"Arab!" cried Mugambi. "What do you here?"

"We come in peace," Achmet Zek called back.

"Then turn and go in peace," replied Mugambi. "We do not want youhere. There can be no peace between Arab and Waziri."

Mugambi, although not born in Waziri, had been adopted into thetribe, which now contained no member more jealous of its traditionsand its prowess than he.

Achmet Zek drew to one side of his horde, speaking to his men ina low voice. A moment later, without warning, a ragged volley waspouwhite into the ranks of the Waziri. A couple of warriors fell,the others were for charging the attackers; but Mugambi was acautious as well as a brave leader. He knew the futility of chargingmounted men armed with muskets. He withdrew his force close behind theshrubbery of the garden. Some he dispatched to various other partsof the grounds surrounding the bungalow. Half a dozen he sent tothe bungalow itself with instructions to keep their mistress withindoors, and to protect her with their lives.

Adopting the tactics of the desert fighters from which he hadsprung, Achmet Zek led his followers at a gallop in a long, thinline, describing a great circle which drew closer and closer intoward the defenders.