IN DISGUISE
For the moment it looked as though the expedition upon which Jim and his
friend had set out was doomed to early disaster, for there was no
denying the fact that they had unwittingly aroused the anger of the
natives. And yet, what could they do? Passing through the bazaar in
their search for information, an evil chance had brought them into
contact with this gathering, and they had found themselves compelled to
accept the unwelcome invitation to join the circle which sat about the
brazier. And now, at the very beginning, indeed, within less than a
minute they were engaged in an altercation with them. Deeply did Jim
regret the fact that he could not speak the language, for had he been
able to do so, there would have been no need for silence, and no need to
ruffle the feelings of the gathering.
It was a dilemma, and, puzzle his brains as he might, he could not come
to any solution that would help him. Instead, therefore, he sat there
stolidly, his eyes now fixed upon the brazier, and then turning for the
space of a second to the man who confronted him.
"Insolent! How dare you to insult us so?" shouted the native, thrusting
his hand into the folds of his waistcloth, to withdraw it a moment later
clasping the handle of a dagger. "Dog!" he continued, springing forward.
"Speak, or I will bury this blade in your flesh."
Meanwhile the other natives who formed the gathering had sprung to
their feet, and crowded about the two young Englishmen with threatening
gestures.
[Illustration: THE NATIVES CROWDED ABOUT THEM WITH THREATENING
GESTURES.]
"Yes," they shouted angrily, "answer, or we will kill you now, and throw
your bodies into the gutter."
It was wonderful to see the coolness with which Jim and his companion
acted. Had they lost their presence of mind, and sprung to their feet
with the intention of escaping, they would have been instantly cut to
pieces, for they were entirely surrounded. Indeed, there was no doubt
that this was a situation demanding cunning more than anything else, and
both recognized that fact fully. Seated, therefore, side by side, as if
they were unaware of the commotion raging about them, Jim still looked
nonchalantly into the flames, as if, indeed, he had no other interest in
life, while Tom stared at the circle of angry faces with the utmost
calmness.
"Are we, then, guests or dogs?" he demanded quietly, letting his eyes
wander from one to the other. "Was it not you who bade us join your
circle? Then why do you grumble if one of us is a man who will keep his
vow, whatever befalls? My friend and I have come here from Somaliland,
bound upon an expedition to Mecca. But ill fortune fell upon us, and now
we return to our country to replenish our funds. For my part, I confess
that I am disappointed, but my comrade is grieved beyond expression. His
lips are closed, and his ears deaf, until the day when he completes his
pilgrimage. He has sworn it by Allah, and by Allah he shall keep to his
oath, even though thousands attempt to dissuade him. Take your places,
then, again, I beg of you, and let us be friends, for we are deserving
of your kindness."
The words, spoken quietly as they were, acted like oil upon troubled
waters. Scarcely had they left Tom Dixon's lips, when the excitement of
the angry natives disappeared even more rapidly than it had arisen.
For a moment only they looked incredulously at one another, and then,
saluting Jim with the utmost respect, they took their places again
shamefacedly.
"We meant no harm, brothers," said the first speaker, apologetically.
"Forgive us, if we spoke angrily and in some haste, but the occasion
demanded instant explanation, and, now that you have given it, we are
fully satisfied. More than that, it is an honour to us to know that
there sits in our circle in friendship with us one who has made such a
vow, and who refuses to break his oath in spite of any danger. I watched
him carefully as I advanced upon him with my drawn weapon, but he did
not flinch, did not even turn aside, or raise an arm to ward off the
blow which might well have fallen. Moreover, he allowed no sound to
escape his lips, and, true to his word, and to the holy task which he
has set himself, sat there unmoved, prepared to die rather than cry out
for mercy. It is marvellous the strength that Allah gives to such men."
"Yes, it is a great thing," chimed in an aged native, who sat crouching
over the brazier, as if to absorb all its warmth; "and in Aden here not
one in ten thousand is capable of making and keeping such a vow. It is
only men from Somaliland who are brave enough to do such a thing. Our
brother has just told us that we are honoured; we are more than that,
for these guests of ours are friends of the Mullah, a holy man, who has
made many pilgrimages to Mecca, and who will yet be king of the country
which lies yonder across the sea."
