PREPARING TO ADVANCE
"I think I have now given you all the information I possess," continued
the Consul, after a pause, "and at the risk of appearing anxious to be
rid of you, I suggest that you should lose no time in going to your
camp. It is already upon nine o'clock, and you will scarcely reach it
within an hour. After that progress will be very slow, for marching at
night with a convoy of camels is no light undertaking. And now it only
remains for me to wish you all success in your enterprise. May you, Mr.
Hubbard, return within a short period with your father, and you, Mr.
Dixon, reach us once again primed with information concerning the
Mullah. Good-bye, and good luck!"
Rising from his seat, the Consul advanced towards Jim and his friend,
and shook them most warmly by the hand. Then thrusting the roll of
matting, which did service as a blind, on one side, he opened the sash
of the window, and stepped out upon the verandah. A hasty inspection
satisfied him that there was no one about, and he returned to
communicate his news to his guests. Five minutes later the two friends
were racing across the compound. When they reached the shadow of the
belt of trees, Jim halted, and gripped his comrade by the arm.
"Let us wait here for a few minutes, as we did before," he said, "for it
might happen that one of the servants overheard our conversation, and
is waiting somewhere near at hand to catch sight of the Consul's
visitors."
"Right," his companion answered promptly. "I was thinking just the same,
and I know the precaution is a wise one."
Accordingly they lay down upon the ground, and remained in that position
for nearly a quarter of an hour. Then they rose to their feet again, and
moved away like ghosts, for their sandals made not the slightest noise
as they walked. When they had put some three hundred yards between
themselves and the bungalow, they halted again, so as to make certain
that they were going in the right direction.
"Through the town, and bear to the left, away from the sea-coast, the
Consul told us," said Jim, whose spirits were now roused to the highest
by the prospect before him. "Ali Kumar has been warned to be prepared to
meet us, and, I hope, will have quietly made arrangements to move away.
If that is the case, and no one happens to be near, we ought to
disappear without exciting curiosity, and without arousing the
suspicions of the Mullah's spies."
"After that, we'll strike along the coast-line," broke in Tom, "and
march until we come to some wells of which I have been told, and with
which our shikari is certain to be acquainted. The following day we
shall ride over to the village in which the man lives who gave
information about your father. That done, we have only to collect our
stores when the dhow arrives, and march straight for the interior. It's
going to be a risky business, Jim; and I tell you plainly, that the more
I think of it, the more do I realize the danger and difficulties we have
to face. Don't think I am getting nervous, old chap," he continued
hastily, "but we shall have to be extremely cautious, for this Mullah
has just obtained a victory, and that fact alone will make him even
more audacious, and will obtain for him the help and support of many who
have hitherto held aloof."
"I agree with you, Tom, and I am quite sure that we shall find it well
to steer clear of all these encampments. If we march into the interior,
demanding of all we meet whether they have heard of a white prisoner who
recently fell into the hands of the Mullah, I am quite sure our doings
will be reported, and that we shall call down upon our heads the wrath
of this fanatic. I have been thinking the matter out as we came along,
and have hit upon a plan which might serve us. Let us tell anyone with
whom we come in contact that we have been in the service of the
'Sirkal,' or the Government, but that we are tired of them, and have
decided to throw in our lot with the Mullah. The fact that I do not
speak the language will not matter greatly, for, you see, I can be put
down as from Aden, where all sorts of nationalities are to be found. But
I shall contrive on all occasions to keep my mouth closed."
"It sounds well," answered Tom thoughtfully; "but what about our men?
Knowing that we are Englishmen, they will quickly spread the news
abroad, so that everyone will know."
"Much depends upon Ali Kumar," replied Jim decisively. "If he has told
them that they are in the employ of Englishmen, a portion of my plan
will fall through, but otherwise, we shall adhere to it, if you are
agreeable."
"Perfectly! And now let us push on."
