WE ARE EXPECTED TO GO OUT HUNTING AGAIN--WE COMPLAIN TO THE KING AND
DEMAND OUR FREEDOM--REMIND HIM OF OUR GOOD SERVICES--HIS INGRATITUDE--
NEITHER BRIBERY OR THREATS AFFECT HIM--OUR CONDITION BECOMES WORSE--TOM
FEIGNS ILLNESS--HIS HOWLS AROUSE THE VILLAGE--HE FRIGHTENS THE KING--THE
KING FALLS ILL--WE DETERMINE TO ESCAPE WITH THE OTHER BLACK PRISONERS--
THE MEDICINE MAN THE ONLY WEASEL IN THE VILLAGE--WE ARE PURSUED--ONE OF
OUR MEN HIT--WE FIRE--TOM HIT--WE CHECK THE NATIVES--WE MAKE FOR A
DEFENSIVE POSITION--THE ENEMY AGAIN COME UP WITH US--THE MORNING IS
BREAKING--TWO VOLLEYS DISPERSE OUR PURSUERS--WE REST--SEE A VILLAGE--
SIGHT A RIVER--OUR PLANS FOR DESCENDING IT--MEET A HUNTING PARTY--THEY
SEIZE US--CARRIED BEFORE THE KING--OUR CAPTOR TELLS "ONE BIG LIE"--WE
RECOVER OUR GUNS--SLEEP IN A DIRTY HUT--EAT THE FOOD IN OUR KNAPSACKS--
THE KING SURPRISED AT OUR ENDURANCE--A WELCOME PRESENT FROM AN UNKNOWN
FRIEND--OUR CONFINEMENT AFFECTS OUR HEALTH, AND WE PREPARE TO FIGHT FOR
LIBERTY--A STARTLING RECOGNITION--CAPTAIN RODERICK UNDERTAKES TO OBTAIN
OUR RELEASE--AN AGREEABLE CHANGE OF QUARTERS--THE GENERAL'S POWERFUL
FETISH--CAPTAIN RODERICK'S DETERMINATION NEVER TO RETURN TO ENGLAND--
PATIENCE IN CAPTIVITY.
The bride and bridegroom had taken their departure northwards. We tried
to ascertain the exact position of their village in order that we might
avoid it, rather than pay the young couple a visit. As soon as the game
we had taken was exhausted, the king wanted us once more to start on a
hunting expedition, but we had come to the resolution of going as seldom
as possible, that we might avoid the expenditure of our ammunition. It
was necessary to husband that, as we should certainly require it on our
journey. Although we were apparently allowed our liberty, we were
conscious that we were narrowly watched, and that, therefore, we should
find great difficulty in making our escape by stealth. Tom Tubbs having
completely recovered his strength, and we three being in good condition,
we determined to go to the king and boldly request guides and an escort
to the northward as far as his jurisdiction extended, at the same time,
to demand the release of Aboh and Shimbo, who were willing to accompany
us instead of returning to their own village.
Taking Aboh with us, when we knew the king was at home, we proceeded
together to his palace. His majesty was seated under the veranda in
front on a pile of matting, with a huge pipe in his mouth, attending to
the affairs of state, for several of his counsellors were seated on
either side of him. Harry, who had learned more of the language than
either Charley or I, and looked considerably older than either of us,
was deputed to be spokesman, having the aid of Aboh as an interpreter,
should he come to a standstill for want of words on his part, or from
not being able to comprehend the meaning of what the king said. He
acquitted himself, as far as we could judge, wonderfully well. He
pointed out that we had been made prisoners when travelling peaceably
through the country, and been compelled to accompany his people, that we
had since then enjoyed our liberty, and that we had made good use of it.
In the first place, by saving his daughter from the wild man of the
woods, then preserving his son from the charge of the buffalo, that we
had killed enough game to support ourselves, and should have been ready
to assist him in any other way in our power, but that we now desired to
return to our own country. That we should be obliged to his majesty if
he would furnish us with the means of proceeding on our journey. The
king, who seemed to understand perfectly what was said--Aboh aiding with
a few words here and there--gave a smile and replied--
"That he would consider the matter, that he esteemed us very much, that
we were good hunters, and had brought peace and prosperity to the
country, as no enemies would dare to attack his people while we remained
with him. But, if you go away, what will become of me?" he asked.
"What shall I say to that?" asked Harry, turning round to Charley and
me.
"Tell the king that he must manage as he did before we had the honour of
making his acquaintance," answered Charley; "that we are very glad to
have been of service to him hitherto, still, that now our hearts are
yearning for home, and that if he detains us against our will, our
spirits will sink, and we shall no longer be able to help him."
The king grinned horribly, and said something of which neither Harry nor
any of us could make out the meaning.
"What did he say?" we inquired of Aboh.
"Him say, cut him head off," answered Aboh; "me tinkee him mean it too."
This was unpleasant information, but we thought it as well not to take
notice of it, but it convinced us plainly that the king would not agree
to our request. "Endeavour to bribe the king with promises of the
things we will send him," said Charley; "tell him we will pay him
handsomely."