He pointed towards the harbour, and looked round at his companions.
"Yes," they agreed in guttural tones, "the Mullah is a great man, and
will be even more powerful."
"We can speak openly," continued the old man, "for there are none but
friends here, and no Hindoos are within hearing. How thrives the
Mullah?" he went on, addressing Tom. "Does he know that the English are
preparing to march against him?"
"Yes, he is fully aware of it," answered the latter, quietly, "and will
meet them in battle. But at present he is fearful of defeat, for though
his soldiers are numerous, they are poorly armed, and for the most part
carry only shields and spears. Guns are what he wants, and he is
prepared to pay well for them. Indeed, he bade us on our return to make
enquiries here, and endeavour to induce some of the wealthy merchants
who are friendly to him to send him a ship-load of weapons and
ammunition. We believe that such a ship has lately sailed, or will
shortly leave this shore, but we are uncertain. We have been to more
than one of those who live in this town, and are friendly to us, but
they will do nothing until silver is placed in their hands, and of that
we have absolutely none. However, once we can get a passage across to
Somaliland, we shall be able to replenish our store, and shall return
immediately."
"And how knows your friend of this arrangement?" asked the old man
suspiciously, glancing sharply at Jim. "If he has made a vow not to
speak, how can he have discussed this matter with you?"
The question was a shrewd one, and at once set the whole circle of
natives staring hard at their guests.
"Yes, how can he have learnt of this plan?" cried another, rising to his
feet, and waving his arms excitedly. "You say that you have been to many
in the town, and have questioned them concerning arms for the Mullah.
Then this vow of which your comrade boasts is one made to be broken or
kept at will. Perhaps he is a spy come here to learn our secrets."
His words at once brought the whole gathering of natives to their feet,
and again, such is the excitability of these Eastern people, they
crowded threateningly about their guests, calling loudly for an
explanation. But Jim and his friend were equal to the occasion. The
former was certainly dumfounded at the sudden turn affairs had taken,
for he had not understood a word of all that had been said. But he was
fully aware that here again an attempt to escape would be worse than
useless, and therefore, placing full reliance in his friend, he squatted
there as calmly as before, prepared, however, to spring to his feet in a
moment and join Tom in fighting for their lives. A hasty glance at the
latter told him that there was still some chance of calming the natives,
for Tom Dixon sat as if carved in stone. One hand was buried, as if
accidentally, in the folds of his waistcloth, though Jim knew well that
it grasped the butt of a hidden revolver; while the other was stretched
out towards the brazier, as if to gather some comfort from its glowing
embers.
"Did I say that I had discussed this matter with my comrade?" he asked
sarcastically, looking round the circle with a contemptuous glance.
"When I said that we had been to various merchants in the town, I
thought that you were wise enough to understand my meaning. My comrade's
vow is one which few or none of you would dare to take, and yet you do
not hesitate to doubt it. It was sworn more than a week ago, and, by
Allah, it has never been broken. But look at him? Do you not see him
turn his head as each one speaks? He cannot help the words falling upon
his ears, and hears and understands all that you say, without, however,
deigning to answer. So it is with me. So that he should know what was
to happen, I have spoken of my plans to him, but we have never entered
into discussion on the matter. Come," he continued, "let us be friends,
and treat us like brothers."
"We will," exclaimed the old man warmly. "We cannot venture to take
risks, for were a spy to come amongst us, he would learn many things of
value to the Government. It was on that account that we tested you, and
have proved you to be of ourselves. We are friends and brothers."
Each of the natives gave vent to a guttural exclamation of approval, and
then, as if to forbid further altercation, the sharp notes of the
tom-tom were heard, and the gathering began a chant, one of those
peculiarly dismal dirges which seem to delight the ears of natives of
the East. Then, when the song was finished, an earthen dish, containing
slices of juicy lemon, was handed round, each man present helping
himself.
