mself when he
thoroughly realised the vast change in his condition that one short
night had made in his existence? Assist me, then, with your
imaginations; describe him to your own satisfaction, with his feelings
all in one wild riot, with his confused senses struggling to picture
himself as not having fallen to this state, endeavouring to draw one ray
of brightness out of the dark gloom which environed him, and say for
him, "God--the good, beneficent, all-seeing God--pity the poor prince
and King!" And the author shall say, "Amen, and Amen!"

Once cleared of the immediate neighbourhood, the captives were divided.
The Wa-marungu, with their gangs of slaves, chose one road, towards
Ferodia's village; the tribe of Meroeni chose another, with their
slaves; the Wazavila chose another; while Ferodia, with five hundred
warriors driving before them the gangs in which were found those in whom
we have become interested, struck for the forest where Kalulu discovered
Selim. Ferodia did not trouble the young King nor his friends, nor did
Tifum venture near them; they both satisfied themselves from the rear
that they were safe.

After they had made a wide detour for many days through the forest, and
come to a place where there was no road nor any signs of its being
inhabited, and having completely baffled pursuit had such been ever
made, and when they had made their camp, Ferodia drew near to the gang
where Kalulu and his friends were found.

Kalulu, as he saw his hated enemy approach, ground his teeth in rage,
and foamed at the mouth like one suddenly stricken with madness, while
Ferodia burst into a laugh and teased him to further exhibitions of
fury, saying:

"That is right, my little crow-cock, shake thy wings, fan the air with
them, and utter a lusty crow, that the fish-eagles, whose screams I hear
from yonder swamps, may try and vie with thee. I have wrung a boastful
cock's head ere this, and Tifum has too. Hast thou not, Tifum?"

"That have I done, my King!" answered that servile follower, who was
close behind him.

"Thou hearest, Kalulu, what Tifum says;" and, turning to Tifum, he
asked, "Dost thou think, Tifum, thou couldst wring Kalulu's neck for me,
and do it deftly and neatly?"

"Try me, O King, nothing could please me better," answered Tifum, with a
significant glance at Kalulu.

"Kalulu's neck is slender, not much thicker than a grass stalk. Thou
canst easily do it, I think, if thou wilt bury thy hand i