"I'll try," replied Harry, and forthwith he began to pour out all the
native words he could recollect. It is just possible that he put in two
or three by mistake, which had a very contrary meaning, for the king
looked sometimes surprised, then angry, then highly amused, but yet he
would not give the permission we requested.
"Try again if he can't be bribed," said Charley. "Promise that we will
send him all sorts of things from England, if he will tell us how they
are to be transmitted."
Harry did his best to carry out Charley's wishes, Aboh interpreting the
words of the king. He said that a bird in the hand was worth two in the
bush, that if we got away we might forget the promise we had made, or
that if we sent the things, they might be lost long before they could
reach him.
"Now try him on the threatening tack," said Charley; "tell him what a
great man our king is, that ten of his soldiers would put to flight a
whole army of his blacks, and that if he does not let us go, our king
will send two or three hundred men, who will be landed from our ships,
and march up the country to look for us."
"They have not yet arrived," said the king, with another of those
sardonic grins in which he often indulged. "It will take them some time
to get here, and when they do come, they will have to fight us if they
come as enemies."
"Tell the obstinate old fellow that they will come notwithstanding, and
will blow him and his village up to the top of the mountains," exclaimed
Charley, who grew impatient at the king's refusal.
Harry did not say this, however, for two reasons. In the first place,
he thought it would be imprudent, and in the second, he could not find
words to express himself. He said something equivalent to it, however,
which had no apparent effect on the king's mind. At last we were
obliged to leave his majesty, determined notwithstanding, as Tom
advised, to take French leave, and go on the first opportunity. Our
condition after this became much worse than it had been before. We were
compelled to go into the plantations, and to dig and hoe the ground. We
at first refused, declaring that we were hunters and not cultivators of
the soil. We expostulated again and again reminding the king how we had
saved his daughter and son from death. He only answered "that his
daughter did not now belong to him, and his son must answer for
himself."
This convinced us that the black king had not a spark of gratitude in
his composition. We, however, addressed ourselves to Prince Ombay, who
appeared more inclined to accede to our request than was his father, but
he told us he dared not interfere with his authority.
Week after week went by, and we were kept in a state of vassalage. When
we went out hunting, the king, suspecting that we might make our escape,
always kept one of the party at home with our knapsacks. During the
whole time, however, neither we, our knapsacks, or our guns were
interfered with, the people evidently looking on them as fetishes, not
daring to touch them. They also believed us to be something above the
common, or we should not have been treated so civilly by them. At last
we could bear it no longer.
"Come with me, we must fight our way out of this," exclaimed Charley.
"That is more easily said than done. Although we might kill a few
people we should be overwhelmed with numbers," observed Tom.
"Let us try if we cannot deceive them by pretending to be reconciled to
our lot," said Harry; "or if one of us shams to be ill, they'll think we
cannot move under the circumstances; such a trick would be perfectly
justifiable."
"Of course it would," said Tom, "and I'll be the one to sham ill, you'll
see how I'll howl and shriek, until the people will be glad to get rid
of us for the sake of peace and quiet."
The next evening Tom put his proposal into execution. No sooner had the
villagers turned in than he began howling and shrieking in the most
fearful manner.
"I think you are overdoing it," observed Harry, "we shall not get any
sleep either."
"Never mind that for a few hours," answered Tom, "I must howl on until
they come and see what's the matter." He got some white earth with
which he bedaubed his face, and which made it of an ashy paleness as he
now lay covered up with mats on one side of the house.
The noise had been heard by the prince, who, with several other persons,
came to know what was the matter. Tom made no answer, but howled and
shrieked louder than ever, as if racked with pain.
Aboh, who had not, however, been let into the secret, informed the
prince that the white man was very ill, and that he was afraid we should
all catch the same complaint. This was an addition of his own that we
had not thought of.
Just as he was speaking the king with a number of his wives came in to
know what was the cause of the noise. When Aboh told him the same story
he darted off with great speed, calling on his son and the rest of the
people to beat a retreat from the infected place, and out they all
rushed helter skelter, Tom hastening them by another series of shrieks
and cries. After this we were left unmolested for the remainder of the
night, although Tom once in each watch shrieked and shouted, as he said,
"Just to keep the people from forgetting us."
Though no one came into the house for several days after this, Aboh was
allowed to go out and purchase provisions for us, which we were
frequently able to do, with some of the beads and trinkets we possessed.
At length one day he came back, looking very much alarmed, saying that
the king himself was taken ill, and having declared that some one had
bewitched him, had sent for the witch-doctor to find out who it was, and
if the rascally doctor fixed on one of us we should have to drink the
Mboundow poison.
Of course we all declared that we would do no such thing, and laughed at
Aboh.
"But, I tell you what, perhaps they'll make you or your brother, or one
of the rest of your people do so," observed Charley, "the wisest thing
you can do is for you all to come to us to-night and we will fight our
way out of the village."
Aboh agreed, fully believing what Charley said; indeed, there was every
probability that he or some of his people would be fixed on by the
witch-doctor, when they would to a certainty be put to death.
"I'll make them suppose that I'm as bad as the king, or worse," said
Tom.
