Part 32 (1/2)
He then directed us to take command of our several companies (Makarooroo being placed on this occasion over the king's band), and pointed out the separate directions in which we were ultimately to post our troops, so as to advance upon the spot on which the king stood when the signal should be given. We had already taught the men the necessity of attacking in a compact single line, and of forming up into this position from what is termed Indian file, with which latter they were already acquainted. Of course we could not hope to teach them the principles of wheeling in the short time at our command. To overcome this difficulty, we told each band to follow its leader, who should walk in front; to advance when he advanced, to retire when he retired, and to turn this way or that way, according to his movements.
At a signal we gave the word ”Forward!” and the whole band defiled into the woods before the king, and disappeared like a vision, to the unutterable amazement of his majesty, who stood perfectly motionless, with eyes and mouth open to their fullest extent.
Having marched together for some distance, each leader detached his men and led them, as it were, to opposite directions of the compa.s.s, three of the bands making a considerable detour, in order to get the spot where the king stood in the centre of us. Then we halted and awaited the next signal. In about ten minutes it was given--a loud whistle--and we gave the word ”Forward” again. I say ”we,” because the result proved that we had done so. Being out of sight of the other bands, of course I could not see how they acted.
On I rushed over brake and bush and mora.s.s, my men following me in a very good line, considering the nature of the ground. I had divided them into four lines, with an interval of about six yards between each.
And it was really wonderful how well they kept in that position. The other companies had been ordered to act in the same way.
On bursting out of the woods I saw that we had outstripped the other companies, so I held my men in check by running somewhat slower; and they had been so deeply impressed with the fatal consequences of not doing exactly as I did, that they stared at me with all their eyes, to the no small risk of their lives; for one or two dashed against trees, and others tumbled head over heels into holes, in their anxiety to keep their eyes upon me.
In a few seconds I observed Peterkin spring out of the woods, followed by his men, so I went on again at full speed. As we entered the village, our ranks were sadly broken and confused by the huts; but on gaining the open s.p.a.ce where Jack stood, I was pleased to observe that the negroes tried, of their own accord, to regain their original formation, and succeeded so well that we came on in four tolerably straight and compact lines. Each commander having been forewarned to hold his men in check, or to push forward, so as to arrive at the central point at the same moment, Jack, Peterkin, Makarooroo, and I ran in upon the king together, and unitedly gave the word ”Halt!” whereupon we found ourselves in the centre of a solid square.
So deeply had the men been impressed with the necessity of obedience that they had scarcely observed each other's approach. They now stood rooted to the ground in every possible att.i.tude of suddenly-arrested motion, and all with their eyes and mouths wide open. In another moment the result of their combined movement became evident to them, and they uttered a yell of delighted surprise.
”Very good, very good indeed,” said Jack; ”and that concluding yell was very effective--quite magnificent.--But you see,” he added, turning to me, ”although such a yell is sufficiently appalling to us, it will no doubt be a mere trifle to men who are used to it. What say you to teaching them a British cheer?”
”Absurd,” said I; ”they will never learn to give it properly.”
”I don't know that,” rejoined Jack, in a doubtful manner.
”Try,” said Peterkin.
”So I will.--Mak, tell them now that I'm going to continue the speech which this little review interrupted.”
”They's all ready for more, ma.s.sa.”
This was patent to the meanest capacity; for the negroes stood gazing at their commander-in-chief with eyes and mouths and ears open, and nostrils expanded, as if anxious to gulp in and swallow down his words through every organ.
”There is a cry,” said Jack, ”which the white man gives when he enters into battle--a terrible cry, which is quite different from that of the black man, and which is so awful that it strikes terror into the heart of the white man's enemies, and has even been known to make a whole army fly almost without a shot being fired. We shall let you hear it.”
Thereupon Jack and I and Peterkin gave utterance to a cheer of the most vociferous description, which evidently filled the minds of the natives with admiration.
”Now,” resumed Jack, ”I wish my black warriors to try that cheer--”
Some of the black warriors, supposing that the expression of this wish was a direct invitation to them to begin, gave utterance to a terrific howl.
”Stay! stop!” cried Jack, holding up his hand.
Every mouth was closed instantly.
”You must cheer by command. I will say `Hip, hip, hip!' three times; as soon as I say the third `hip,' out with the cry. Now then. Hip, hip--”
”'Popotamus,” whispered Peterkin.
”Hip, hurrah!” shouted Jack.
”Hurl! ho! s.h.!.+ kee! how!” yelled the savages, each man giving his own idea of our terror-inspiring British cheer.
”That will do,” said Jack quietly; ”it is quite evident that the war-cry of the white man is not suited to the throat of the black. You will utter your usual shout, my friends, when the signal is given; but _remember_, not before that.