To face [page 275].
"Back to your seat, jackanapes!" cried Hanno, severely, "and don't speak another word until I give you leave."
For a moment Jonah's dignity seemed somewhat wounded, and he hesitated about complying; but upon my promising him a good skin of wine, he returned to his shrine without further murmuring. Hanno re-arranged the trumpery jewellery with which the god was bedecked, and Bichri whistled the monkey back to his own shoulder.
"Here's a messenger," said Hanno, "that I think will answer my purpose very well."
And turning to the creature, who was making the oddest grimaces, he said:
"Now, Gebal, take this to Hamilcar, quick; and you shall have some cake."
The monkey appeared perfectly to comprehend what was wanted, snatched the piece of skin that was held out to it, gnashed its teeth, and on three legs hopped rapidly out of the temple. A buzz of mingled surprise and fright made us aware that the animal had passed through the crowd outside.
"So far, so good," said Hanno; "now for the next scene. You must all prostrate yourselves to the ground before Jonah. I am going to recall the Suomi."