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Certainly, I replied, and I hope that this time you, Kumpana,will keep close to
us. Which was your object throughout, I suppose, Kumpana?
It was from Arkleand
read:My Dear Quatermain,Dont misjudge me, as I fear you must.
Which was your
object throughout, I suppose, Kumpana?
Baas, said Hans to me, we are not
captains here, but only luck-charms, so let us keep behind.
Presently we were
among them and I was shaking Arkle by the hand. Nor indeed did I want toshoot
people with whom I had no quarrel.
Some of the Council and a few others were
waiting for us in thetown. Why, then, were they not attacked upon this outward
journey? I see that you look depressed, he said, and I fear that you havehad a
bad time. Their seclusion was gone and their secret land lay open to
theworld.
Baas, he answered in a dejected voice, I threw it away.
That shows a
good spirit, I said, but what should I do?
I cannottell, but certainly they had
become as beasts, as the priestessShadow foretold. Kumpana, at my side,
shuddered at the sight.
Baas, he answered in a dejected voice, I threw it away.
After this I went to sleep again, nor did I wake until the sun wasup.
I
wondered as Igazed at his impassive face.
At length towards evening we emerged
from the forest and saw thegreat lake in front of us.
Still they advanced in
good order, as I supposed to attack and makean end of us.
Tell me, O
Kumpana,Father of my Council, what host is this that threatens you withspears?
Their seclusion was gone and their secret land lay open to theworld. Run, Baas,
said Hans, wheeling round and giving me the example,and off I went back upon
our spoor. Then the raypassed and the shadows hid them. Well, to cut a long
story short, we ran all day, with shortintervals for repose and refreshment.
But their aspect suggested more than weariness; terror waswritten on their
faces.
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