Yamba could make neither head nor tail of these people; they jabbered in a language quite unintelligible to either of us.

I then reverted to the inevitable sign language, giving them to understand that I wished to sleep with them a night or two; but they still continued to brandish their spears ominously.

Yamba presently whispered in my ear that we had better not trouble them any further, as they were evidently inclined to be pugnacious.

This was a very exceptional _rencontre_, because I usually induced the natives to sit down and parley with me, and then I would produce my mysterious stick.

In the event of this proving of little account, both I and Bruno would without a moment's hesitation plunge into our performance.