As soon as it was evening Tom repeated his howls and shrieks, with even
more vehemence, if possible, than before. Just about midnight, when all
the people were in bed, Aboh sallied forth. We anxiously waited his
return. At last he came back with Shimbo, followed by a dozen of his
tribe, who had managed to possess themselves not only of bows and
arrows, but of spears and hangers, and were altogether very well armed.
Not a moment was to be lost. We had strapped on our knapsacks, and
shouldering our muskets we sallied forth as noiselessly as possible.
Fortunately no dogs barked, nor, as far as we could tell, had any of the
inhabitants heard us. Not a light was burning in any of the houses.
The king and his witch-doctor were probably also asleep. Had an enemy
attacked the village, the whole of the inhabitants might have been
slaughtered before they had time to unite and offer the slightest
resistance.
We began to congratulate ourselves that we should get a good distance
from the village before our flight was discovered. Already we had
reached the north end of the high street, and were about to emerge into
the open country, when we heard a shout uttered by a single voice.
"Who speaks?" I asked of Aboh, who was near me.
"Him doctor," said Aboh, "sleep one eye open."
"Don't answer him," said Charley, "push on; if we get a good start, they
are not likely to follow us in the dark."
Fearing that our native allies might be ready to yield, we told them to
go on, while Tom and I dropped to the rear to defend them should we be
attacked. We now heard several other voices. In a short time the whole
village was in an uproar, men shouting, dogs barking, women screaming,
fancying, perhaps, that the place was attacked. We feared, of course,
that the true state of the case would soon be discovered, and that we
should be followed. Whether Ombay and his people would venture to
molest us was the question. We marched on steadily, but we had not gone
far when we knew, by the increasing noise, that some of the people were
on our track. Charley advised us not to fire unless it should become
absolutely necessary. The shouts and angry cries of the savages drew
nearer and nearer. It was evident that they were rushing on pell mell,
still, as long as no arrows were shot at us, we were resolved not to
fire. Just then the moon, though waning, rose above the horizon, and
showed us a mass of dark forms, waving their weapons, shouting and
howling, not a hundred yards off. Tom and I turned round and presented
our rifles, shouting loudly to them to keep back. The moonbeams
gleaming on the barrels showed the blacks what we were about, and the
mob halting we rejoined our companions; again we pushed on. The number
of our pursuers increased, we had, however, made up our minds not to
yield and not to return; as soon as they saw us again moving on, they
began to scamper towards us, shouting as before.
"They beat me at that," observed Tom, "but if they don't look out, I'll
give them some cause to shriek."
Soon after he had spoken an arrow flew near our ears, but fortunately
did not strike any of the people ahead of us, another and another
followed, at last one of the blacks was hit, as we knew by the cry of
pain he uttered.
"If that's your game, my lads, you shall have enough of it," exclaimed
Tom, turning round and firing a shot into the midst of the savages. Who
was struck we could not tell, but they all immediately stopped, though
they continued shouting as before. Tom reloading, we ran on.
"The next time we must both of us stop and fire," he said.
For several minutes we began to hope that the savages had given up the
pursuit, but as we could not long keep up the pace at which we were
going, we began to slacken our speed. They again overtook us, and
shooting a flight of arrows, Tom was hit in the leg, and another black
man in the back.
"It's your own fault," cried Tom, facing about, when we both fired with
evident effect, for we could see the savages rushing back instead of
pursuing, well knowing that we had two more muskets amongst us. In
consequence of having so frequently gone out on hunting excursions, we
all knew the road well. In some places it was rather winding, and we
were afraid that the blacks, by cutting off angles, might get on our
flanks. However, that could not be helped, and we kept our eyes open to
be ready for them at any moment they might appear. Fortunately, Tom's
was merely a flesh wound, and it did not occur to us that the arrow was
poisoned. The wound bled pretty freely, but there was no time to stop
and bind it up. Our pursuers seemed to think that they might have to
pay too dearly for the attempt to recover us, and we were now allowed to
go on without molestation, we could still hear them, however, shouting
in our rear. This only served to make us increase our speed, until our
poor slave companions, who well knew that they would in all probability
be put to death if we were overtaken--though the people might be afraid
to kill us--were on the point of sinking from fatigue. At last, finding
that Tom appeared to be suffering from loss of blood, we shouted to
Charley and Harry to halt. They were glad enough to do so, both of them
coming to assist me in binding up Tom's wound.
"I don't think it's anything, and it doesn't hurt me much, if I can keep
moving I don't mind," remarked Tom, as we finished the operation.
As we were all very tired with our run, which must have carried us six
or seven miles, we were proposing to rest, when again we heard the cries
in our rear. This made us jump to our feet and push on as before. We
remembered a spot on some hilly ground, where the rocks cropped up in a
curious fashion, and Charley had observed to me at the time that it was
very like a fortress. It was still some miles off, but we determined to
make for it as fast as we could go, and there take up our position.
Listening attentively, we could occasionally catch the sound of our
pursuers' voices coming from a considerable distance, showing that we
had got a good way ahead of them, while the light of the moon enabled us
to see our way. It was very rugged, now up hills, now down into
valleys, though generally through thick woods, when the darkness
rendered our progress still more difficult. All the time we dreaded
lest some of the more nimble of our enemies might, by cutting across the
country, get on our flanks and attack us with their spears, or send a
flight of arrows amongst us from behind the trees. There was a chance,
too, of our meeting with elephants, which might obstruct the road, or a
leopard might spring out upon us. We were all well aware of the dangers
to be encountered, but no less resolved were we to face them boldly.
