The old man bowed his head.
"I trade in ivory," said Cæsar, "black ivory. You understand what I mean. Now, listen to my command. I desire twenty more slaves, of your youngest and most able-bodied men. They must be ready to return with me to Makanda before the setting of the sun."
At that the headman threw himself upon the ground.
"It is impossible!" he cried. "Only last moon the great Fire-god took away all the men of the village. No one remains but those who are old, and women and children. The Fire-god can see for himself."
"I do not choose to look," said Cæsar. "As I have said, it is my business to give orders. There is sickness in my camp, and many of my people have died, and more are dying every day. I require others to take their places. If you have no more men, I will take women and children. But I will require two women, or three boys over twelve and under sixteen years of age, for every man. You can please yourself as to which you give me. It is all the same to me."
"It is impossible!" repeated the native.
"Impossible or not," said the Portuguese, "I give you till sunset. If these people are not ready then, the consequence is on your own head. You know how I treated the villages on the other side of the mountain? Your fate will be the same. I will attack by night; I will set fire to every hut; and I will take every one of you to be my slaves."
"Mercy!" cried the native. But Cæsar turned upon his heel, and led the way from the village, followed by his Arabs, who smiled in heartless satisfaction.
Crouch gave time for Cæsar to be well away from the village. Then he crawled out of the hut, and seizing his "blood-brother" by the hand, swore that he would save them all.
At first, he quite failed to gain their confidence. They were convinced in their minds that the Fire-gods were greater than all men, as the strength of the elephant exceeds that of other beasts of the forest.