"We have not come here without reason, and the terms we offer are those that you can accept without dishonour.

I can assure you of as good treatment as you have given us; and permission to leave the fort, and return to your people, if you are dissatisfied with the terms." A quarter of an hour later the party--consisting of the two chiefs, ten armed followers, and the two officers--set out.

The camp was, they learned, about six miles from Coomassie.

After a march of three hours, they emerged from the forest into the cleared space round the fort.

When they reached the outlying sentries they were challenged, but a word from Lisle sufficed to pass them on.
As they approached the fort a number of soldiers gathered round them and, when they neared the entrance, Colonel Willcocks himself came out.
"You remain here with the chiefs, Bullen.