e.

Taking Aboh with us, when we knew the king was at home, we proceeded
together to his palace. His majesty was seated under the veranda in
front on a pile of matting, with a huge pipe in his mouth, attending to
the affairs of state, for several of his counsellors were seated on
either side of him. Harry, who had learned more of the language than
either Charley or I, and looked considerably older than either of us,
was deputed to be spokesman, having the aid of Aboh as an interpreter,
should he come to a standstill for want of words on his part, or from
not being able to comprehend the meaning of what the king said. He
acquitted himself, as far as we could judge, wonderfully well. He
pointed out that we had been made prisoners when travelling peaceably
through the country, and been compelled to accompany his people, that we
had since then enjoyed our liberty, and that we had made good use of it.
In the first place, by saving his daughter from the wild man of the
woods, then preserving his son from the charge of the buffalo, that we
had killed enough game to support ourselves, and should have been ready
to assist him in any other way in our power, but that we now desired to
return to our own country. That we should be obliged to his majesty if
he would furnish us with the means of proceeding on our journey. The
king, who seemed to understand perfectly what was said--Aboh aiding with
a few words here and there--gave a smile and replied--

"That he would consider the matter, that he esteemed us very much, that
we were good hunters, and had brought peace and prosperity to the
country, as no enemies would dare to attack his people while we remained
with him. But, if you go away, what will become of me?" he asked.

"What shall I say to that?" asked Harry, turning round to Charley and
me.

"Tell the king that he must manage as he did before we had the honour of
making his acquaintance," answered Charley; "that we are very glad to
have been of service to him hitherto, still, that now our hearts are
yearning for home, and that if he detains us against our will, our
spirits will sink, and we shall no longer be able to help him."

The king grinned horribly, and said something of which neither Harry nor
any of us could make out the meaning.

"What did he say?" we inquired of Aboh.

"Him say, cut him head off," answered Aboh; "me tinkee him mean it too."

This was unpleasant information, but we thought it as well not