Part 14 (2/2)
”One more Goanese mistake!” he said ”We have to employ them They mean well The country has no money to spend on European office assistants Well--what can I do for you?”
At that Fred cut loose
”We want our guns before dark!” he said ”It's the first tiovernment, and I say the sa us strangely
”Yes!” said Fred
”That is so,” said I
”Entirely so,” said Will
”I have infor with a pencil on his blotter, ”that you uese territory because the Gerovernment to expel you”
”All easily disproved,” said Fred ”Confront us, please, with our accusers”
”And that Lord Montdidier, housted with your conduct that he refused to land with you at this port as he at first intended!”
We all three gasped The first thing that occurred to me, and I suppose to all of us, was to send for Monty His steaht had hardly flashed inas the anchor chain came home The sound traveled over water and across roofs like the knell of good luck--the clanking of the fetters of ill fate
”Where's her next stop?” said I
”Suez,” Fred answered
Siht ca on board was exactly anted Theindependently of him the better
”Confront us with our accusers!” Fred insisted
”You are not accused--at least not legally,” said the collector ”You are refused rifle and a ivory hunters?”
”Suspected persons--not known to the governer than ru known in your favor”
”What recourse have we?” Fred demanded
”Well--what proof can you offer that you are bona fide travelers or intending settlers? Are you ivory hunters or not?”
”I'll answer that,” said Fred--dexterously I thought, ”when I've seen a copy of the ga men”
The collector handed us a well thumbed copy of the Red Book
”They're all in that,” he said ”I'll lend it to you, or you can buy one alo farther up country I'ame licenses, subject to confirmation after I've looked into any evidence you care to subainst a cash deposit--”
”How big?”