The sentry craned his neck forward over the great fence staring out into
the gloom, and I followed his example, my heart beating heavily the
while, the regular throbs seeming to rise right up to my throat in a way
that was painful; but I could see nothing. There was the great
star-specked sky reaching down towards earth, and ending suddenly in a
clearly defined line which I knew was the edge of the forest beyond the
plantations, which all lay in darkness that was almost black.
I strained my eyes, and held my breath, looking and listening, but could
make out nothing, and at last I placed my lips close to Pomp's ear.
"Where are they?" I said.
"Dah!"
As he uttered that one word he stretched out his black hand, pointing
straight away toward the forest; but still I could see nothing, and
there was not a sound.
At that moment the sentry laid his hand upon my shoulder, and said
softly, "Is he playing tricks with us?"
"No," I answered; "he thinks he sees them. His eyes are wonderful by
night."
"Well, mine are not, for I can see nothing or hear anything either."
"Are you sure, Pomp?" I whispered.
"Yes; sure," he said. "Big lot of Injum coming to fight."
"Hadn't you better give the alarm?" I said to the sentry.
"I can't give the alarm till I'm certain there's danger coming," he
said, rather sulkily. "I haven't got eyes like a cat, and I don't know
that he can see them yet."