It was a very strange place, different from
anyother that I have seen.
Our journey, Lord, he replied, with a stare of
surprise. For days past I have read it in their faces. All the circumstances of the
business were unnatural.
Oh, certainly, I answered, adding with inward
doubt, and that ofHans and the hunters also. No; although so like him, it seemed
impossible, for howwould they have got here? But of the second as much could not be
said.
I dont believe there are any elephants, went on
Hans withconviction. Or if there seem to be elephants, then I believe thatthey are
really ghosts that put on that shape. However, if theBaas does not mind, I dont.
When we return we shall need no map, said Tom in a hollow voice.
We undertook this journey; let us play the manand
go through with it to the end. The Baas will remember that Kanekepromised us some
more porters, and these are the men. Also I did not wish; I was too
muchafraid.
Just then one of thehunters looked back and gasped
out:Lord, the elephants are beginning to run.
I dont know whats thematter with all you
fellows.
Or if there seem to be elephants, then I believe
thatthey are really ghosts that put on that shape. We will sleep here tonightand
return tomorrow to the camp.
Nor indeed do I believe anything of this story,
like those sillyhunters.
Our journey, Lord, he replied, with a stare of
surprise. Still, if the Baas has any doubts, perhaps he would like to go andsee. But
each of them, when we had passed it, fell in behind the bigbull and marched after
it.
He smiled in his slow fashion, and answered:As
others have done and do.
Only how in Heavens namedid he know anything about
it? Because they think you are a wizard, Kaneke.
Everything was prepared, even theloads were
apportioned among the new porters.
Towards sunset we lost thespoor in a thick patch of
forest. Henceforward, until we reach the land of mypeople I will take command and
arrange for everything. Then Hans rose and snatched the bottle out of Kanekes
hand.
Well, perhaps one day you will behunted and I shall
laugh at you.
That is quite clear to theBaas, and to me who am a
better Christian than either of you. More than once I wished to return, as did Hans
who, like myself sawno use in this adventure.
Now I felt that the time had come for me to put my
foot down, and Idid so with firmness. Is your brain going soft as a rottencoconut,
like those of Tom and Jerry?
Thus they wrangled on till they were tired. It was
a very strange place, different from anyother that I have seen.