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It appeared that when he reached the bay he found the Asiki headman who dwelt there, and those under him, in a state of considerable excitement. Rumours had reached them that someone had escaped from Bonsa Town; they thought it was the Mungana. Fahni asked who had brought the rumour, whereon the headman answered that it came "in a dream," and would say no more.
Better have gone down to bay, steal his boat and leave him behind, because Asika no want him." Alan made no answer. He was too tired, and although he trusted Fahni, it seemed likely enough that Jeekie was right, or perhaps the cannibals had not been able to get the boat. Well, he had done his best, and if Fate overtook them it was no fault of his.
Indeed Jeekie assured him that the priests who had put on the headdress when he was insensible were first blindfolded. This news depressed Alan very much, since the prospect of living in a linen mask for an indefinite period was not cheerful. Recovering, he chanted a query as to the fate of the Ogula crew and their chief Fahni. "Not de-ad," intoned Jeekie in reply, "and not gone back.
Bidding the rest of them be seated, he called Fahni to the end of the room and asked him through Jeekie if he and his men did not wish to return home. "Indeed we do, white lord," answered the old chief, "but how can we? The Asika has a grudge against our tribe and but for you would have killed every one of us last night. We are snared and must stop here till we die."
"The Ogula prisoners could show them," he said; "at any rate as far as the forest, and after that they could find out. May they not go, Asika?" "If you will," she answered carelessly. "Let them be ready to start to-morrow at the dawn, all except their chief, Fahni, who must stop here as a hostage.
Also she bade them loose certain slaves who were of the Ogula tribe, that they might accompany him laden with provisions, and send on orders to the outposts that Fahni and his party should pass unmolested from the land. This done, she began to talk to Alan about many matters, however little he might answer her.
As soon as they had swallowed their food they started all together, for although Alan pointed out to Fahni that he might be safer apart, the old chief who had a real affection for him, would not be persuaded to leave him. "Let us live or die together," he said.
Don't look cross, Major; you remember what 'postle say, that he who no provide for his own self worse than cannibal." Just then Fahni came up and announced that the Asiki general had sent a messenger into the camp proposing terms of peace. "What terms?" asked Alan. "These, white man: that we should surrender you and your servant and go our way unharmed." "Indeed, Fahni, and what did you answer?"
All night long they walked rapidly, and when dawn broke found themselves at the edge of the forest. "Jeekie," said Alan, "what did Fahni mean by that tale about white people?" "Don't know, Major, think perhaps he lie to let you down easy. My golly! what that?" As he spoke a distant echo reached their ears, the echo of a rifle shot.
I think this happen and try it before dark. You just follow Jeekie, that all you got to do." So leaving the fire burning in front of their bough shelter, they waded the stream and started up the opposing slope, meeting no man. Dark as it was, Jeekie seemed to have no difficulty in finding the way, for as Fahni said, a native does not forget the path he has once travelled.
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