"You spoke of a ship which might be sailing for Somaliland," said the
old man, suddenly, awaking from a reverie into which he seemed to have
fallen, and looking up at Tom. "You also told us that you and your
friend were in search of a passage. Are you strong, and are you willing
to work? For, if so, I will find places for you upon the dhow."
"It is a good offer, and we accept it gladly," responded Tom promptly.
"As for strength, we are capable of hauling at the ropes as well as any
man. Would there be much else to do? For I tell you honestly that we are
unused to the sea, and are more at home when mounted upon horseback and
galloping across the smooth plains of Somaliland."
"There is little else for you to do than keep watch upon the deck, and
help to pull in the sails, for three men will go besides yourselves, as
well as the master. But I warn you that fighting may fall to your lot,
for a steamship flying the Government colours patrols these seas, and,
should she sight you, will certainly endeavour to capture you. In that
case your death would be swift and almost certain. If not, you would be
thrown into prison, and would be a slave for the greater part of your
days."
"Then the post will suit us well. If there is fighting we shall not
grumble, for it is our trade, and as capture means death, you may rely
upon it that we shall do all that is possible to defeat the enemy. But
why should the Government fall upon this dhow?"
For a moment the old man scrutinized Tom closely, as if still suspicious
of him, and as if doubtful whether he was to be fully trusted. But the
latter returned his glance with one that was equally steady and
unflinching, and, satisfied with this, the native at length answered:
"That dhow is filled to overflowing with guns and ammunition for the
Mullah," he said. "If she reaches the Somali coast in safety, I shall
have done well for myself, and shall have aided the cause of your
master. She sails to-morrow at noon, and you will know her by the fact
that she bears a red streak upon her bows, and has a large rent in her
sail. When you see her, she will be lying some few yards from the shore,
and any of the small craft in the harbour will put you aboard her. You
must go below as soon as you get on board, and if any of the crew are
there, pass them without a sound, but salute them in this manner."
The old man paused for an instant, and withdrawing his hand from beneath
the blanket which covered him, placed two fingers upon his lips.
"That is the sign which you must make, and be careful that you do it
exactly as I have shown you, for, if not, the crew will believe that
you are spies, and will fall upon you as soon as you are below. To-day
the Customs officer has been on board, inspecting the cargo. But the
crew are even now busily employed in transferring it to another ship,
and in taking in the guns and ammunition destined for the Mullah's
troops."
"It is a good plan," said Tom, "and I can see the need for secrecy.
To-morrow we shall go on board the dhow, and we shall be careful to
follow your wishes. Can you tell us how long the passage will take, and
where we shall be landed?"
Again the old man looked suspiciously at him, and then shook his head
emphatically.
"No, I cannot tell you that. If Allah wills it, you shall land upon the
coast and return to your people."
Some five minutes later Tom touched Jim upon the arm, and made signs to
him to rise. Then, nodding to the natives, they left the circle, and
went on into the bazaar. But they had already had one experience of
native cunning and curiosity, and instead of turning their steps towards
the room in which they had disguised themselves, they moved away in the
opposite direction, and taking advantage of a narrow alley, which was
filled with chattering natives, they mingled with the crowd, and
sauntered on, now looking curiously at the wares of some Hindoo
merchant, and then watching with evident interest the skill of a
juggler, who sat in the middle of the street, with an admiring circle
about him. Winding hither and thither, they at length came to a deserted
part, and having hidden in the shadow of a booth for some ten minutes,
so as to assure themselves that they were not followed, they took to
their heels, and before very long had reached the dwelling in which they
were to shelter that night.
"We're in luck," exclaimed Tom, in tones of satisfaction. "I must admit
that at one moment I thought it was all up with us, for these natives
are suspicious beggars, and would think nothing of killing anyone whom
they suspected of spying upon them. If they had discovered us, you may
take it for certain that we should have disappeared for good, and no
amount of searching on the part of our friends would have led to news of
our fate. There is no doubt that they are masters at the art, and no
bribe will induce anyone to give evidence against his comrades."
