war be the last resource. We have
slaves, and women, and little ones in the camp, besides much property.
We must remember this before we act hastily."

"Thani has spoken well, and with understanding; and I propose that we
send forty good cloths and forty ordinary cloths, besides an odd gun or
two, with half a keg of powder to Olimali by Moto and the kirangozi, who
will speak him fairly and with due respect," said the leader, Khamis.

"I do not go again," said Moto. "What I have seen in the village, and
what my ears have heard are no light things, and I would ask permission
from my master to remain."

"Well, never mind, any man will do who has a smooth tongue and fair
speech," said Khamis. "Let the kirangozi choose whom he will take, and
let him go with the cloth."

A man was readily found, who, ignorant of the danger, had no reason to
refuse to go upon the errand which the always bold Moto had refused.

But even as the guide and his companion were leaving the camp Moto saw
he had acted wisely, for the cattle were being driven towards the
village with far more expedition than the time of day warranted; but he
held his tongue, not wishing to alarm the camp unnecessarily.

He followed the movements of the kirangozi and his companion with
exceeding interest until they had arrived at the gate, where they were
halted; and after a short pause, he saw the two men returning towards
the camp.

Proceeding to the gate of the camp, he there awaited the arrival of the
kirangozi, and when he was near enough Moto quietly asked of him:

"Is it peace, or war?"

"War!"

He needed to hear no more, for he had been certain of it, and he went
directly to his friend Simba to communicate the news, who received it
with surprise.

"War, Moto? Then our fears, my friend, have turned out true, and it is
because of the battle which thou wert in with Kisesa against Mostana,
eh?"

"Yes, Simba; and wouldst thou believe it? I saw two or three fellows
eye me pretty hard, and it was for that I refused to go the second time;
for if they had known to a certainty that I was in that battle thou
wouldst never have seen Moto again, friend Simba."

During the greater part of that night the Arabs sat in council, debating
how to proceed; but not agreeing, they separated for the night, not,
however, without posting sentinels all around the camp under the charge
of Sheikh Thani.

CHAPTER FOUR.

KHAMIS'S ADDRESS TO THE ARABS--PROPOSALS FO