Accordingly, walking side by side, and taking no notice of those whom
they occasionally passed, save that Tom returned their salutation, the
two pressed on, and passed rapidly through the Arab town. Then they bore
to the left, and within half an hour came in sight of a zareba. By now
a small crescent of the moon had risen in the sky, and its light enabled
them to see that some sixty camels lay stretched upon the ground, while
close at hand were other smaller figures, the followers who had been
engaged to accompany them into the interior. Standing in a listening
attitude, a few paces away, was a tall man, dressed in white robes. He
bore a lantern in his hand, and every now and again lifted it so as to
throw the light farther afield, as if he were expecting someone.
Suddenly he had heard Jim and Tom advancing, and recognizing them, even
though they were disguised, he came towards them, salaaming deeply.
"Welcome, my masters," he said eagerly. "I am Ali Kumar, and I was
warned to be ready for your coming. Here is the camp, with thirty men
lying there sleeping, but prepared to march at any moment. Give your
orders, and I will see that they are obeyed."
Again he salaamed, and, lifting his lantern, looked long and closely
into Jim's face, as if he were anxious to ascertain what sort of lad he
was to follow.
"Good!" he exclaimed at length. "You are young, full young for this
enterprise, but you are brave--that I can plainly see in your eyes. And
how could you be otherwise, for no one who was not possessed of courage
could go upon this expedition, even for the sake of his father."
"Have you heard news of him?" asked Jim eagerly, taking no notice of his
remarks.
"None," was the answer. "I have but lately arrived, and know little more
than I did a week ago. But to-morrow, when we meet the man who saw your
father, we shall obtain all the information that is possible. Is it your
wish that we march at once?"
"Yes; for the sooner we are off the better I shall be pleased. Do you
know the direction to take? We are informed that there are wells within
twenty miles of here, where we ought to halt."
"I can follow the road in the dark as surely as in broad daylight," was
the reassuring answer. "Stay here, masters, and I will send camels to
you. You could have had horses, had the saddles arrived, but at present
we have not received them."
Leaving the lantern with Jim and his companion, Ali Kumar went across to
the sleeping men and gave a quick order. Then he returned leading two
enormous camels, which grunted and grumbled at being disturbed, as only
animals of that class can.
"Keep a strict watch upon their heads," said Ali, in warning tones to
Jim, "for these beasts are as treacherous as the followers of the
Mullah, and love nothing better than to seize with their teeth anyone
who may be passing. Then, too, they will kick out with their feet when
people pass too close behind them. I have seen more than one man killed
in that way. Hau! Lie down!"
He shouted the words in the native tongue, and at once, obedient to the
command, but still giving vent to extraordinary grunts, the two camels
sank to the ground, and waited there to receive their riders.
"Sit sideways," said Ali, taking Jim by the sleeve; for he saw that his
young master was wholly unaccustomed to such a steed. "Now put your
right leg round this piece of the saddle which sticks up in front, and
hook it there. That is the way; and now you can slip your foot into the
stirrup which dangles here, and will feel safe even when the animal
begins to trot."
Jim carefully followed the instructions given to him, and was surprised
to find that, though intensely uncomfortable at first, his seat was
secure, and allowed him to turn freely, and without the fear that he was
about to fall from the saddle. Having settled himself, and watched Tom
take his place with the ease obtained from long practice, Jim gave the
word, and at once, on a sharp command from Ali, the camels rose to their
feet, swaying wildly from side to side as they did so, in a manner which
threatened to throw their riders to the ground, and groaning in such
loud and guttural tones that one would have thought the effort was a
severe one.
Meanwhile the sleeping camp had suddenly awakened into bustling life.
Men hurried here and there, and the camels were forced to their feet by
a succession of loud shouts, and often, too, by means of the free
application of the haft of a spear, for they disliked this sudden
disturbance. But at last all were ready, and, at a sign from Ali, the
cavalcade streamed off into the night, the animals looking decidedly
ghostly in the uncertain light. In twos and threes, and sometimes in
bigger groups, they took the direction of the wells, leaving the
neighbourhood of Berbera without a soul being the wiser.
