In the territory comprised between two degrees of latitude we are sure to meet with strange customs and curious phenomena on the part of the Monbuttoos. Their country is, in some sort, the border-land of eccentricity.
In reply to Munza's enquiry as to what assistance we could render him in case he should have to fight against powerful tribes, de Morin thought it prudent to say, for all of us, that we should take up arms only if we were attacked personally.
"It is a question," he continued, "of a journey and a peaceful expedition rather than of a war, and you will be pleasing our sister if you fall in with our ideas."
"I would willingly do so," replied Munza, "if I could. But I have frequently waged war against my neighbours, and as soon as they see me advancing with my army, the weak will take to flight after burning their crops, so as to starve me, and the strong will attack me—I must defend myself, and you must help me."
"If you are attacked," said de Morin, "without provocation, we shall consider ourselves as attacked also, and we shall have no hesitation in joining our forces to yours."
"You have in your possession," said the King, "plenty of arms like those you have shown me, those pieces of wood and iron which make thunder, have you not?"
"Yes," answered de Morin, "all my soldiers are so armed."
"You have some to spare, also. Will you lend them to my troops and teach them how to use them? We should be invincible then."
"No," said our friend, boldly; "I will not do that."
"Why?" asked the King, quickly.