"Indeed we do, white lord," answered the old chief, "but how can we? The
Asika has a grudge against our tribe and but for you would have killed
every one of us last night. We are snared and must stop here till we
die."

"Would not your people help you if they knew, Fahni?"

"Yes, lord, I think so. But how can I tell them who doubtless believe us
dead? Nor can I send a messenger, for this place is guarded and he would
be killed at once. We came here for your sake because you had Little
Bonsa, a god that is known in the east and the west, in the north and
the south, and because you saved me from the lion, and here, alas! we
must perish."

"Jeekie," said Alan, "can you not find a messenger? Have you, who were
born of this people, no friend among them at all?"

Jeekie shook his white head and rolled his eyes. Then suddenly an idea
struck him.

"Yes," he said, "I think one, p'raps. I mean my ma."

"Your ma!" said Alan. "Oh! I remember. Have you heard anything more
about her?"

"Yes, Major. Very old girl now, but strong on leg, so they say. Believe
she glad go anywhere, because she public nuisance; they tired of her in
prison and there no workhouse here, so they want turn her out starve,
which of course break my heart. Perhaps she take message. Some use that