing, rushed back eager to join in the fray.