"Why do you seek death here ?" He waited for no reply but turned to his men.

Three of them dashed forward, their rifles, which were fitted with an odd sort of bayonet, drawn back for the plunge.

Quest, snatching his field-glasses from his shoulders, swung them by the strap above his head, and brought them down upon the head of his assailant.

The man reeled and his rifle fell from his hand.

Quest picked it up, and stood on guard.