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Mark looked inquiringly at Laihova as he spoke, but that dignified native merely smiled, and made a slight inclination of his head, as if to say, "Just so, that's the way we do it here!" "Why do they let civilians mix wi' them?" asked Hockins, pointing to a particular part of the field. "To keep 'em cibil, I s'pose," suggested Ebony. "Where?" asked Laihova, with a puzzled look.
Suddenly the frown passed from his brow, his countenance became perfectly calm, and his eyes closed. "He is speaking with God," whispered Laihova to one who sat near him. Laihova may have been right.
They remained there, however, over the night, and thus rendered it impossible for Laihova to join his friends at that time. Ravonino could not, of course, afford to delay. Knowing also that his young friend was well able to take care of himself, and that his soul's anchor was the Lord, he felt comparatively little anxiety in starting without him.
Laihova explained that Mamba was one of the fleetest men in the island, and that he could easily have passed them though starting later than they did. But why he had come, and why he had passed instead of overtaking and travelling with them, he could not even guess.
As most of poor Mamba's wounds were bruises, and the few cuts were not deep, his four friends raised him and carried him quickly into a neighbouring house, the door of which was immediately shut. Laihova explained that it was the house of a personal friend of his own, who was also a Christian, but secretly, for fear of the Queen.
Of course the Englishmen were subjects of curiosity sometimes of inquiry, but as Laihova reported that they were men who had been cast on the southern coast of the island, and whom he was guiding to the capital, suspicion was not aroused.
When within hearing Laihova stopped, and said in the politest tone and manner possible "Will you allow me to pass, sir?" "Pray proceed, sir," replied the old gentleman, with a gracious smile.
But he was damped considerably on learning that Laihova came alone, that Mamba was enslaved, and that Ravonino and Rafaravavy were still wandering in the forest, pursued by their enemies. "Come, my young men!" he shouted, flying into a sudden state of indignation, and clapping his hands together like a pistol-shot, "we will go and rouse our warriors. Arm, and make to the rescue!
After encountering innumerable hardships and dangers those three had at last arrived at their forest stronghold in safety. "So then," remarked Laihova to Ra-Ruth, after the first enthusiastic reception was over, "I have only over-shot them by a few hours after all!" "We were just going to sally forth to look for you and fight if need be," said Voalavo.
Fain would I go with you, but that would ruin all, for I am a known and marked man. Laihova will now guide you, and tell you what to do. I have just one word for you at parting. Be peaceful, do not take offence. Interfere not with our customs. Use not the fist, and commit your way to God." The guide looked so pointedly at Ebony while he spoke that that sable comrade could not help noticing it.
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