Degberra again hesitated, but warned by his brother's look that he had better obey, he answered—
"He begged me not to tell you. He feared you, and knew that you had prevented another traveller from going southwards."
"Why do you not say at once," exclaimed Munza, "that you were paid by him for your silence and your treason? You exact tribute from all foreigners, and, to avoid sharing it with me, you conceal from me the fact of their having been with you. But I have already told you that I will pardon you on condition that you speak the truth. How long did your guest stay with you?"
"I do not remember," said Degberra. "From one moon to another, I think."
"Was his caravan a numerous one?"
"No; during his stay amongst the Zandeys, the small-pox committed great ravages amongst his soldiers and bearers."
"Did he appear to be in good health?"
"Yes, as long as he was with us; but he had suffered from fever in the marshes amongst other tribes."
All these questions took a long time to ask, and still longer to answer.
"You treated him well, at all events?" resumed Munza.