Part 22 (2/2)

Kona extracted from him a promise that he would place his fellow-tribesmen in a place of security, and Goliba also a.s.sured us that if we remained in that chamber and did not attempt to wander in the pa.s.sages, where we must inevitably lose our way, we might ere long ascend to the city and commence the campaign against the cruel command of the merciless Naya.

Through eleven long and dreary days we remained in the narrow cell, drawing our water from a spring that gushed forth from a rock close to the door, existing on the smallest quant.i.ty of food, and scarce daring to speak aloud lest any of the gaolers should overhear. By day a faint light came through a narrow c.h.i.n.k above, and from the fact that the steady tramp of soldiers sounded overhead at intervals we concluded that the chamber must be situated immediately below one of the courtyards of the palace. At night, however, we remained in perfect darkness, our oil having been exhausted during the first few hours. Thus we could only remain sitting on the stone bench like prisoners, inactive, discussing the probabilities of the serious movement that had been started in favour of a change of rule.

”The people apparently look to me as their rescuer from this oppression,”

Omar observed one day when we were laying plans for the future. ”I will, if Zomara favours me, do my best.”

”It is but right; nay, it is your duty towards your subjects to preserve the traditions of the Sanoms,” I said. ”Goliba was right when he promised he would show us the horrors introduced into Mo, or resuscitated by the present Naya. We have witnessed with our own eyes expressions of pleasure cross her countenance as each batch of her subjects cast themselves into those yawning jaws. Such a monarch, capable of any cruelty, must necessarily rule unjustly, and should be overthrown or killed.”

”I do not desire her death,” he said quickly. ”All I intend to do is to free our people from this hateful reign of terror, and at the same time preserve my mother's life.”

”But the time she gave us to quit the country has elapsed,” I observed.

”If we are now discovered we shall either be held as slaves, or treated without mercy--offered as sacrifices to the Crocodile-G.o.d, perhaps.”

”Not while the people are in our favour,” he said. ”Once their adherence to my cause has been tested then we have nought further to fear, for the opinion of the populace will be found even of greater power than the military, and in the end it must prevail.”

”In the fight that must ensue thou wilt find thy servant Kona at thy side,” the head-man said. ”Through fire or across water the Dagombas will follow thee, for their fetish is good, and they have faith in thee as leader.”

”Yea, O friend,” the young prince answered. ”Without thee and thy followers I could never have returned hither. I owe everything to thee, and to the stout heart of our companion Scarsmere.”

”No, old fellow,” I protested. ”It is your own dogged courage that has pulled us through so far, not mine. Up to the present all has gone well with us except the deplorable loss of some of our dark companions, therefore let us retain our light hearts and meet all obstacles with smiles.”

”I am ready to lead the people against the forces of malice and oppression at any moment Goliba commands,” Omar answered. ”No thought of fear shall arrest my footsteps or stay my hand.”

Times without number we discussed the situation in similar strain, until, on the eleventh day of our voluntary confinement we were startled by a low tapping on the door.

Each held his breath. Had it been Goliba he would have entered without any such formality. In silence, we remained listening.

Again the tapping was repeated, louder than before. Drawing our knives ready to defend ourselves, believing it to be one of the Naya's gaolers, Kona went forward, unbolted the door and opening it a few inches, weapon in hand, peered out.

Instantly an exclamation of surprise escaped him, and as he threw wide open the door, a young girl of about seventeen, with a face more beautiful than I had ever before seen, entered our cell. This vision of feminine loveliness entranced us. We all three stood staring at her open-mouthed.

Dressed in a robe of rich blue silk heavily embroidered with gold, her waist was confined by a golden girdle wherein were set some magnificent rubies, and her feet were encased in tiny slippers of pale green leather embroidered with seed pearls. Her face, slightly flushed in confusion at finding herself in the presence of the Prince, was pale of complexion as my own, her clear eyes a deep blue, her cheeks dimpled, her chin just sufficiently pointed to give a touch of piquancy to a decidedly handsome countenance. Her hair, of almost flaxen fairness, fell in profusion about her shoulders and breast, almost hiding the necklets of gold and gems encircling her slim throat.

Little wonder then was it that Kona's black visage should broaden into a wide grin in manner habitual when his eyes fell upon anything that pleased him, or that I should regard her as a most perfect type of feminine loveliness.

”I seek Omar, the Prince,” she said in a silvery voice, not, however, without some trepidation.

”I am Omar,” answered my friend. ”Who, pray, art thou, that thou shouldst know of my hiding-place?”

”Thy servant,” she said with a graceful bow, ”is called Liola, daughter of Goliba, councillor of the great Naya. My father sendeth thee greeting and a message.”

”Goliba's daughter!” Omar cried laughing. ”And we had drawn knives upon thee!”

”Sheathe them,” she answered smiling upon us. ”Keep them in your belts until ye meet your enemies, for ere long ye will, of a verity, want them.”

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