Charley and Harry kept calling to me every now and then, to ascertain
that we were keeping up with them. The way in which we marched
encouraged our black companions, and prevented any of the more
faint-hearted among them from deserting. Indeed, it would have been
folly in them had they done so, for they would to a certainty have been
discovered and slaughtered.
At length we reached the hill where we had determined to make a stand,
for we were so knocked up by this time, that we could not have proceeded
further without rest. It was exactly the sort of place we had expected
to find, a collection of rocks forming almost a circle, somewhat
resembling the remains of Druidical temples in England. The space where
there was no rock was occupied by trees, which would serve as shelter
should we be surrounded. We hurried in among the rocks. Our first care
was to examine the opening, and the spot where each of us should stand,
and then to place our black allies between us. This done, we looked
about to try and discover any broken pieces of timber or loose rock,
with which we might still further fortify our position. Neither Sanga
Tanga nor Ombay were likely to be thirsting for our blood--whatever some
of their people might do, whose friends we had killed--their object
being rather to recover us and keep us in slavery, to answer their
purpose of frightening their enemies, by the idea that having white men
among them they were invincible. Should we, therefore, be able to make
a bold stand, we hoped to sicken them of the attempt to recover us.
"Reserve your fire lads," cried Charley, "don't pull a trigger until you
are certain of your man. If we can manage to knock over half a dozen or
so, before they get close up to our fortification, the rest will
probably run away and give up the pursuit."
We were still engaged in stopping up gaps here and there, when we caught
sight through the gloom, for day had not yet broken, of a dozen or more
dark figures at the foot of the hill. They were apparently looking
about to ascertain what had become of us. They seemed to suspect where
we were, but were still uncertain. Some then went on ahead to see if we
had gone in that direction, while the rest remained where we first
discovered them. We might have shot four of the first party, as they
were full in our view; but Charley told us in a whisper to refrain from
firing, as they were not actually attacking us, and might, it was
possible, be peaceably disposed. We could see them clearly enough in
the open, although they could not perceive us, sheltered as we were, by
the rocks and brushwood. The sky was now becoming brighter towards the
east, and in a short time the sun would rise, and we should probably be
seen. Just then the men who had gone on returned, and shouting to their
companions told them that we were not ahead. Others were also coming up
from the southward, we could count nearly fifty of them, while further
reinforcements could be perceived in the distance. It was evident that
they were resolved on an attack. Bending their bows, they sent a flight
of arrows against the rock. We received it with a well-directed fire,
which killed four of our opponents, whom we saw tumbling down the hill.
This checked the advance, but others who had hitherto been in the rear,
pushed on with loud shouts and cries, urging on the van to a renewed
attack. We had quickly reloaded behind the rock, and waiting until
another flight of arrows had been harmlessly showered on it, we jumped
up, and again we all fired together with the same effect as before.
Without stopping to see who was killed, our enemies rushed pell mell
down the hill, tumbling over each other, while the more prudent ones,
who had kept in the rear, also turned and took to flight.
"Give them another volley," cried Charley; and having again reloaded, we
fired into the retreating masses. It had the desired effect of
expediting their flight. Away they went howling and shrieking, and we,
our own blacks joining us, uttered a loud shout of triumph.
"They'll not come back again," said Charley, who had been watching them
from the top of the rock. "I don't believe Sanga Tanga or his precious
son are with them, and although he may despatch them again when they get
back to the village, it will be a hard matter for them to overtake us.
We must have some breakfast and a couple of hours' rest, and then make
our way onwards, until we can find another secure place for a camp."
We had brought some provisions I should have said, and not far off was a
stream of water issuing from the hill. Having despatched our meal,
three of us lay down, with all the blacks except Aboh, who undertook to
keep watch with me for a portion of the time. I was then to call up
Harry, who was to be succeeded by Charley. We agreed that Tom, who was
suffering from his wound, should be allowed the full period to rest.
Shimbo was to succeed his brother, for we did not wish to trust any of
the other blacks. The moment my watch was over, and Harry had taken my
place, I was fast asleep. No one came near us, and at the time agreed
on we recommenced our march. Our chief anxiety now was about Tom's
wound. The poison, if poison there had been, we hoped had been scraped
off by the arrow going through his clothes, while the blood which flowed
from the wound yet further prevented any dangerous effects. We had gone
on for some hours, when having got beyond king Sanga Tanga's country, we
came in sight of a village. We could not tell whether the inhabitants
might prove friendly. Not to run any risk, we turned off to the right
through a thick part of the forest, until we reached a small open space.
Here we determined to wait until dark before passing the village. The
provisions we had brought with us were nearly exhausted, but we had
sufficient for another meal, and we hoped to be able to provide for the
next day by our guns, when we should be at such a distance from human
habitations that we might kill some game without the fear of the report
of our firearms being heard.
