It was decided that the party should leave the mountain without delay, and Cujo told the female natives to get ready to move.  At this they set up a loud protest, but it availed them nothing, and they soon quieted down when assured that no harm would befall them if they behaved.

CHAPTER XXXI

HOME AGAIN —­ CONCLUSION

Nightfall found the entire expedition, including the women and children, on the mountain side below the caves.  As the party went down the mountain a strict watch was kept for the Bumwo warriors, and just as the sun was setting, they were discovered in camp on the trail to the northwest.

“We will send out a flag of truce,” said Randolph Rover.  “Cujo can talk to them.”

This was done, and presently a tall Bumwo under chief came out in a plain to hold a mujobo, or “law talk.”

In a few words Cujo explained the situation, stating that they now held in bondage eighteen women and children, including King Susko’s favorite wife Afgona.  If the whites were allowed to pass through the country unharmed until they, reached the village of Kwa, where the Kassai River joins the Congo, they would release all of the women and children at that point and they could go back to rejoin their husbands and fathers.  If, on the other hand, the expedition was attacked the whites would put all of those in bondage to instant death.

It is not likely that this horrible threat would have been put into execution.  As Dick said when relating the particulars of the affair afterward.  “We couldn’t have done such a terrible thing, for it would not have been human.”  But the threat had the desired effect, and in the morning King Susko, who was now on a sick bed, sent word that they should go through unmolested.

And go through they did, through jungles and over plains, across rivers and lakes and treacherous swamps, watching continually for their enemies, and bringing down many a savage beast that showed itself.  On the return they fell in with Mortimer Blaze, and he, being a crack shot, added much to the strength of their command.

At last Kwa was reached, and here they found themselves under the protection of several European military organizations.  The native women and children were released, much to their joy, and my readers can rest assured that these Africans lost no time in getting back to that portion of the Dark Continent which they called home.

From Kwa to Boma the journey was comparatively easy.  At Stanley Pool they rested for a week, and all in the party felt the better for it.

“Some day I will go back and open up the mines I have discovered,” said Anderson Rover.  “But not now.  I want to see my own dear native land first.”

At Boma news awaited them.  Josiah Crabtree had turned up and been joined by Dan Baxter, and both had left for parts unknown.