is retainer's apology for the sweet-natured Ogula, who
struck him as the most repulsive blackguards that he had ever met or
heard of in all his experience of African savages. Then wishing to see
and hear no more of them that night, he retreated rapidly to the hut
and was soon fast asleep with his head pillowed on the box that hid the
charms of Little Bonsa. When he awoke it was broad daylight. Rising he
went down to the river to wash, and never had a bath been more welcome,
for during all their journey through the forest no such thing was
obtainable. On his return he found his garments well brushed with dry
reeds and set upon a rock in the hot sun to air, while Jeekie in a
cheerful mood, was engaged cooking breakfast in the frying-pan, to which
he had clung through all the vicissitudes of their flight.

"No coffee, Major," he said regretfully, "that stop in forest. But never
mind, hot water better for nerve. Ogula messengers gone in little canoe
to Asiki at break of day. Travel slow till they work off dwarf, but
afterwards go quick. I send lion skin with them as present from you to
great high-priestess Asika, also claws for necklace. No lions there and
she think much of that. Also it make her love mighty man who can kill
fierce lion like Samson in Book. Love of head woman very valuable ally
among beastly savage peoples."

"I am sure I hope it won't," said Alan with earnestness, "but no doubt
it is as well to keep on the soft side of the good lady if we can. What
time do we start?"

"In one hour, Major. I been to camp already, chosen best canoe and
finest men for rowers. Chief--he called Fanny--so grateful that he come
with them himself."

"Indeed. That is very kind of him, but I say, Jeekie, what are these
fellows going to live on? I can't stand what you call their 'favourite
chop.'"

"No, no, Major, that all right. I tell them that when they travel with
Little Bonsa, they must keep Lent like pious Roman Catholic family that
live near Yarleys. They catch plenty fish in river, and perhaps we shoot
game, or rich 'potamus, which they like 'cause he fat."

Evidently the Ogula chief, Fahni by name, not Fanny, as Jeekie called
him, was a man of his word, for before the hour was up he appeared at
the island in command of a large canoe manned by twelve splendid-looking
savages. Springing to land, he prostrated himself before Alan, kissing
his feet as he had done on the previous night, and making a long speech.

"That ve