At the bungalow Bwana had met the returning adventurers on the verandah. In a moment of wakefulness he had heard the report of Hanson’s rifle far out across the plain, and wondered what it might mean. Presently it had occurred to him that the man whom he considered in the light of a guest might have met with an accident on his way back to camp, so he had arisen and gone to his foreman’s quarters where he had learned that Hanson had been there earlier in the evening but had departed several hours before. Returning from the foreman’s quarters Bwana had noticed that the corral gate was open and further investigation revealed the fact that Meriem’s pony was gone and also the one most often used by Baynes. Instantly Bwana assumed that the shot had been fired by Hon. Morison, and had again aroused his foreman and was making preparations to set forth in investigation when he had seen the party approaching across the plain.
Explanation on the part of the Englishman met a rather chilly reception from his host. Meriem was silent. She saw that Bwana was angry with her. It was the first time and she was heart broken.
“Go to your room, Meriem,” he said; “and Baynes, if you will step into my study, I’d like to have a word with you in a moment.”
He stepped toward Hanson as the others turned to obey him. There was something about Bwana even in his gentlest moods that commanded instant obedience.
“How did you happen to be with them, Hanson?” he asked.
“I’d been sitting in the garden,” replied the trader, “after leaving Jervis’ quarters. I have a habit of doing that as your lady probably knows. Tonight I fell asleep behind a bush, and was awakened by them two spooning. I couldn’t hear what they said, but presently Baynes brings two ponies and they ride off. I didn’t like to interfere for it wasn’t any of my business, but I knew they hadn’t ought to be ridin’ about that time of night, leastways not the girl—it wasn’t right and it wasn’t safe. So I follows them and it’s just as well I did. Baynes was gettin’ away from the lion as fast as he could, leavin’ the girl to take care of herself, when I got a lucky shot into the beast’s shoulder that fixed him.”
Hanson paused. Both men were silent for a time. Presently the trader coughed in an embarrassed manner as though there was something on his mind he felt in duty bound to say, but hated to.
“What is it, Hanson?” asked Bwana. “You were about to say something weren’t you?”
“Well, you see it’s like this,” ventured Hanson. “Bein’ around here evenings a good deal I’ve seen them two together a lot, and, beggin’ your pardon, sir, but I don’t think Mr. Baynes means the girl any good. I’ve overheard enough to make me think he’s tryin’ to get her to run off with him.” Hanson, to fit his own ends, hit nearer the truth than he knew. He was afraid that Baynes would interfere with his own plans, and he had hit upon a scheme to both utilize the young Englishman and get rid of him at the same time.
“And I thought,” continued the trader, “that inasmuch as I’m about due to move you might like to suggest to Mr. Baynes that he go with me. I’d be willin’ to take him north to the caravan trails as a favor to you, sir.”