then walk along the edge of the forest beneath the shade of the trees.
Sir James declined to accompany them, saying that he was sure that it
would be too hot, so after explaining to the black what they intended to
do, the party started off, getting a shot or two at large turkey or
bustard-like birds, till without orders Mak turned into the forest and
led the way in amongst the trees.

"Hi! Stop! Where are you going?" cried Mark. "Let him alone. Never
mind. I meant to go into the pigmies' little camp towards evening and
see how my patient is. Mak evidently thinks we mean him to go there
now." It proved that they were some distance beyond where they had
entered the woody labyrinth on the previous day, but their guide was at
no loss, and after about an hour's walking the black set up a long, low,
penetrating, owl-like cry, which before long was answered from
apparently a great distance, but which must have been close at hand, for
before a couple of minutes had elapsed a pair of the pigmies glided into
sight, turned and led the way back from which they had come, guiding the
party through many devious windings amongst the trees, right to their
amphitheatre-like camp.

And now there was no display of bent bow and arrow drawn to the head,
but the members of the little tribe stood waiting between the trees in
solemn silence, watching their visitors to see what they would do.

"Water, Mak," cried the doctor. "Tell them what I want. You have been
here twice, Mark, and can guide me to the spot where the little fellow
lies."

"Yes, all right," said Mark eagerly, and he made one or two attempts to
find the place he wanted, but gave up, with a look of annoyance. "You
see, we came in a different way yesterday, and that has bothered me,
because the trees are all alike right round, and--here, one of you--I
mean you," he continued, beckoning to the little fellow he supposed to
be a chief. "Wounded pigmy--bad arm--doctor's come to see him. Come,
surely you can understand that?"

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Dean. "I say, Mark, you are getting on badly with
the language! I could have managed it as well as that."

"Well, go on; why don't you manage?" cried Mark. Dean accepted the
challenge, took a step or two, caught the little chief by the arm,
pointed in amongst the trees, and then put his hand to his own face and
closed his eyes as if sleeping.

The little chief watched him attentively, and then led them in between
the