"No one will know what has happened to us," said Ali, forcing his beast
up to the one which Jim was bestriding. "We have given it out that we
are in the service of the Governor, and as it is quite the custom for
camels to be sent on to one of the advance stations up-country without
warning, the natives will think that nothing out of the way has
happened."
"But what about the men?" asked Jim. "Do they think that they, too, are
hired by the Sirkal?"
"That is the case, master; but I have quietly sounded them, and I have
learnt that they are willing to go anywhere, so long as good pay is
promised them. Half of these followers were with me once before in an
expedition, and I can fully trust them; the remainder are, however,
strangers to me. But I think you will find them brave and reliable."
"I want to ask another question," said Jim, as they rode along. "My
friend and I think that if we go into the interior disguised as we are,
we shall arouse no suspicion, and shall have a better chance of evading
the Mullah. What do you think of the plan? And, is it possible to keep
our nationality from the followers?"
Ali Kumar did not answer for some moments, but bent his head upon his
breast, as if lost in thought. Then he looked across at Jim and shook
his head emphatically.
"No; it is not altogether a good plan, and not a bad," he said. "If you
attempt to deceive these men who act as followers, they will certainly
discover your secret before many days are past, and will think the worse
of you for not taking them into your confidence. Besides, some of the
men who went with me before already know of your mission. But they are
to be fully trusted, as I said. To hoodwink the Mullah and the tribes
with which we happen to come in contact is, however, a ruse which
carries great weight with it, and I think with you that it will be well
if you and your friend go dressed as you are. If we are questioned, you
can stay in the background while I do the necessary talking, and if
strangers insist on speaking with you, you can freely admit that you are
English, and that you have found it more convenient to travel in the
guise of a native.
"That would probably lead to trouble; but, then, you are sure to meet
with some, however cautious you are. And now, master, I will go to the
head of the cavalcade, and will lead them, for, though the moon is
bright, it is easy to lose the way at night."
Salaaming to Jim and Tom, he spurred his camel forward with his heel,
and was not seen again till the following morning. Just as day was
breaking he came to the rear again, and reported that the wells were at
hand, and that the camels and men were already settling in the camp.
"And now, if the masters are ready, we shall ride on to the village of
which you have heard. It is only an hour from here, so that we shall be
back before the sun is overhead."
"We are ready. Show us the way," answered Jim promptly; "and let us hope
that this fellow will have good news for us."
Accordingly, waiting for one minute to watch their followers, who were
preparing to water their beasts, they turned their faces towards the
east, and, with the sun striking full into their eyes, pushed on through
beautifully green country, dotted in all directions by trees. This was,
indeed, a small oasis, surrounding the wells, which, by the many
footprints that could be seen indenting the ground, was evidently
frequented by numerous animals, which, no doubt, came there to obtain
water. Farther on, however, as they increased their distance from the
camp, the stretches of closely cropped grass gave place to an
interminable sandy waste, devoid of all vegetation, and obstructed here
and there by enormous dunes of glistening sand, which had been built up
by the wind. An hour's ride brought them to a tiny village, and soon
they were conversing with the man who had given the information of
Colonel Hubbard's capture. But he had no further news.
"It chanced that a beast of mine had strayed from its feeding-ground,"
he said, "so that, mounting my pony, I rode into the desert, hoping to
discover it. Suddenly I saw a group of tents beyond me with armed men
about, and caution prompted me to watch ere I approached them. It was
not long before I had every reason to congratulate myself upon my care,
for they proved to be a marauding expedition sent down to the coast by
the Mullah. As I lay behind a hill of sand, keeping my eyes upon them, I
observed a man struggling wearily towards the shore, through the surf
which was breaking heavily upon it. Creeping nearer, I watched him, and
soon made out that he was a white man. Then, as I was about to run
forward to warn him, the Somali warriors suddenly espied him, and,
shouting to one another, galloped in his direction. For three hours I
watched, and saw the camp break up and the expedition ride away with
their prisoner, and then I learned by questioning a follower who had
been left behind, having broken a leg, that the prisoner was a colonel,
as you speak of the leaders of your soldiers. More than that, I do not
know, save his looks, which I will describe to you."
