ing trot into the shadow of the trees. Jeekie returned to the camp
and ordered the three men to re-stop the gateway with thorns, muttering
in their ears:

"Remember, brethren, one word of this and you die, all of you, as those
die who break the oath."

"Have we not sworn?" they whispered, as they went back to their posts.

Jeekie stood a while in front of the empty tent and if any had been
there to note him, they might have seen a shadow as of compunction creep
over his powerful black face.

"When he wake up he won't know where he are," he reflected, "and when
he get to Bonsa-Town he'll wonder where he is, and when he meet Asika!
Well, he very big blackguard; try to murder Major, whom Jeekie nurse as
baby, the only thing that Jeekie care for--except--Jeekie; try to make
love to Miss Barbara against will when he catch her alone in forest,
which not playing game. Jeekie self not such big blackguard as that
dirt-born noble Lord; Jeekie never murder no one--not quite; Jeekie
never make love to girl what not want him--no need, so many what do that
he have to shove them off, like good Christian man. Mrs. Jeekie see to
that while she live. Also better that mean white man go call on Bonsas
than Major and Missy Barbara and all porters, and Jeekie--specially
Jeekie--get throat cut. No, no, Jeekie nothing to be ashamed of, Jeekie
do good day's work, though Jeekie keep it tight as wax since white folk
such silly people, and when Major in a rage, he very nasty customer and
see everything upside down. Now, Jeekie quite tired, so say his prayers
and have nap. No, think not in tent, though very comfortable. Major
might wake up, poke his nose in there, and if he see black face instead
of white one, ask ugly question, which if Jeekie half asleep he no able
to answer nice and neat. Still he just arrange things a little so they
look all right."

CHAPTER XX

THE ASIKA'S MESSAGE

Dawn began to break in the forest and Alan woke in his shelter and
stretched himself. He had slept soundly all the night, so soundly that
the innocent Jeekie wondered much whether by any chance he also had
taken a tot out of that particular whisky bottle, as indeed he had
recommended him to do. People who drink whisky after long abstinence
from spirits are apt to sleep long, he reflected.

Alan crept out of the shelter and gazed affectionately at the tent in
which Barbara slumbered. Thank Heaven she was safe so far, as for some
unknown reason, evidentl