Weary and disgusted by this abominable sight though he was, Alan burst out laughing at his retainer’s apology for the sweet-natured Ogula, who struck him as the most repulsive blackguards that he had ever met or heard of in all his experience of African savages.  Then wishing to see and hear no more of them that night, he retreated rapidly to the hut and was soon fast asleep with his head pillowed on the box that hid the charms of Little Bonsa.  When he awoke it was broad daylight.  Rising he went down to the river to wash, and never had a bath been more welcome, for during all their journey through the forest no such thing was obtainable.  On his return he found his garments well brushed with dry reeds and set upon a rock in the hot sun to air, while Jeekie in a cheerful mood, was engaged cooking breakfast in the frying-pan, to which he had clung through all the vicissitudes of their flight.

“No coffee, Major,” he said regretfully, “that stop in forest.  But never mind, hot water better for nerve.  Ogula messengers gone in little canoe to Asiki at break of day.  Travel slow till they work off dwarf, but afterwards go quick.  I send lion skin with them as present from you to great high-priestess Asika, also claws for necklace.  No lions there and she think much of that.  Also it make her love mighty man who can kill fierce lion like Samson in Book.  Love of head woman very valuable ally among beastly savage peoples.”

“I am sure I hope it won’t,” said Alan with earnestness, “but no doubt it is as well to keep on the soft side of the good lady if we can.  What time do we start?”

“In one hour, Major.  I been to camp already, chosen best canoe and finest men for rowers.  Chief—­he called Fanny—­so grateful that he come with them himself.”

“Indeed.  That is very kind of him, but I say, Jeekie, what are these fellows going to live on?  I can’t stand what you call their ’favourite chop.’”

“No, no, Major, that all right.  I tell them that when they travel with Little Bonsa, they must keep Lent like pious Roman Catholic family that live near Yarleys.  They catch plenty fish in river, and perhaps we shoot game, or rich ’potamus, which they like ’cause he fat.”

Evidently the Ogula chief, Fahni by name, not Fanny, as Jeekie called him, was a man of his word, for before the hour was up he appeared at the island in command of a large canoe manned by twelve splendid-looking savages.  Springing to land, he prostrated himself before Alan, kissing his feet as he had done on the previous night, and making a long speech.

“That very good spirit,” exclaimed Jeekie.  “Like to see heathen in his darkness lick white gentleman’s boot.  He say you his lord and great magician who save his life, and know all Little Bonsa’s secrets, which many and unrepeatable.  He say he die for you twice a day if need be, and go on dying to-morrow and all next year.  He say he take you safe till you meet Asiki and for your sake, though he hungry, eat no man for one whole month, or perhaps longer.  Now we start at once.”