creeping up to Alan, for Jeekie he would not approach, whispered:

"Not Asiki, Ogula chief and slaves who left Bonsa Town yesterday."

They crept nearer the fire and saw that this was so. Then rejoicing
exceedingly, they awoke the old chief, Fahni, who at first thought they
must be spirits. But when he recognized Alan, he flung himself on his
knees and kissed his hand, because to him he owed his liberty.

"No time for all that, Fahni," said Alan. "Give us food."

Now of this as it chanced there was plenty, since by the Asika's orders
the slaves had been laden with as much as they could carry. They ate of
it ravenously, and while they ate, told Fahni something of the story of
their escape. The old chief listened amazed, but like Jeekie asked Alan
why he had not killed the Mungana, who would have killed him.

Alan, who was in no mood for long explanations, answered that he had
kept him with them because he might be useful.

"Yes, yes, friend, I see," exclaimed the old cannibal, "although he is
so thin he will always make a meal or two at a pinch. Truly white men
are wise and provident. Like the ants, you take thought for the morrow."

As soon as they had swallowed their food they started all together, for
although Alan pointed out to Fahni that he might be safer apart, the old
chief who had a real affection for him, would not be persuaded to leave
him.

"Let us live or die together," he said.