curved
points projected in opposite directions.

"What is that for, Otter?" said Leonard carelessly, for he was thinking
of other things.

"This is for the Crocodile to eat, Baas; I have seen his brothers caught
like that before in the marshes of the Zambesi," replied the dwarf with
a grin. "Doubtless he thinks to eat me, but I have made another food
ready for him. Ah! of one thing I am sure, that if he comes out there
will be a good fight, whoever conquers in the end."

Then he proceeded to fix a hide rope to the handles of the knives, and
having made it fast about his body with a running noose, he coiled its
length, which may have measured some thirty feet, round and round his
middle, artfully concealing its bulk together with the knives beneath
his cloak and _moocha_.

"Now I am a man again, Baas," the dwarf said grimly. "I have done with
drink and such follies to which I took in my hours of idleness, for the
time has come to fight. Ay, and I shall win, Baas; the waters are my
home, and I do not fear crocodiles however big--no, not one bit; for, as
I told you, I have killed them before. You will see, you will see."

"I am afraid that I shall do nothing of the sort, Otter," answered
Leonard sadly, "but I wish you luck, my friend. If you get out of this
mess, they will think you a god indeed, and should you only find the
sense to avoid drink, you may rule here till you die of old age."

"There would be no pleasure in that, Baas, if you were dead," answered
the dwarf with a heavy sigh. "Alas! my folly has helped to bring you
into this trouble, but this I swear, that if I live--and my spirit tells
me that I shall not die to-night--it will be to avenge you. Fear not,
Baas; when I am a god again, one by one I will kill them all, and when
they are dead, then I will kill myself and come to look for you."

"It is very kind of you, Otter, I am sure," said Leonard with something
like a laugh, and at that moment the curtains swung aside and Soa stood
before them accompanied by four armed priests.

"What do you want, woman?" exclaimed Leonard, springing towards her as
though by instinct.

"Go back, Deliverer!" she said, holding up her hand and addressing him
in the Sisutu tongue, which of course those with her did not understand.
"I am guarded, and my death would be quickly followed by your own.
Moreover, it would avail you little to kill me, since I come to bring
you hope for the life of her you love and for your own.