hem.

Alan translated his words to the old chief, whereon Fahni wanted to
fight Jeekie because of the slur that he had cast upon his honour. This
challenge Jeekie resolutely declined, saying that already there were
plenty of ways to die in Asiki-land without adding another to them. Then
Fahni swore by his tribal god and by the spirit of every man he had
ever eaten, that he would come to that promontory after dark, if he were
still alive.

So they separated, Fahni and his men slipping down to the road, which
they did without being seen by anyone, while Alan, Jeekie and the
Mungana bore away to the right towards the promontory. The road was long
and rough and, though by good fortune they met no one, since the few who
dwelt in these wild parts had gone up to Bonsa Town to be present at
the great feast, the sun was sinking before ever they reached the place.
Moreover, this promontory proved to be covered with dense thorn scrub,
through which they must force a way in the gathering darkness, not
without hurt and difficulty. Still they accomplished it and at length,
quite exhausted, crept to the very point, where they hid themselves
between some stones at the water's edge.

Here they waited for three long hours, but no boat came.

"All up a gum-tree now, Major," said Jeekie. "Old blackguard, Fanny,
bolt and leave us here, and to-morrow morning Asika nobble us. Better
have gone down to bay, steal his boat and leave him behind, because
Asika no want _him_."

Alan made no answer. He was too tired, and although he trusted Fahni, it
seemed likely enough that Jeekie was right, or perhaps the cannibals had
not been able to get the boat. Well, he had done his best, and if Fate
overtook them it was no fault of his. He began to doze, for even their
imminent peril could not keep his eyes open, then presently awoke with
a start, for in his sleep he thought he heard the sounds of paddles
beating the quiet water. Yes, there dimly seen through the mist, was a
canoe, and seated in the stern of it Fahni. So that danger had gone by
also.

He woke his companions, who slept at his side, and very silently they
rose, stepping from rock to rock till they reached the canoe and entered
it. It was not a large craft, barely big enough to hold them all indeed,
but they found room, and then at a sign from Fahni the oarsmen gave way
so heartily that within half an hour they had lost sight of the accursed
shores of Asiki-land, although presently its