ilds and deserts separating that region from
the Nile and Fashoda, then at present they could not at all understand
in what manner "the little Pole," as they called Stas, not only
accomplished that but appeared before them as the leader of a caravan,
armed with European weapons--with an elephant bearing a palanquin, with
horses, tents, and a considerable supply of provisions. At the sight of
this, the captain spread out his arms and said every little while:
"Clary, I have seen a great deal but I have not seen such a boy,"--and
the honest doctor repeated with no less astonishment: "And he rescued
the little one from slavery and saved her!" After which he hastened to
the tents to see how the children were and whether they slept well.

And the children, having appeased their thirst and hunger and changed
their clothes, slept as though slain, during the whole of the following
day; the people in their caravan did the same. Captain Glenn tried to
question Kali about Stas' deeds and adventures during the journey, but
the young negro, opening one eye, only answered: "The great master can
do everything,"--and again fell asleep. It positively became necessary
to postpone questions and explanations for a few days.

In the meantime the two friends conferred over the return journey to
Mombasa. They had, as it was, penetrated farther and explored more
territory than they were commissioned to; they decided, therefore, to
return without delay. The captain indeed was lured very much by that
lake unknown to geography, but a regard for the health of the children
and a desire to return them as quickly as possible to their afflicted
fathers prevailed. The doctor insisted, however, that it would be
necessary to rest on the cool heights of Kenia Mountain or Mount
Kilima-Njaro. From there they also decided to send news to the parents
and summon them to come to Mombasa.

The return journey began, after due rest and baths in the warm springs,
on the third day. It was at the same time a day of parting from Kali.
Stas persuaded the little one that to take him farther with them--to
the ocean or to Egypt--would be selfishness on their part. He said to
her that in Egypt, and even in England, Kali would be nothing more than
a servant, while when he assumed the government of his nation, he, as
king, could spread and establish Christianity, soften the savage
customs of the Wahimas, and make of them not only a civilized but a
good people. The same thin