any fool might know," he said.

"I can pay for it," said Werper.

Abdul Mourak laughed loudly. "Pay for it?" he cried. "What
with--the rags that you have upon your back? Or, perhaps you are
concealing beneath your coat a thousand pounds of ivory. Get out!
You are a fool. Do not bother me again or I shall have you whipped."

But Werper persisted. His liberty and perhaps his life depended
upon his success.

"Listen to me," he pleaded. "If I can give you as much gold as ten
men may carry will you promise that I shall be conducted in safety
to the nearest English commissioner?"

"As much gold as ten men may carry!" repeated Abdul Mourak. "You
are crazy. Where have you so much gold as that?"

"I know where it is hid," said Werper. "Promise, and I will lead
you to it--if ten loads is enough?"

Abdul Mourak had ceased to laugh. He was eyeing the Belgian
intently. The fellow seemed sane enough--yet ten loads of gold! It
was preposterous. The Abyssinian thought in silence for a moment.

"Well, and if I promise," he said. "How far is this gold?"

"A long week's march to the south," replied Werper.