his rising, you were a civilized man with a good
education. Well, just remember that education for a minute, and look
at the matter in a sensible light. I'm not like the Portugoose. I
don't want to steal your rubies. I swear to God that what I have told
you is true. Henriques killed the priest, and would have bagged the
jewels if I had not laid him out. I ran away because I was going to be
killed to-day, and I took the collar to keep it out of Henriques'
hands. I tell you I would never have shot the old man myself. Very
well, what happened? Your men overtook me, and I had no choice but to
surrender. Before they reached me, I hid the collar in a place I know
of. Now, I am going to make you a fair and square business
proposition. You may be able to get on without the Snake, but I can
see you want it back. I am in a tight place and want nothing so much
as my life. I offer to trade with you. Give me my life, and I will
take you to the place and put the jewels in your hand. Otherwise you
may kill me, but you will never see the collar of John again.'

I still think that was a pretty bold speech for a man to make in a
predicament like mine. But it had its effect. Laputa ceased to be the
barbarian king, and talked like a civilized man.

'That is, as you call it, a business proposition. But supposing I
refuse it? Supposing I take measures here--in this kraal--to make you
speak, and then send for the jewels.'

'There are several objections,' I said, quite cheerfully, for I felt
that I was gaining ground. 'One is that I could not explain to any
mortal soul how to find the collar. I know where it is, but I could
not impart the knowledge. Another is that the country between here and
Machudi's is not very healthy for your people. Arcoll's men are all
over it, and you cannot have a collection of search parties rummaging
about in the glen for long. Last and most important, if you send any
one for the jewels, you confess their loss. No, Mr Laputa, if you want
them back, you must go yourself and take me with you.'

He stood silent for a little, with his brows knit in thought. Then he
opened the door and went out. I guessed that he had gone to discover
from his scouts the state of the country between Inanda's Kraal and
Machudi's glen. Hope had come back to me, and I sat among the
mealie-stalks trying to plan the future. If he made a bargain I
believed he would keep it. Once set free at the head of Machudi's,