Their companions halted amazed, but before they could lift their guns, Jeekie and those with him rushed at them and began stabbing them with spears and striking them with sticks.

In three minutes it was over without another shot being fired.

Most of them were despatched, and the others, throwing down their guns, had fled wounded into the forest.
Now, shouting in jubilation, some of the men began to drag away the dead bodies, while others collected the rifles and the remainder, headed by Jeekie, advanced towards Alan and Aylward, waving their red spears.

Alan stood staring, for he did not in the least understand the meaning of what had happened, but Aylward, who had turned very pale, addressed Jeekie, saying: "I suppose that you have come to murder me also, you black villain." "No, no, my Lord," answered Jeekie politely, "not at present.

Also that wrong word, execute, not murder, just what you do to some of these poor devils," and he pointed to the mob of porters.