y.

"I and Somala, and Kumbelwa," answered Haviland. "And I think Murad
Ali," designating a dark sinewy Arab, a blood brother of Somala's.

"I claim to go instead of him," said Dr Ahern, quietly, but firmly.
"Oakley can remain in command."

"Very well," said Haviland. "Will they really be without arms, Somala?"

"They will perhaps have small arms concealed, Sidi. But they will not
break faith."

"Then we will do the same, and on the same terms. Look! Here they
come!"

Four men were seen to detach themselves from the group, and advance, one
bearing the chief's terrible standard. When they were near the
appointed spot, Haviland and the doctor, followed by Somala and
Kumbelwa, also stepped forth.

"_Whou_!" growled the tall Zulu to himself. "A warrior without arms is
like a little child, or an old woman."

For all that, he had taken the precaution of secreting a formidable
knife beneath his _mutya_. He also carried his great war-shield.

The Arabs stood, coldly impassive, awaiting them. They were stern,
grim-looking, middle-aged men--their keen eyes glowing like coals
beneath their bushy brows as they exchanged curt salutations. The chief
differed not at all from the others in outward aspect: the same spare,
muscular frame; the same grim and hawk-like countenance, haughty,
impassive; the same turbaned head and flowing white garments. For all
the solemn pledge of peace they had exchanged, it was evident that
neither party trusted the other overmuch. They had halted a dozen paces
apart, and were silently scanning each other. But what seemed to
impress the Arabs most, as could be seen by their quick eager glances,
was the aspect of Kumbelwa. They gazed upon the towering Zulu with
undisguised admiration.

Haviland opened the talk with a few civilities in the current dialect,
just to let them see he was no novice at interior travel, then he left
the negotiations to Somala. They were peaceful travellers, and desired
to quarrel with no man, but were well armed, and feared no man. They
would send a present of cloth and brass wire for Mushad and some of his
more distinguished followers, then they would go their different ways in
peace and amity.

The ghost of a contemptuous smile flickered across the features of the
Arabs at this prospect. Then Mushad said:

"And my slaves? They will be sent too?"

"Slaves?"

"My slaves. Those who have fled to your camp, O travellers. They must
be sent back."