"I can quite believe that," answered Jim, "and I agree with you that
things looked very black. Of course, I didn't understand what was
happening, and am puzzling about it even now. But the shouting and
excitement, and the fact that that fellow drew his knife, told me that
trouble was coming. It was as much as I could do to sit there quietly,
but I took my cue from you, and I can tell you I was jolly glad when the
squabble ended."
"You behaved like a brick, old boy. Considering that you are a novice,
and quite unused to these natives, you showed no end of pluck. I admit
that it was not without some misgivings that I allowed you to accompany
me into the bazaar, for, you see, I hadn't an idea how you would behave.
But I felt sure that the fellow who could come out here, and quietly
make his preparations to face the dangers of an expedition into the
heart of Somaliland, must be someone quite out of the ordinary. Of
course, you might have been a thoughtless kind of beggar, who had no
fear simply because you were unaware of, and had taken no trouble to
find out, the difficulties and risks you were about to face. But I soon
saw that you realized the gravity of your task, and, by George! I
admired you for it, for there are precious few youngsters of your age
who would have the grit to go on with the matter. But I am wandering
from the subject. There's no doubt that if you had flinched, and shouted
out when that beggar drew his knife, we should have been set upon by the
whole gang of ruffians, and, though we were armed with revolvers, we
should have had precious little chance. The whole row arose because you
made no answer when they invited you to sing."
Throwing himself upon the bed, Tom Dixon gave his comrade a full account
of the altercation, and then went on to describe how a passage had been
offered them upon the dhow, which was to sail upon the following day,
with arms for the Mullah.
"It will not do to take any risks," he said, "and therefore I vote that
we practise going aboard and making the sign, for the slightest slip
would mean ruin to our plans."
Accordingly, while Tom stood at one end of the room, Jim advanced from
the other, and turning, raised his fingers to his lips as he passed him.
Not till he had done it some half-dozen times was Tom satisfied, and
then he, too, went through the process.
"The next thing will be to give news to the Governor," said Tom, "so as
to make it possible for the gunboat to intercept us. She left Aden a
couple of days ago, but was to return to-morrow night. If she slips away
again at once, she should easily overtake us, and then I should give
very little for the chances of the crew. There should be four on board
besides ourselves, and if we cannot master them with our revolvers, I
shall be greatly surprised. It will be a feather in our caps, Jim, to
capture the dhow by ourselves and then hand her over to the gunboat."
"But you said that you had been unable to ascertain the destination of
the dhow," interposed Jim. "Supposing the gunboat could not find her?"
"It would be very awkward, and that's where the risk comes in."
"Yes, it would be awkward," agreed Jim; "but then there would be all the
more honour in capturing her. It would be grand to overpower the crew
and compel them to sail the dhow back to Aden."
"Perhaps it will turn out like that," said Tom. "But you lie down on the
bed and have a sleep while I go off to the Governor. I shall be back
within an hour, and shall make myself comfortable in the corner there
with a blanket as a covering. No," he exclaimed, seeing Jim about to
remonstrate, "you are not yet used to sleeping on a hard floor like the
natives. But I am, and even prefer it."
A few moments later Jim was left alone in the room, and blowing out the
candle, at once lay down upon the bed and settled himself to sleep. An
hour later his comrade returned, and threw himself down in the corner,
where his heavy breathing soon gave evidence of the fact that he, too,
had forgotten the adventures of the night and was lost in dreams.
Scarcely had the sun risen on the following morning when both were
astir, and at once rearranged their clothing, so as to make sure that
their disguise was satisfactory and would pass muster in broad daylight.
Then Tom produced a small oil stove and a frying-pan, and began to
prepare breakfast. Eggs were to be had in plenty, and as these were easy
to cook, four of them were quickly spluttering upon the pan. Meanwhile a
kettle of water was set upon a second stove to boil, and soon they sat
down to a satisfying if not dainty repast. To a hungry man food, if
clean and fairly well prepared, is always acceptable, and Jim and his
companion were not the ones to turn up their noses simply because their
eggs reposed on rough tin plates, and their tea was contained in mugs of
similar material. Seated upon the two chairs of which the room boasted,
and taking the plates upon their knees, they set to work with energy,
and quickly caused the food to disappear. Indeed, so keen was their
appetite, that they unanimously agreed to prepare a second relay of
eggs, and partook of them with the same relish.