The native then gave a description of the appearance of the Mullah's
prisoner, and as Jim listened with all his ears, any doubt that he might
still have had as to the identity of the man who had reached the shore
was set definitely at rest, for it was beyond question that it was his
father. Having assured himself that no further information was to be
obtained, he made the man a handsome present, and then the party turned
about, and retraced their steps towards the camp. On the following day
they pushed farther along the coast, and, when the next morning dawned,
had the satisfaction of observing a dhow beating in for the shore. It
proved to be the one which they were expecting, and before the day had
passed she had safely discharged her cargo.
"And now to begin our work in earnest," said Jim, surveying the
piled-up baggage. "I propose that we issue rifles at once to those who
can use them, and that we give them a preliminary training. That done,
we'll appoint certain of the men to act as scouts, while others will be
in charge of the baggage-camels. I should say that if we march with five
men thrown well forward and on the flanks, and another five in the rear,
we ought to feel secure from a sudden rush. What do you think, Tom?"
"That the plan is an excellent one, old boy, and shows that you have
your wits about you. As an additional precaution, I suggest that one or
other of us should always ride with these scouts, Ali Kumar accompanying
the one who goes in front, for it is from that direction that danger is
to be expected. Then, I think that we ought to make up our minds what
action we are to take should we be suddenly attacked. You see, it
wouldn't do to be thrown into confusion and have these followers of ours
firing wildly in all directions."
"Quite so, Tom, and for that purpose I propose a preliminary training.
We've a couple of hours of daylight left, and we know that there is no
one to watch our movements, for Ali Kumar posted half a dozen of our men
this morning right away on the hills over there. Let us give the order
to strike camp; and, by the way, what about mounts for ourselves?"
"For the purpose of the march we shall find ponies far more useful than
camels," answered Tom promptly; "for the ponies can carry one at a swift
gallop for a few miles, and will enable us to keep easily in touch with
our front and rear guards. For longer stretches, however, for instance
when we desire to reach quickly a spot some twenty miles away and return
with equal despatch, the camels will prove most valuable, for, once fed
and watered, they will go on for hours at a steady swinging pace, which
soon gets over the distance. No wonder they are called 'ships of the
desert,' for, with their extraordinary powers, their spider-like legs,
and their broad, soft feet, they are eminently fitted for such a
country. But can you ride, Jim?"
"I've been on a horse several times in my life, Tom, but I can't say
that I ever felt very comfortable. But if it is necessary to ride, I
will learn, whatever it costs me."
"Then we'll give orders for a couple of the ponies to be saddled and
bridled," said Tom, "and for the camp to move on."
Accordingly they called for Ali Kumar, and directed him to see the
baggage loaded. Then, for half an hour, they toiled with their
followers, struggling in the midst of a group of recumbent camels,
busily lashing burdens on the animals' backs. That done, all the natives
were gathered together, and fifteen of them, who professed to be able to
use the rifle, were supplied with weapons, the remainder continuing to
carry swords and spears only. Then ten of those who were provided with
firearms were mounted upon the best ponies, and given strict orders as
to their behaviour.
"They are terribly excitable people, these Somali races," said Tom, "and
I have often been told that when employed as scouts they are continually
giving the alarm. Perhaps they see a buck in the distance, or the peak
of a mountain comes into their line of vision, and at once, turning
about, they gallop furiously back to the column behind them, shouting at
the top of their voices, and waving their weapons above their heads.
Then they pull up in a matter of two yards, and express their
astonishment at finding a hasty zareba formed, and preparations already
made for an attack. It is all done to show off, for they are just like
children, and love to attract attention to themselves. But as we cannot
afford to be in a condition of constant alarm, we had better warn them
that they will meet with our displeasure if they behave in such a way."
