o late," said the doctor.
"These savage people, living their simple open-air life, heal up in a
way that is wonderful. Nature is their great surgeon."

"Then why didn't this one heal up?" said Mark.

"I am not a surgeon," replied the doctor, "and I do not know what may be
wrong, but I should say that the wild beast which seized him crushed
some bone, with the result that splinters are remaining in the wound,
causing it to fester. But we shall see."

"Then you will look, doctor?" cried Mark excitedly.

"Certainly, if I find our little patient amenable to treatment."

"Hurrah!" cried Mark. "When will you go?"

"The sooner the better. It rests with Sir James."

"Oh, I am ready," said Mark's father. "You had better see, boys, if Mak
has had his share of our dinner, and send him on to say we are coming."

"That won't do, uncle," said Dean decisively.

"Why not?" asked Mark sharply.

"Mak must go with us. I am _not_ going to let uncle tramp in amongst
those horrible trees without a guide."

"Quite right, Dean," said the doctor. "We must have Mak to lead the
way, and let him be our ambassador to this tribe of giants before we
approach too near. We don't want them to take fright."

"Oh, I don't think they will," said Mark.

"I think quite the contrary," said the doctor, "for I believe a little
tribe like this, who exist hiding in the forests, are always afraid of
persecution by stronger people. There is such a thing as slavery."

"Oh, yes," said Mark hastily. "Come along, Dean; let's hunt out Mak."

There was no difficulty about that, for the Illaka had had his share of
the dinner and was aiding his digestion by sleeping hard in the shade of
one of the great trees at the edge of the forest, quite regardless of
the cloud of flies that were buzzing about his head.

He sprang up at a touch from Mark, and seized his spear, but as soon as
he was aware of what was required of him, he followed the boys to where
the doctor and Sir James were waiting, the former having slung a little
knapsack from his shoulders, at which the boys looked enquiringly.

"Are we going to take anybody else?" said Sir James.

"No, I wouldn't, father," cried Mark. "We shan't want protecting. They
will know us again, and Mak will make them understand that you have come
in peace. Besides, we have got our rifles, and I know if there is any
danger Dean is such a fierce one that he could tackle the whole lot;
couldn't you, old chap?