"It is true," cried the young Englishman, his anger rising in a flood. "I know it. The employment of slaves is a sin in the eyes of both God and man. Justice is the duty of every one; and that is why we have meddled--as you call it--in your affairs."
"I have already pointed out," said Cæsar, "that the laws of civilization do not apply to Makanda. But that is beside the mark. I understand you are a doctor, that you have had some sort of medical training."
Max answered that that was so.
"Do you understand the treatment of cholera?"
"I know the various methods that have been tried," said Max; "but, as you probably know, they are seldom successful."
It was at that moment that Max heard a loud groan which issued from a hut not far away.
"Do you hear that?" asked Cæsar.
Max nodded his head.
"That is my friend, de Costa. When he returned to the stockade this evening he was taken ill with cholera. I went to look at him an hour ago, just before my sentry informed me that you were in the quarry. He is dying."
"How does that concern me?" asked Max.