"Quickly," said Abdul, and the paddlers stroked furiously, then stopped.
Ahead was the Zaire, a trim, white steamer, alive with Houssas.
"It is God's will," said Abdul. "These things are ordained."
He said no more until he stood before Sanders, and the Commissioner was not especially communicative.
"What will you do with me?" asked Abdul.
"I will tell you when I have seen your stores," said Sanders. "If I find rifles such as the foolish Lobolo people buy, I shall hang you according to law."
The Arab looked at the shaking Arachi. The borrower's knees wobbled fearfully.
"I see," said Abdul thoughtfully, "that this man whom I made rich has betrayed me."
If he had hurried or moved jerkily Sanders would have prevented the act; but the Arab searched calmly in the fold of his bournous as though seeking a cigarette.
His hand came out, and with it a curved knife.