have gone down to bay, steal his boat and leave him behind, because
Asika no want _him_."

Alan made no answer. He was too tired, and although he trusted Fahni, it
seemed likely enough that Jeekie was right, or perhaps the cannibals had
not been able to get the boat. Well, he had done his best, and if Fate
overtook them it was no fault of his. He began to doze, for even their
imminent peril could not keep his eyes open, then presently awoke with
a start, for in his sleep he thought he heard the sounds of paddles
beating the quiet water. Yes, there dimly seen through the mist, was a
canoe, and seated in the stern of it Fahni. So that danger had gone by
also.

He woke his companions, who slept at his side, and very silently they
rose, stepping from rock to rock till they reached the canoe and entered
it. It was not a large craft, barely big enough to hold them all indeed,
but they found room, and then at a sign from Fahni the oarsmen gave way
so heartily that within half an hour they had lost sight of the accursed
shores of Asiki-land, although presently its mountains showed up clearly
beneath the moon.

Meanwhile Fahni had told his tale. It appeared that when he reached the
bay he found the Asiki headman who dwelt there, and those under him, in
a state of considerable excitement.

Rumours had reached them that someone had escaped from Bonsa Town; they
thought it was the Mungana. Fahni asked who had brought the rumour,
whereon the headman answered that it came "in a dream," and would say no
more. Then he demanded the canoe which had been promised to him and his
people, and the headman admitted that it was ready in accordance with