Tom's words were communicated to Ali Kumar, who, with Jim beside him, at
once began to address the followers, impressing their duties upon them,
and making them repeat the instructions. Then they were dismissed, and
at once mounted, the men who were to look after the camels clambering
into their seats. At this moment three spirited-looking native ponies
were brought forward for the use of the leaders of the party. Giving
them a hasty inspection, and pausing for a moment to see that the
stirrup-leathers were of the right length, Jim selected the one nearest
to him, and at once proceeded to mount.
"Hold the reins like this," said Tom, coming to his side so as to show
him. "Now, while you grip them with your left hand, catch up a wisp of
the mane with your right, and twist it round the spare fingers of your
left. That's the way. Now put your foot in the stirrup, and up you go!"
Following these instructions carefully, for hitherto he had had very
little acquaintance with horses, Jim was quickly seated in the saddle,
and feeling the opposite stirrup dangling beside his sandal, thrust his
foot into it. Meanwhile the pony had made no objection, but had stood
there, with ears thrown back, and eyes cast suspiciously at his new
master. Then, probably realizing that he had a more or less new hand to
deal with, he gave vent to a loud squeal of anger, and started away with
a bound which almost shook Jim from his seat.
"Keep his head up, and your knees well pressed into the saddle!" sang
out Tom. "Now, watch him, for he's going to play a trick upon you."
That this was the case was quickly evident, for, finding that his first
efforts to dislodge his rider were unsuccessful, the pony went off at a
furious gallop, kicking his legs high in the air as he did so. Then,
when in the very midst of the loaded camels, he suddenly ducked his head
between his forelegs, and, arching his back, sprang high into the air.
It was a fatal movement for Jim, who at once shot forward into space,
and, turning as he went, landed full upon the broad of his back. In a
moment he was on his feet again, gasping for breath, but determined not
to be beaten. Fortunately he had been thrown upon a sandy patch, and
though shaken considerably, he was by no means hurt. As for the pony,
now that it had accomplished its purpose, it stood there unconcernedly,
as if it were incapable of such behaviour. Jim at once walked up to it,
and gathering the reins in his hand as Tom had shown him, thrust his
sandalled foot into the stirrup, and was in the saddle again in a
twinkling.
"Well done!" shouted Tom; while the natives, who were all looking on in
the most interested manner, gave vent to exclamations of approval. "Well
done! Stick to him like a leech, and show him that you mean to be his
master!"
"I will, even if I'm thrown twenty times," answered Jim, setting his
teeth, and sitting down closer to his saddle. "Now then! On you go!"
The animal needed no second bidding, and at once set off at a rapid
pace. But this time, when it attempted to go through the old movement
which had proved so successful, Jim gave a sharp jerk to the reins, and
kept its head well up. Again it made the attempt, but without success,
and then, unable to get rid of its rider by means of bucking, the
spirited pony suddenly darted to one side, and Jim, losing his balance,
was deposited upon the ground once more. Four times in succession was he
thrown, but in every case he clambered into his seat again, and finally,
after the animal had bolted with him at its topmost speed for a mile or
more, he managed to quiet it down by patting it upon the neck, and
talking to it in a soothing voice. Then he turned it about, and with the
beast well in hand this time, came trotting back into the camp, with
flushed face and dusty garments, but triumphant and elated. As he did
so, Tom gave vent to a cheer, while the natives hammered their
spear-heads loudly upon their shields in approbation.
"You have done well, master," said Ali Kumar, coming forward as Jim
dismounted in their midst. "These men already know that you are an
Englishman, and that you are their leader. They have been waiting to
learn what manner of man you are, and whether you are bold enough to
ride into the Mullah's country. It was easy to see that you were no
great horseman, and, believe me, your courage in mounting again and
again, and in laughing at your falls, has raised you high in their
estimation. They will now obey your words far more willingly than they
would otherwise have done. But we are ready; shall we move on?"
