Part 19 (1/2)
”Tell your uese who have co of Makar Makalo, the ruler”
The Arab communicated this piece of news in a loud tone that drew a ht no response frolish have made an attack on Zaila by land and sea,” Guy went on in a louder voice ”The town is at their mercy They have proovernor of the town and his friend, ere taken and sold into slavery, be delivered up to them safely Therefore Makar Makalo has sent us to delishmen, a supply of food for the journey, and an escort back to Zaila For this he agrees to reward you well We came as far as yonder reat need of haste ould start on our return at once”
This long speech the Arab likewise proclaimed aloud, and with the utmost anxiety Guy and Canaris watched its effect on the people
They heard it in ominous silence, and the chief spoke a feords to his interpreter, who instantly turned to Guy and announced, in very i could be done until Oko Sam was released froe, of their plan of surprising the Abyssinians at daybreak, and concluded by inviting theht
It was evident at least that nothing was suspected So far they had played their part to perfection But here was an unexpected hindrance
The leader refused to act without the sanction of Oko Sam, and a delay would be fatal
”Insist on it,” whispered Canaris hurriedly; ”it is our only chance”
”Tell your er
”Every moment is precious, and we lisho aithout theers”
This bold declaration had its effect
The chief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with half a dozen of his companions
Guy and Canaris re the sea of threatening black faces that heround for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his sus with these tribes, had inspired in thele motive which in all probability hindered the headat once to their demands was the dread of Oko Sam's displeasure in case that despotic er confab was still going on as strenuously as ever when a tu, and presently, ah the parted ranks of the people and limped feebly into the open space
It was Oko Sam!
CHAPTER XX
BY A HAIR'S BREADTH
A nervous shi+ver passed through Guy as he recognized the repulsive face of his old enemy, and instinctively he pulled his burnouse closer around his head Oko Saures on the camels and then advanced to reeted his newly arrived chief in a most servile manner
”Don't despair,” whispered Guy; ”those infernal Abyssinians have become drunk and allowed their captive to slip away just at this critical tio well yet”
It took but a short time to make Oko Sam acquainted with the facts of the case He strode up to the caers Then, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, he addressed a feords to the weazened Arab, and, turning to his people, jabbered away volubly for two or three minutes When he ceased, half a dozen men started off in different directions, and the interpreter proceeded to communicate the decision to Guy, who, in spite of his calan the Arab ”He friend of Makar Makalo; he no want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six, ten, twenty ift froivewith difficulty his extre rewards to Oko Sarunt of satisfaction as half a dozen natives ca leathern sacks of provisions, which were handed up, one at a ti across the necks of their ca was barely over, when, to Guy's aust, a band of Gallas, fully ar each a supply of food strapped on their backs, advanced into the open space