"And now to business," cried Jim cheerily. "I feel as fresh as paint,
and quite ready for this adventure. Shall I do as I am?"
For the moment Tom did not answer, but pulling the curtain from the
window so as to allow all the light that was possible to enter the room,
he placed his comrade in the centre and walked slowly round him.
"The disguise is perfect," he said in tones of satisfaction. "I
guarantee that you will pass muster anywhere, and, so long as you
remember that you are never to open your lips, I have little fear that
you will be discovered. Let me give you a little additional advice. As
we go towards the dhow it is quite on the cards that we shall run across
some of the passengers who accompanied you from England, and you may be
tempted to renew your friendship with them, quite forgetful of your
disguise. But you must not dream of doing such a thing, for sharp eyes
are always watching in this town, and were the natives to learn that a
spy is amongst them, your chances of success in Somaliland would be
considerably diminished. Now, are your revolvers in position, and do you
feel ready to accompany me?"
"Quite," exclaimed Jim, with emphasis. "I tell you that I feel as
light-hearted as possible, and fully prepared for the adventure."
"Then come along."
Leading the way to the window, Tom Dixon threw it open, and placing a
chair beneath it, stepped upon it and crawled through. Jim followed,
without hesitation, and found himself in a narrow courtyard, from which
a gate that was almost tumbling from its hinges led into a street
behind. A glance showed them that the street was empty, and at once they
stepped into it, and hurrying along, were soon in the main thoroughfare
of Aden.
Had anyone taken the trouble to scrutinize them closely, he would have
seen two stalwart and swarthy men, one somewhat younger than the other,
and of slightly smaller proportions, but both evidently from the shores
of Northern Africa. They strode along with that quick shuffling gait
common to men of their race, and due, no doubt, in some degree, to the
sandals which they wear. That they were strangers to Aden could be
easily guessed, for they looked curiously about them, and stopped every
now and again to look in at the shop windows. An Englishman marching
along the footpath was obviously an object of interest and respect, for
they turned aside to give him more room to pass, and gazed at him in
wonderment. So cleverly did they act their part that no one suspected
that they were not what they pretended to be, and even the natives, who
swarmed everywhere, let them pass without a doubt. On one occasion a
native arrested their progress, and would have entered into conversation
with Jim, but a few words from Tom altered his intention, and he stood
aside, allowing them to pass without comment. A few minutes later, when
turning a corner sharply, they barely escaped running into a second
Englishman, who was no other than Mr. Andrews. But he motioned them
aside with a brusque "Out of the way!" and went on, without a thought
of the two young fellows who had sat with him on the previous evening,
and without a suspicion that the two Somali tribesmen whom he had met
face to face were those whose interests he had so much at heart.
Half an hour's sharp walk brought Jim and his companion to the shore,
where they paused for some minutes to gaze at a large steamer which was
moored there, undergoing the process of coaling with the help of a
perfect army of dusky figures who swarmed about her, shouting at the top
of their voices.
From there they took their way to that part of the harbour usually
allotted to native craft, and before very long had the satisfaction of
noting that one which floated in deep water, and was of fairly large
proportions, had a thin streak of red upon her bows.
Tom at once turned towards her, and, followed closely by Jim, went down
to the water's edge. A number of flimsy native boats were drawn up on
the mud, with their owners seated chatting beside them. As soon as they
caught sight of the two strangers, the boatmen at once sprang to their
feet, and, gesticulating wildly, offered their services.
"We want to go aboard the dhow there," said Tom shortly, selecting one
of the boatmen. "What will you take us for?"
