Копи царя Соломона
Before the Battle
Thepathsupthehill—thatwasratherasanatoriumthanafortress,beingusedgenerallyasthecampingplaceofregimentssufferingfromrecentserviceinunhealthyportionsofthecountry —werecarefullyblockedwithmassesofstones,andeveryotherapproachwasmadeasimpregnableastimewouldallow. Pilesofboulderswerecollectedatvariousspotstoberolleddownuponanadvancingenemy, stationswereappointedtothedifferentregiments, andallpreparationwasmadewhichourjointingenuitycouldsuggest.
Justbeforesundown,aswerestedafterourtoil,weperceivedasmallcompanyofmenadvancingtowardsusfromthedirectionofLoo, oneofwhomboreapalmleafinhishandforasignthathecameasaherald.
Ashedrewnear,Ignosi,Infadoos,oneortwochiefsandourselves,wentdowntothefootofthemountaintomeethim. Hewasagallant-lookingfellow,wearingtheregulationleopard-skincloak.
"Greeting!"hecried,ashecame;"theking’sgreetingtothosewhomakeunholywaragainsttheking; thelion’sgreetingtothejackalsthatsnarlaroundhisheels."
"Speak,"Isaid.
"Thesearetheking’swords.Surrendertotheking’smercyereaworsethingbefallyou. Alreadytheshoulderhasbeentornfromtheblackbull,andthekingdriveshimbleedingaboutthecamp."
"WhatareTwala’sterms?"Iaskedfromcuriosity.