The rest was very acceptable. It enabled Tom, especially, to regain
some of the strength he had lost. As soon as we calculated that the
people in the village would be asleep, we decided again to make our way
onward. The moon gave us sufficient light to discover the path, and
also guide us in the right direction. Next morning Charley fortunately
killed a deer, which gave us an abundant supply of food for that day,
while our native allies found a number of berries and other fruits. As
they ate them readily, we gladly followed their example, for a meat
diet, especially under the burning sun of Africa, is far from
satisfactory. Thus for several days we went on, occasionally seeing
natives, but keeping out of their sight, and avoiding the villages in
which we were more likely to find enemies than friends. We were
mounting a high hill, when Harry, who had just reached the top, cried
out--
"Hurrah, there's a river, I caught sight of the bright stream between
the trees."
We hurried forward, and could see here and there among the dark foliage
the glitter of water in little patches, which extended a considerable
distance to the westward. We had great hopes that this really was a
river by which we might reach the sea. The scene was a beautiful one.
Although the country was chiefly occupied by forests, there were open
spaces visible, looking like green meadows, and to the right, downs
which reminded us of our own dear England. While we were gazing at it a
herd of graceful deer bounded across one of the nearest meadows. In
another open space I could see a couple of elephants plucking the leaves
with their huge trunks from the trees, and a small baby elephant
frolicking near them. As far as we could ascertain, there were no human
habitations, but they might be concealed by the forest, and the distance
to the river, where villages were likely to be found, was considerable.
Our great object now was to secure two or three canoes, in which we
might make our way down the river to the sea. We were, we calculated, a
couple of hundred miles at least from the mouth, and with the windings
the stream probably took it might be half as much again, still, as we
should have the current with us, the navigation might be easily
performed. Our chief danger of interruption would arise from the
inhabitants of any of the villages on the banks, who might take it into
their heads to stop us. However, we hoped by running past these at
night, we might avoid them without having to fight our way.
Ten days had passed since leaving Sanga Tanga's village. Our shoes and
clothing were, as may be supposed, in a slightly dilapidated condition,
but we were all in good health, and Tom had recovered from his wound.
On descending the hill, we made our way through the forest towards the
nearest point where we saw water. We had still some beads and trinkets
left, and we hoped, should we meet any natives to purchase canoes from
them. If not we agreed to try and build them, as Aboh told us that he
and his companions were well able to do so. We were in high spirits at
the thought of so soon terminating our journey, forgetting that months
might elapse after we reached the coast before a vessel made her
appearance.
We were pushing eagerly on through the forest, with less caution than
usual, when we came suddenly upon a large body of armed blacks, who were
out evidently on a hunting expedition. Among them was a chief who, by
his dress, we saw was a person of importance. It would have been
useless to have attempted to escape them, so, telling our blacks to keep
behind us, with the exception of Aboh, who came as interpreter, we all
advanced towards the chief. Neither Quagomolo or Sanga Tanga were
beauties, but this fellow was about the ugliest black we had yet come
across, with a most savage expression of countenance. He was very tall
and big, with a wonderful muscular development. He inquired who we
were, where we had come from, and whither we were going. Harry, who
always acted as spokesman, replied that "we had been shipwrecked, and
were travelling through the country towards the mouth of the river,
where we expected to find a ship to carry us back to England. We wished
to be friends, and begged him to assist us with canoes, as we desired to
prosecute our journey without delay."
Whether or not he understood what Harry said was uncertain. He uttered
a loud hoarse laugh, as if he thought that it was a very good joke. We
waited some time for a further reply, but the savage did not deign to
say anything. At last he exclaimed in a harsh voice, "You must come
along with me."
"We must have some guarantee that our liberty is not interfered with if
we do that," said Harry.
I do not remember the exact terms Harry used to express himself, but the
savage only grinned.
"We must keep clear of this fellow," said Charley; "fall back on our
men, he intends mischief."
Before, however, we had time to follow his advice, the savage, springing
on him, wrenched his gun out of his hand, while the black fellows
pressing round us prevented us from using our weapons. Aboh, Shimbo,
and the other blacks, seeing that we were overcome, were about to take
to flight, but they were immediately surrounded by a large body of
enemies, our whole party thus being made prisoners. We were at once
hurried unceremoniously along until we reached a large village not far
from the bank of the river which we could see flowing tantalisingly by
us. We had no time to exchange remarks with each other, or to speculate
as to what was to be our fate. At first we fancied that the ugly black
was the king of the place, but this we soon discovered was not the case,
for, as we were dragged up the main street, we saw issuing from a house
of more pretentions than its neighbours another black wearing a red
regimental coat on his back with huge epaulets, and a round hat,
battered and otherwise the worse for wear, on his head, the insignia of
royalty, as we well knew.
Our captor made a speech and described to the king how he had taken us
prisoners.
"Him tell big lie," whispered Aboh, who stood near me. "Him say great
fight, we run 'way, him kill us."
"What's the fellow's name?" I asked, meaning that of our first captor.
"Him callee Mundungo."
"And the King?"
"Him King Kickubaroo."
His majesty seemed perfectly satisfied with his general's statement. It
tickled his vanity that his forces should have conquered four white men
and an army of blacks, as was the description given of our attendants.
