Had we only been armed as you are, the fortunes of war might have gone differently; but we have rifles and guns, and these must always give us victory, in the long run." "We will talk it over," the chief said.

"While we do so, you shall have food." So saying, he turned and led the way to a house in the village, where food and native spirit were set before them.
"Your dodge has succeeded admirably," Hallett said, as they were waiting for the meal.

"I think they will surrender." "I hope they will," Lisle said; "but at any rate, I think they will treat us as coming in under a flag of truce; and will perhaps send an escort with us back to the camp.

However, they are preparing a meal for us and, if the worst comes to the worst, it is much better to die full than fasting." In a quarter of an hour two women entered; one carrying a bowl with four chickens, and a quantity of rice; the other a large jug of water, and a smaller one of native spirit.

Not a word was spoken, while the meal was being eaten.