tter naked savages of
ferocious aspect, incorporated probably from the fierce cannibal tribes
along the Upper Congo. The Arabs, in their turbans and long-flowing
garments, wore a more dignified and civilised aspect, yet were hardly
less ruthless.

This formidable force, once clear of the timber, halted, drawn up in a
kind of battle line, possibly expecting to strike terror by reason of
its numerical strength and sinister aspect, and those watching reckoned
it to consist of not less than five hundred men. Above bristled a
forest of long spears, the sun flashing back from their shining tips.
But higher still, reared above these, there floated a flag. In banner
shape, so as to display, independently of any breeze, its ominous
device, it was turned full towards them. Upon a green ground a red
scimitar, dripping red drops.

"That is the standard of Mushad," whispered Somala, touching Haviland's
elbow.

A vivid interest kindled the features of the three white men, also those
of the Zulu. Here, then, was the renowned slaver, the man whose name
was a byword from Zanzibar to Morocco. They were about to behold him
face to face. Upon the bulk of the native bearers the effect produced
was different. The ruthlessness of the terrible slaver chief, his
remorseless cruelties--ah! of such they had heard more than enough. And
then a man was seen to leave the opposing ranks and walk towards them.
Halfway, he halted and cried in a loud voice:

"Who are ye--and what do ye here? Are ye friends or foes?"

Somala, instructed by Haviland, replied:

"We are no man's foes. Our mission here is a peaceful one--to collect
the strange rare plants and insects of the land. That is all. Who are
ye, and who is your chief?"

The herald broke into a loud, harsh, derisive laugh.

"Who is our chief?" he echoed. "You who gaze upon our standard, and ask
`Who is our chief?' Ye must be a _kafila_ of madmen."

"Is it the great Mushad? If so, we would fain see him, and talk.
Yonder, where the stones rise upon the plain," went on Somala, prompted
by Haviland, and indicating a spot about a third of the distance between
their position and the hostile line. "If he will advance, with three
others--unarmed--we will do likewise, pledging our oath on the blessed
Koran and on the holy _Kaba_ that we meet only in peace."

"I will inquire," replied the emissary, and turning, he went back.

"Supposing he accepts--which of us shall go?" said Oakle