In vain Harry tried to explain who we were, and how the affair had
happened. The general, on hearing him speak, began vociferating so
loudly as to drown his voice. All the efforts we made were fruitless.
The louder Harry spoke, the louder Mundungo and his followers shouted.
At last the king issued an order, and we were once more surrounded by
guards and marched away to a house on the other side of the square, into
which we were unceremoniously thrust.
"I wonder what these fellows are going to do with us," said Tom. "I
say, old fellow," he exclaimed, "give me back that rifle," and he made a
spring at one of the men who had possession of his weapon, and snatched
it out of his hands. "Tell them that they are fetishes, Mr Harry,"
cried Tom, "they'll not dare to keep them."
Harry shouted out as advised, and we made a simultaneous dash at the men
who had possession of our guns. So unexpected was our onslaught, that
we were enabled to wrench them from their hands. Before they could
regain them we had sprung back into the house. Though the guns were all
loaded, they fortunately did not go off in the struggle. From the easy
way in which they delivered them up it was very evident they were not
acquainted with their use.
"Shall we attempt to fight our way out and reach the river?" exclaimed
Charley; "perhaps we may find a canoe there. Before these fellows have
recovered from their astonishment we may be able to get beyond their
reach."
"No, no!" cried Harry; "we should to a certainty lose our lives, though
we might kill a few of them, and very probably, on reaching the river,
we should find no canoe, when we should have to yield at discretion.
Since we have recovered out weapons, it will be wiser to remain quiet,
and watch for a favourable opportunity. Something or other may turn up,
or when the people are off their guard, we can steal away as we did from
Sanga Tanga's village."
Charley saw the soundness of Harry's advice. We therefore, without
making further demonstration, allowed the door to be closed on us. By
this time the people outside were shouting and howling and rejoicing
over the mighty victory they had gained.
"I am sure we acted for the best," said Harry, when we found ourselves
alone. "Probably the ugly fellow in the round hat will find out soon
that there is no use in keeping us prisoners, and will let us go."
"Can't say I agree with you quite," observed Tom. "I don't trust these
niggers. They may take it into their heads to cut off ours, or offer us
up before one of their abominable fetish gods. The sooner we can get
away the better."
Aboh, who had been shut up with us, looked very much cast down, and he
seemed fully to agree in the fears expressed by Tom. The hut consisted
of a single room about twelve feet square, without windows, the light
being let in through openings between the walls and the eaves. This
served also the purpose of ventilation. There was no furniture, not
even a mat, and the floor was anything but clean. As we were tired, we
were anxious to lie down, but hesitated to stretch ourselves on the
dirty earthen floor. On looking round the room, we, however, discovered
two pieces of board, or rather what are called shingles, being portions
of a log of wood split by a wedge. Using these as spades, we managed,
with considerable trouble, to scrape a space clear of dirt, of
sufficient size to enable us all to sit on the ground. We were going to
place our backs against the wall, but Aboh warned us that some
ill-disposed fellow might thrust his spear through it, and that it would
be much safer to take up a position near the centre. Our knapsacks had
not been taken away, as our captors possibly suspected that they were
part of ourselves; fortunately within them we had stored the remainder
of the deer and several birds we had shot the previous days, and which
we had cooked for breakfast; we therefore had abundance of food. This
was indeed providential, for no provisions were brought us; we had also
enough water in our leathern bottles to quench our thirst. We waited
until it was dark before we attacked our meal, that the natives might
not discover that we had eaten, and would give us credit for a wonderful
power of endurance. By economising the food we were able to save enough
for breakfast the next morning. At last we lay down to sleep, keeping
our rifles by our sides ready for use. We all resolved that should we
be attacked to fight to the last. To avoid being surprised, one of us,
as usual, kept awake as if we were in camp. Until a late hour we heard
the people outside shouting and making a great noise, for a dance was
being given in honour of the victory obtained over us.
We were left alone during the whole night, and as soon as it was
daylight we sat up and ate the remainder of our food, waiting for
anything that might occur. It was past noon when the door opened, and
the king appeared.
"Are you hungry?" he asked, with a grin on his countenance, for he
expected to find that we were starving.
"Not particularly," answered Harry. "We should not object to a dish of
plantains, or some goat's milk, if you will be good enough to send them
to us."
"You are wonderful men, you don't look as if you could easily be
exhausted," observed the king. "My general Mundungo must be a brave
warrior to have overcome you."
"He's a big knave, at all events," answered Harry. "But that's not to
the point at present, what we want now are some plantains and milk, or
venison."
I don't mean to say that Harry used these exact words, but with the aid
of Aboh he thus signified our wishes.
After some further conversation, the object for which the king had come
being gained, he left us again to ourselves.
It was not until near evening that the door opened, and two damsels
appeared with baskets on their heads. They placed them on the ground
before us, when, much to our satisfaction, we discovered a quantity of
plantains, some roast venison, and yams, and also a couple of large
gourds, the one containing goat's milk, the other water.
"We are much obliged to you for bringing these," said Harry. "And who
may I ask, sent them."
