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He was not an Arab, but an Ethiopian, like most of his following; and, as a slave, would bring a high price in any of the markets where men were bought and sold. Those who argued thus were in the minority; and Golah was at length offered his wives and their children, with a couple of camels and his scimitar.
It is a little fatigued now, but will be strong in the morning." Golah was aware that any camel they would sell him that night would be one that could only move with much difficulty, one that they despaired of getting any farther on the way. The black sheik knew his own business best; and was willing they should think they had cheated him in the bargain.
The Krooman, in explanation, stated that if the Arabs were robbers, pirates of the desert, they would not molest Golah so long as he remained at the well. In this the Krooman was correct. Highway robbers do not way-lay their victims at an inn, but on the road. Pirates do not plunder ships in a harbour, but out on the open ocean.
He argued that, if Golah had entertained a hope of defeating his foes, eleven in number, when alone, and armed only with a scimitar, he certainly would not be likely to relinquish that hope after having succeeded in killing nearly half of them, and being strengthened by a couple of able assistants.
Why lie so quietly without showing any sign or giving an alarm? The chance was worth the risk, so thought Golah, and silently moved on. As he drew nearer he saw that the man was lying on on his side with his face turned towards him, and partly concealed by one arm.
This weapon he placed in the sailor's hand, with the injunction, translated to him by the interpreter, not to discharge it until he should be certain of killing either Golah, or one of his companions.
"You noting can do. Ony bid him be good man, and talk much, pray to God. Golah wife lub him, and he sure muss die." Harry informed the sailor and Terence of what the Krooman had told him; and the three took counsel together. "I believe as how the darkey be right," said Bill.
In what way?" The Krooman vouchsafed no explanation, but sauntered silently away. When the sun was within two or three hours of setting over the Saara the Arabs struck their tents and started off in the direction of the dry well, from whence Golah and his caravan had just come.
The delight of the wretched mother at again embracing her offspring was so great that the gentle-souled Krooman was once more affected to tears. In the conference with the Arab robbers, Golah was unable to obtain the terms he fancied a sheik should be entitled to.
The Krooman explained himself by saying, that should a caravan of a hundred men arrive at the well, they would not now interfere in behalf of Golah, but would only recognise him as a slave. On the contrary, had they found him engaged in actual strife with the robbers, they would have assisted him. This was satisfactory to all but Bill.
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