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All the inquiries made by the Krooman, for the purpose of gratifying this curiosity, only produced the answer, "God knows, and will not tell you. Why should we do more than He?" Just as the horses were brought out, and all were nearly ready for a start, there occurred a commotion at the gate of the town; and next moment Bo Muzem, accompanied by the grazier, rode in through the gateway.
The other two for a few minutes held consultation apart; and then one of them announced that they had resolved upon following El Haji's advice. Bo Muzem might go to Swearah as the bearer of a letter from Harry to his uncle.
Had Harry Blount been reserved, Bo Muzem would have been much pleased at this news; but he now declared that his partners had no right to sell without his concurrence that he owned an interest in the slaves; and that the dog who had deceived him should not be sold, but should suffer the penalty incurred, for sending him, Bo Muzem, on his long and bootless journey.
After the Moor had finished his statement, the governor remained silent for an interval of two or three minutes. Presently, turning to Bo Muzem, he asked, "Did your partners offer you a share of the money they received for the slaves?" "Yes," answered the merchant, "but I would not accept it."
As soon as the white slaves recognised the messenger to Mogador, they all rushed forward to meet him. "Speak, Krooman!" exclaimed Harry. "Ask him if the money for our ransom will be paid? If so, we are free, and they dare not sell us again." "Here here!" exclaimed Bill, pointing to the man who came along with Bo Muzem. "Axe this man where be brother Jim an' Master Terence?"
The simple Bo Muzem had now in reality been "sold": for the story he had been told about the escape for the two slaves, Terence and Jim, was wholly and entirely false. Six days had passed, during which the white slaves were comparatively well treated, far better than at any other time since their shipwreck.
In this he was prevented by Rais Mourad, who appealed to an officer of the city guard to protect him and his property. The officer informed Bo Muzem that, while within the walls of the city, he must not molest other people, and the latter was compelled to give his word that he would not do so, that is to say, he was "bound over to keep the peace."
"Can it be that we are to be taken to Mogador, after all? If so, there is hope for us yet." "But Bo Muzem could find no one there who would pay the money for our ransom," interposed Colin. "He nebba go thar," said the Krooman. "He nebba hab de time." "I believe the Krooman is right," said Harry.
After promising to be back in eight days, and enjoining upon his partners to look well after their property during his absence, Bo Muzem took his departure for the port of Mogador. Although an Arab merchant, Bo Muzem was an honest man, one, who in all business transactions, told the truth, and expected to hear it from others.
"Have you, or your partners, received from the man who claims three of the slaves, twelve horses and thirty dollars?" After some hesitation, Bo Muzem answered in the negative. "The slaves belong to the Moor, Rais Mourad, who has paid the money for them," said the governor, "and they shall not be taken from him here. Depart from my presence, all of you."
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