"A friend," answered one of the girls. "But we were forbidden to tell
you who she is. Eat and be satisfied." On this, the girls evidently
acting as they had been directed, left the hut, and the door was
immediately closed.
"I thought, when I saw the baskets, some young woman must have sent the
food," observed Tom. "They're alike all the world over, to my mind, the
same sort of heart beats inside a black skin as a white one. Things
don't look so bad after all."
We had provisions enough to last us--if they would keep good--for
several days. We agreed to husband them, not knowing when more might be
brought us. To prevent any creatures getting into them, we hung them up
to the rafters of the roof. Next day we were left entirely alone. We
were, as may be supposed, getting impatient, and had good reason to
dread what might next happen. Observing the light coming through under
the roof, we concluded that we might get a look through the opening, to
see what was going forward outside. Towards the back, and one of the
sides, the walls of other houses prevented us obtaining any view, but on
the other we found that we could look right down the street.
I must pass over several days, during which we were kept in confinement.
Only once in three days was any food brought us, our benefactor, or
benefactress, who sent it, probably not having opportunities for doing
so oftener. We could gain no information from the slaves who brought
the baskets, nor could we learn anything from the people who were,
occasionally sent in to clean out our hut. We were now growing very
anxious--moreover, our health was suffering. All sort of dreadful ideas
occurred to us, and we fancied that the king was reserving us for some
great festival, when he might, as Tom had suggested--sacrifice us to his
fetish gods. At last we agreed that, to save ourselves from a worse
fate, we would run the risk of breaking out, and fighting our way down
to the river.
We had been imprisoned for nearly a month, and had settled one evening,
that the very next night we would make the attempt. The following day
we expected to receive our usual supply of provisions, which we intended
to carry with us. Early next morning, as the first gleam of light stole
into the room, I climbed up as usual to have a look out, and ascertain
whether anything was occurring in the village, when, what was my
surprise to see a white man with a gun on his shoulder, and holding by a
chain in his left hand a bull dog. Another glance at the dog, and I
recognised him as Growler, while the man bore a strong resemblance to
Captain Roderick. He had then escaped with his life. I could scarcely
suppose that, bad as he was, he would refuse to assist in setting us
free. He was evidently at liberty himself, or he would not have walked
along in the independent manner he was doing. Guessing that Growler
would recognise me, I whistled. The dog immediately pricked up his
ears, and began to look about him. Captain Roderick started.
"What is it, Growler," I heard him ask.
I again whistled, and called to my companions. They started to their
feet.
"Captain Roderick," I shouted out, "will you assist some of your
countrymen in getting away from these black fellows who have imprisoned
them?"
"Who is that who calls me by my name?" asked the captain in a tone of
astonishment, looking up to the place from which my voice proceeded,
although he could not distinguish my features under the eaves of the
house. Coming to the door, he without further ceremony withdrew the
bars which secured it.
"Who are you?" he exclaimed, with a look of astonishment, as he saw us
ready to rush out. "Don't you remember us, Captain Roderick?" I asked.
"I don't wish to claim it as a merit, but we set you at liberty when
your ship was wrecked, and enabled you to save your life."
"I wish that I had lost it," answered the captain with a gloomy look.
"Perhaps you may live to be thankful it was preserved. At all events,
we acted desiring to do you a good service, and all we beg is, that if
you have the power you will assist us in making our escape from this
village, in which for some reason the king seems inclined to keep us
prisoners. Why he does so I cannot ascertain."
"I can solve the mystery then," he answered; "I confess that I have been
the cause of your detention. I have been living with the chief almost
ever since I got on shore, having made my way up here immediately, and I
am in high favour with him. Two rascals, former followers of mine,
while I was out hunting came to the village--intending to remain here, I
conclude--but finding by some chance that I had made it my headquarters,
they bolted. As I had no wish to have them prying into my proceedings,
I charged the king to keep them until my return, as I was on the point
of starting up the country on a trading expedition."
"That of course accounts for our being kept here," exclaimed Charley.
From the description of the men given by Captain Roderick we had no
doubt that they were the two pirates who had escaped when we were
recaptured.
"Now, Captain Roderick," said Charley, "if you will facilitate our
return to the coast, we will report favourably of the service you have
rendered us, and it may be of some use to you should you ever wish to go
back to England and any accusation be brought against you."
"As to that, sir, I have no intention of ever returning to my native
land," answered the captain in a gloomy tone, "but as I have no grudge
against you, I will help you to make your escape, although the rascal
who calls himself king here is an eccentric character, and it may not be
so easy as you suppose. He gets drunk for six days in the week whenever
palm-wine is to be procured, and the seventh amuses himself by cutting
off the heads of his faithful subjects and playing other vagaries.
Still I have taught him to respect me, and as I have been the means of
supplying his treasury, I do not doubt but that he will be ready to do
what I ask him in the hopes of retaining my services. I now intend, if
he is not too drunk, to rouse him up and tell him to supply you with a
better house, and ample food, and a supply of water that you may wash
yourselves, for you look remarkably dirty."
This I have no doubt we did. Charley thanked the captain in the name of
us all. Captain Roderick then told us to remain in the prison while he
went on to the king and obtained our release in a formal manner; it
would be better, he said, than running the risk of offending the king,
who would probably be displeased should we walk out without his
permission.
