Then I tumbled on tothe couch and instantly went to
sleep. So we remained where we were and watched.
He saw us,he shouted curses upon us and shook his
fists, apparently at Sabeelaand Issicore. Had I doneso all would have been
discovered and humanly speaking we must haveperished.
It rushedtowards us, and on its very crest was
Dacha. The pious crew of our boat saw him, and bowed their classic heads inreverence
to the divinity.
Yet you helped to rowthe boat which took me to the
sacrifice. I was the lastof our party, and as I was sliding into the hollow I took a
good lookround. He bowed politely and I thought was greetingIssicore and making him
some present. Fortunately some providence warned me against giving way.
How can the priests hurt Issicore, especiallywhen
they are all dead?
That shed was well built and roofed and smothered
sounds. I think that priest wants us to give him a row, Baas, said
Hans.
I exclaimed, then was silent,for what was the use
of arguing with such a superstition-ridden set? My father is dead, it is true,
killedby a hot stone that fell upon him and I weep for him. Because they were too
tired, Hans, I answered, and made one kissserve for both of us. As it was we had
loosed the forces of nature with the mostfearful results.
But would not the Baas like, perhaps, to go
himself?
Yet you helped to rowthe boat which took me to the
sacrifice.
By my side was my double-barrelled Expressrifle
loaded with expanding bullets.
At one time I thought that things weregoing wrong.
The canoe rockedfrom side to side increasingly, and began to take in water. If he
did, he would understand whyIssicore has become soft as a heated bar of
iron.
Because they were too tired, Hans, I answered, and
made one kissserve for both of us.
Next I threw in our gear andthen sprang wildly
myself, for I felt our stone turning. Evidently Hans reached the boat safely, though
whether he had enteredit I could not tell. The reappearance of Sabeela astonished
them very much but seemed tocause no delight. Baas, said Hans, I am called
Lord-of-the-Fire, am I not?
These Walloos thought themselves very
religiousindeed.
The others stared also and intheir turn began to
yell.
Three minutes later it was pouring in a cataract
down the slope intothe mouth of the cave.
The others stared also and intheir turn began to
yell.
Drink, I answered savagely, getting it back on
Hans.
After this for a while nothing particular
happened.
And did the Baas see what kind of a present he made
him and hear hiswords of wisdom?