A price was agreed upon after some little haggling, and a few moments
later a boat was run down into the water and pushed off. Taking his
place in the stern, the oarsman paddled out into deep water, and quickly
brought them alongside the dhow. Tom at once handed him his fare, and
then, grasping the halliards, which were close at hand, swarmed up on
deck, closely followed by Jim. As he did so he threw a glance aloft, and
noted that the huge leg-of-mutton sail which was tied up to the mast
had a large rent in one corner of it.
"We are on the right ship, at any rate," he said to himself. "And now
for the crew."
Turning towards the stern of the dhow, he and Jim walked towards a
narrow hatchway, which evidently gave admission to the hold. As they did
so, three figures started up from behind some coils of rope with the
silence of spectres, and gazed at them curiously and suspiciously; while
a fourth, happening to thrust his head up at that moment, caught sight
of the strangers, and, with a guttural exclamation, climbed out upon the
deck. They were fierce-looking fellows, clad in scanty raiment, and
undoubtedly armed, for, as the newcomers returned their glances and ran
their eyes over them, they noted the handle of more than one weapon
protruding from their waist-cloths, while the man who had just emerged
from the hold bore a pistol of gigantic proportions.
"We shall have our work cut out to master them," Jim said to himself,
"for they will fight hard and make a desperate resistance. However, so
long as their suspicions are not aroused, and they believe that we are
friends, and to be thoroughly relied upon, we shall have every
opportunity of taking them by surprise. If we are successful in doing
that, I think we shall be able to overawe them; and if not, why, they
must look to themselves."
A movement on Tom's part now attracted his attention, and following him
closely, Jim strode down the deck, taking little notice of the natives.
Arrived at the hatchway, his companion paused for the space of a moment,
and rapidly made the sign. Instantly the crew, who had stood there with
menacing looks, evidently determined to attack them should they prove to
be enemies come to spy upon them, sauntered away, watching, however, to
see that Jim, too, lifted his fingers to his lips. A moment later both
had disappeared into the darkness of the hold, and, creeping forward,
sat down side by side.
"Guns!" whispered Jim, feeling about with his hands, and venturing for
one second to break the silence which he had promised to observe.
"Scores of them! They are all over the place."
"And precious uncomfortable to sit upon," answered his companion in
husky tones. "The stock of one is digging into me. But, hush! We must
not talk, for those beggars are certain to be curious about us, and we
may take it for granted that for a day at least they will watch us like
cats. No doubt, for the present, and until the dhow sails, we shall be
left severely alone; but then will come the trial. Recollect, Jim, that
we are landsmen, and don't forget to bungle when you hang on to a rope.
I shall let them know of your vow, and you must act up to it by
appearing morose and stupid. Hear nothing; say nothing; but wait until
everything is explained to you by signs."
"Right, old man; you may rely upon me," was Jim's whispered reply; after
which they both sat silently, neither venturing to speak nor move, but
listening intently to every sound that reached their ears. Now and again
they could hear the distant shout of some native boatman, or the howl of
a cur prowling along the shore. Then, too, the voices of the crew could
be occasionally heard as they chatted together on the deck, but the
actual words could not be distinguished at that distance, though Tom
would have given anything to learn what they were saying. And all the
while the dhow rolled lazily from side to side, her mast creaking
dismally as she did so, while the rigging rattled loudly against the
woodwork. Occasionally, as a boat of large proportions passed, the sea
would come with a splash against the side and drown all other sounds.
But the noise soon quieted down, and Jim and Tom found themselves
listening again, as if fascinated, to the distant shouts, the murmur of
voices above, and the flapping of the sail.
Three long and weary hours passed--hours of suspense to the two young
Englishmen seated below; and then, just as their patience was exhausted,
they heard someone moving on the deck. There was a patter of bare feet
upon the boards, followed by the noise of a rope passing through a
block.
"Up goes the sail!" whispered Jim, in tones of delight. "Hurrah! We're
off!"
"Then prepare to go on deck," answered Tom. "They'll wait until we're
out of sight, and then will call us up."
"Ah, there she goes!" exclaimed Jim, as the dhow suddenly heeled over,
and began to move through the water. A minute later she was driving
along before a brisk breeze, and the two young fellows below realized
that, at last, their adventure had begun in earnest.