We accordingly returned and sat ourselves down to wait the arrival of
the pirate captain and the king's officers. Strange to say, all this
time Captain Roderick had not recognised Harry, nor had he me as the
clerk who had overheard the accusation brought against him by Captain
Magor. Perhaps had he done so his conduct might have been different.
We were all getting very hungry, having eaten nothing since noon the
previous day; we were also becoming more and more impatient, when we
heard footsteps approaching, and Captain Roderick, accompanied by the
king himself and several of his attendants, opened the door. The king
made a speech, intending, as we supposed, to apologise to us. He then
led the way to another house, far superior to the hut we had occupied.
It was clean and airy, with a veranda in front and a garden full of
fruit trees and vegetables behind. Shortly afterwards an ample supply
of all sorts of provisions was brought to us, and what we valued in no
less degree, some huge bowls of water. I shall not forget in a hurry
the satisfaction of washing, though we each of us had only a pocket
handkerchief with which to dry ourselves, and that none of the cleanest.
After breakfast, we summoned the slaves who had brought us the water to
procure a further supply, in which we washed our under garments, hanging
them up afterwards to dry in the garden. This they did in a very few
minutes, for the sun in that latitude does its work with marvellous
rapidity.
In consequence of meeting with Captain Roderick we abandoned our idea of
attempting to get off by stealth, thinking that it would be wiser to
take our departure openly with the leave of the king. We had not been
long in the house when Captain Roderick, accompanied as he always was by
Growler, came to see us and advised that we should remain indoors. "I
have a rival here in that ugly rascal Mundungo. He is jealous of the
favour shown to me by the king, to whom I have recounted the true
history of your capture, and I told his majesty that, instead of being
taken after a tremendous fight, you were surprised and surrounded before
you had time to defend yourselves. Mundungo has found that I have told
the king the truth, and he is exceedingly indignant, although he is too
much afraid of me to say anything. He will not, however, scruple to
injure you if he has the opportunity."
While he was speaking, Mundungo himself appeared, his countenance
exhibiting the hatred which raged in his bosom.
"Beware what you are about," he exclaimed. "You have attempted to
malign me to the king. Remember I possess the most powerful fetish in
the world."
"A fig for your fetish!" exclaimed the captain, drawing his huge dagger.
"I possess a more potent fetish than you do. Look at that, and then
look at this animal. What do you think of him? In two minutes, if I
were to tell him, he would tear you limb from limb, and your wretched
fetish could not help you. Now go and talk to your silly countrymen
about your fetish, but don't come and attempt to impose such nonsense on
me," and the captain turned aside with a haughty air.
Mundungo was defeated. Muttering and growling he walked away along the
street towards his own residence. The captain set up a loud laugh in
which we could not help joining, while Growler uttered one of his
terrific barks, which made the brave general take to his heels and
scamper away as hard as he could go.
Captain Roderick again burst into a loud laugh. "I have settled the
fellow for the present, but depend upon it, if he can he will do you and
me harm, we must guard against that I have hitherto, since I came among
these people, kept the upper hand, partly by my independent bearing, and
partly owing to the fears they entertain of Growler; who, on several
occasions, has given me timely warning when Mundungo and his supporters
have attempted to murder me, which they have still a strong desire to
do. Although I have obtained your liberty, I cannot answer for your
safety. If they fail to shoot you with their arrows, or to spear you,
they may try the effects of poison, and against that you must be
specially on your guard. Fortunately, they are no great adepts in the
art, but it will be safer to take only such food as it cannot be mixed
with, such as eggs, birds, and plantains, and fruit, and joints of
meat."
We thanked Captain Roderick for his advice, which we promised to follow
as long as we remained in the place.
"But," continued Charley, "as you may suppose, we are very anxious to
get away as soon as possible. We believe that if we could obtain a
good-sized canoe, we could easily navigate her down the river."
"You may depend upon it, gentlemen, that I will do what I can to
persuade the king to allow you to go, and I have no wish to have any one
interfering with my proceedings here, which you probably might be
tempted to do were you to remain."
"But we have no wish to interfere with you, Captain Roderick," said
Charley; "we are grateful for the service you have already rendered us,
and should be very glad if you would accompany us down the river, for I
am very sure you will soon get tired of living among these savages."
"I shall never return to civilised life, at all events in my own land,"
answered Captain Roderick gloomily. "Do not mention the subject to me
again. I will help you more on my own account than on yours, for I
would rather be alone with these black fellows than herding with white
men. Let me advise you to remain in your house at present, until I have
time to talk with the king, who is at present too drunk to understand
me. I cannot promise that you will immediately obtain leave to go, or
be furnished with a canoe for the purpose, but it will not be my fault
if, in the meantime, you are not well treated."
As we agreed that it would be wise to follow the pirate's advice, we
re-entered our house, intending to remain there until summoned by him to
pay our respects to the king, when his majesty had recovered
sufficiently to give us an audience. Behind the house was a garden of
sufficient size to enable us to enjoy some fresh air under the trees
without the risk of being molested by the natives.