later the doctor and Sir James were uttering ejaculations of wonderment
not untinged with nervousness, as they found themselves in the circular
opening and in the presence of about a dozen of the pigmies with their
bows strung and arrows ready to be sent flying at an enemy. Every now
and then too they had a glance at a little shadowy form which glided
into sight for a moment and disappeared without a sound.

Meanwhile Mak had walked straight across to one of the little savages
and made signs to him and uttered a word or two, as he kept on turning
and pointing at the group he had led into the solitude, ending by
catching one of the little fellows by the shoulder. Then sticking his
spear into the damp earth he went through a pantomime which he intended
to suggest that there was a bad wound about the shoulders he pressed,
and pointed again and again at the doctor, and then in the direction
where the injured pigmy had been left.

"He won't be able to make him understand," said Dean impatiently. "Oh,
what a bother it is that we don't know their tongue!"

"I think it's all right," said Mark. "Look here," he continued, as
their stalwart black drew the dwarf he held towards his party.

"What does that mean?" said the doctor.

"I don't quite know," replied Mark. "These people are all so much
alike, but I think this is one I saw before, because he has got brass
wire rings round his arm. Yes, I am right," continued Mark eagerly, for
Mak raised his little prisoner's hand towards Mark and signed to him to
extend his own.

The next moment Mark was holding the little black, boyish hand in his
and pointing in the direction where the injured pigmy was nestled in his
skin bed.

"Come," said Mak. "Doctor come;" and leaving Mark holding on by the
pigmy's hand, he led the way as if quite at home, passing between the
trees, while first one and then another of the little tribe glided away
to right and left, seen for a moment, and then disappearing in the deep
shade, till their stalwart guide stopped short and waited till the whole
of the party had closed up. Then, as if satisfied that he had done his
part, he drew back a bit and pointed downward.

"Well, Mark, what next?" said the doctor.

"That's the spot where the little wounded fellow is lying," said Mark.

"But I can do nothing here in this darkness," said the doctor. "We must
have a light."

"Oh," cried Mark excitedly, "how stupid! Here, I know; Mak shall tell
the