About midday
You leave everything to Jeekie , he see you through , but p ' raps you like come breakfast outside , where you know all that go on . '' Barbara did like , but as it happened they were allowed to consume their meal in peace , since no Asiki appeared . As soon as it was swallowed she returned to her tent , while Alan and Jeekie set to work to strengthen the defences of the little camp as well as they were able , and to make ready and serve out the arms and ammunition . About midday a man whom they had posted in a tree that grew inside the camp announced that he saw the enemy , and next moment a company of them rushed towards them across the open and were greeted by a volley which killed and wounded several men . At this exhibition of miraculous power , for none of these soldiers had ever heard the report of firearms or seen their effect , they retreated rapidly , uttering shouts of dismay and carrying their dead and wounded with them . `` Do you suppose they have gone , Jeekie ? '' asked Alan anxiously .