First of all, they placed Muata in chains straight away on their finding that he was a dangerous person.  When Mr. Hume protested, they placed him under restraint; and that done, they pronounced judgment.  The English would pay a fine of Pounds 100, surrender their weapons, and return to Banana Point by the next steamer down.

“Is that all?”

“That is all.  But stay.  As you will be possibly detained a fortnight, there would be a charge for maintenance.”

“Be good enough,” said Mr. Hume, producing a document, “to read that paper.  It is a passport from the President of the Congo State—­ your king—­authorizing Mr. Hume and party to proceed with his servants by land or water anywhere within the State for purposes of exploration.”

The officers examined the document with sour faces, and one of them made an observation in a low tone.

“Precisely,” said the other.  “This document,” he remarked, turning to Mr. Hume, “is not in order.  It has not been visaed by the officers at the sub-stations.”

“But it was initialed by your superior at the coast.”

“It must go back to the sub-stations for endorsement.”

Mr. Hume put a restraint on his temper.  “And how long will that take?”

“Who knows?  Perhaps a month.”

“And in the mean time?”

“In the mean time, m’sieur, you will remain our guests.”

“Is there no other way?”

“Monsieur must surrender himself to the unpleasant delay.  There is no other way.”  “Unless—­but m’sieur would not perhaps face the expense.”

“Explain, gentlemen.”

“There is a special transport for State business, but to call upon the service for other than State purpose there would be a charge of ten pounds per day.”

“I see.”  Mr. Hume saw that these gentlemen wished to make money out of him.  “Very good.  I will myself go to the sub-stations by your special transport, and if the Governor says the charge is reasonable, I will pay on my return.  I think that will meet the matter.”

But it did not at all meet the matter, and the junior officer at once informed his senior that unhappily the special transport had that very morning developed a leak in the boiler.

There followed an embarrassing delay.  The authorities waited for Mr. Hume to make a business-like proposal, but the hunter remained grimly silent.  The two officers whispered.

“Observe, m’sieur,” said the senior, clearing his throat, “my colleague suggests a middle way.  If you will place sum demanded by the State in these cases, in the nature of a surety for good faith, we may permit you and your friends to proceed.”

“My servant also?”

“Your servant?”

“The man you have bound.”

“Ohe!  Pardon, m’sieur; you are not aware that he is an offender against the laws—­a notorious criminal.  He will be detained and tried.”

“I will remain to attend his trial, unless a sum will secure his freedom also?”