oke in so low a tone, for the
stranger seemed to mumble into his beard, while Kouaga whispered with his
mouth turned from me. The presence of a stranger in our camp was, to say
the least, strange, for through those gloomy forest glades no single
traveller could journey. Omar had told me that for a person to attempt to
traverse that region alone would be merely suicide. My friend was
sleeping soundly at some distance from me, therefore I could not awaken
him without attracting attention. If only he would open his eyes, I
thought, he might recognize the new comer, either as friend or foe.

But no, he slept on as peacefully as if he were still in the cosy
dormitory at old Trigger's, with its blue and white counterpanes and
windows commanding a wide sweep of distant sea.

While I lay gazing upon my friend and hoping that he might open his eyes,
I suddenly heard the stranger raise his voice louder than before. It was
only for an instant, but in that moment upon my ear there fell three
words the English equivalents of which I understood.

They were "Seek the treasure!"

But I could distinguish nothing more, and in a few moments the two men
hurriedly snapped fingers, and the mysterious stranger disappeared
noiselessly into the dark silent bush.

When the loud blasts from the ivory-horn, with its hideous ornamentation
of human teeth, proclaimed the advent of another day I took Omar aside
and told him of what I had witnessed and overheard. After I had
described the stranger he said:

"I know not who he may be. It is evident, however, we are travelling in
the opposite direction to Mo, therefore we will go no further. I will
command Kouaga to return to Tomboura, cross the river, and press forward
over the hills of Dabagakha to the Black Volta."

"And if he refuses?"

"Then we will go alone."

An hour later, when we had eaten our plantains and the usual babel was
proceeding which was always precursory of a start being made, my
companion strode up to Kouaga with a look of fierce determination upon
his face, saying:

"Give ear to my words. I am Omar, son of the Naya, the Great White Queen,
before whose wrath all nations tremble."

"Speak. I listen," answered the giant negro, with a look of surprise upon
his ugly countenance.

"I will go no further along this path. You, the head-man and the carriers
shall return with me to the bank of the Comoe, otherwise my mother shall
punish you for disobeying my orders. All who dare