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Slowly the footsteps came closer, as though the three persons were approaching with extreme caution.

"Perhaps they heard us," I whispered to Tom Dawson, and he nodded. "If they are natives what shall we do?"

"We'll have to trust to luck, lad. I would rather fight to the end than become a prisoner again."

"So will I fight."

I had a club which I had been using in knocking over game, and this I held ready for any emergency which might present itself. Slowly the three newcomers came closer, then stopped short, and we heard not another sound.

I must confess that my heart leaped into my throat, as I had a mental vision of a tall Tagal sneaking up behind me and running me through with his cruel spear. Were the newcomers trying to surround us?

Five minutes passed,—it was more than an age to me,—and still the silence continued, broken