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"He friend of Makar Makalo; he no want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six, ten, twenty men go long, so bring back much gift from Makar. You say Makar give much, hey?" "Yes," replied Guy, repressing with difficulty his extreme joy, "Makar will give big rewards to Oko Sam."
The lamps had been relit, the wine bottles and glasses still stood on the table, and in Sir Arthur's chair of state sat Makar Makalo, very stern and dignified, while around him, squatted on the rugs, were four Arabs of superior caste and intelligence, comprising, no doubt, the freshly formed cabinet of the great governor of Zaila.
The leader refused to act without the sanction of Oko Sam, and a delay would be fatal. "Insist on it," whispered Canaris hurriedly; "it is our only chance." "Tell your master we cannot wait," replied Guy, in well feigned anger. "Every moment is precious, and we must hasten back to Makar Makalo.
"This is a terrible thing," said Melton, "and there is something back of it all. I can't understand it. Can it be possible the wretches have designs on Zaila, I wonder? It's a pity you interfered with that leopard, Chutney. If Makar Makalo had perished, this revolt might never have broken out. Makar is at the head of it, I know, and possibly he has influence behind him.
"The Arab, Makar Makalo, is the ringleader, sir," said Melton, "but he is only acting for Rao Khan, the Emir of Harar, who has long desired the port of Zalia." "A swift retribution will come," replied the colonel, "but it will come too late to aid us." No person seemed inclined to talk.
The Arab replied, giving him no doubt an account of the insurrection, for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently mentioned. Guy, from his position at Melton's side, who had been placed on a soft lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at present about Melton than anything else.
Give us the Englishmen at once or we will go away without them and tell Makar Makalo how you have treated his messengers." This bold declaration had its effect. The chief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with half a dozen of his companions.
Guy and Canaris remained calm and motionless on their camels, haughtily scanning the sea of threatening black faces that hemmed them in on all sides. Their only ground for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his summary dealings with these tribes, had inspired in them.
He told them that you belonged not to him, but that Makar Makalo had sent you here for safe-keeping, that you were the slaves of Makar Makalo. The people only howled in derision. They became more angry and infuriated, and refused to listen any longer. 'The Englishmen must die! they cried. Rao Khan was fearful in his anger. But he was powerless.
The horrified expression on the Greek's countenance broke the spell, and raising his voice he said clearly and distinctly: "Tell your master we are Portuguese who have come from Zaila at the bidding of Makar Makalo, the ruler."
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