Jim agreed with a wave of his hand, and at once the cavalcade was set in
motion. Forty of the camels, which were laden with every variety of bale
and box, marched in the centre, while close behind them came twenty
others, which could be relied upon to trot for many hours together, all
roped to one another. Near them were the followers who were not to act
as scouts, keeping an eye upon them lest they should attempt to stray,
and prepared to make secure any bundle which showed signs of breaking
loose. Spread out like a fan, a mile ahead, were five well-mounted men,
while a similar number stood by their horses at the camping-ground,
waiting until the column moved well away. And in this order, with Jim
and Ali Kumar walking their ponies in company with the front guard, and
Tom with the rear, they pushed on in a southerly direction, their faces
turned towards a distant hazy blue line which showed the position of the
range of hills they would have to cross before reaching the highlands,
and the broad stretch of desert which intervened between themselves and
the Mullah's country.
Jim was in the highest spirits, and delighted to feel that at last the
search for his father had begun. For a time he rode beside Ali Kumar,
conversing with him, and then he trotted back towards the camels. Having
assured himself that all was well with them, he was about to return to
his post, when suddenly one of the scouts, stationed away on the flank,
came galloping towards him at top speed, shouting and waving
frantically. At the same moment, catching sight of him, the other scouts
retired upon their centre.
"Probably a false alarm," Jim told himself; "but I shall take every
precaution. Down!" he shouted, signalling to the followers to stop the
camels. Then, remembering the native word used on such an occasion, he
repeated it loudly.
Collecting their beasts together, the men quickly had them lying upon
the ground. Then, obedient to Jim's signs, they left two of their number
to guard them, and separating, ran forward some fifty yards. There they
halted, and knelt upon the ground, ready for anything that might turn
up. A few minutes later Ali Kumar and the scouts joined them, and the
former at once sharply interrogated the man who had given the alarm.
"What did you see?" he asked.
"A group of camels three miles to the right," was the answer. "As far as
I could see, they were browsing quietly, and had no attendants."
The words were interpreted to Jim, who immediately gave orders for the
column to move on again.
"We'll send a couple of our scouts over in that direction," he said to
Ali Kumar, "and you must tell them that they are to ride near enough to
be able to obtain full information, without themselves being seen. Let
all these fellows know at the same time that they are to investigate
anything which may turn up within a reasonable distance, and that they
are not, on any account, to come galloping back until they are sure that
there is real danger. Let us have a signal in a case like that, so that
all may understand."
"That is a first-rate idea," cried Tom, who had been listening to the
conversation. "If we are certain of danger, we need not fear making a
noise, and, therefore, it would be as well to fire a rifle. A shot out
here, in this atmosphere, will be heard for a couple of miles, and will
give due warning to all of our men. Immediately they hear it, they can
turn and gallop back to the centre."
Ali Kumar gathered the scouts about him for the second time, and, having
again impressed the caution upon them, despatched them to take up their
posts. Then the camels were ordered to rise, and once more the column
took the road. Shortly after darkness fell a bright moon climbed into
the sky, and, aided by its light, they kept on steadily. At nine o'clock
they halted, and at once the followers were sent to cut thorn-bushes,
which grew in profusion everywhere. With these a thick wall, or zareba,
was formed about the camels, which meanwhile had been relieved of their
burdens. A second hedge was constructed near at hand, and in this the
two young leaders and their following took their places. Very soon a
fire was burning brightly, and an hour later they were all seated at
their evening meal.
Two days passed uneventfully, and then, one evening, as the column
rested at the foot of the hills, Ali Kumar slipped away from his
companions, who were already fast asleep, except for the few who were
stationed some fifty paces off as sentries, and creeping to Jim's side,
touched him gently upon the shoulder.
"Hush, master!" he whispered. "Awake, and listen, for I have news of
treachery for you. Within an hour, at any moment, indeed, we may be
attacked, for I have discovered that one of our followers, who was a
stranger to me until a few days ago, has been in conversation with some
wandering natives, and has even now stolen away from the zareba so as to
join them and lead them to the attack."