"Master, the man has died," he said.
Sanders looked at him narrowly.
"Which man?"
"The man you chicotted with your own hand," said Abiboo.
Now, the Commissioner had neither chicotted a man, nor had he ordered punishment, but he replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "I will see him."
On the edge of the camp there was a little group about a prostrate figure. The Houssas fell apart with black looks as Sanders came near, and there was some muttering. Though Sanders did not see it, M'Lino looked strangely at Ahmid, a Houssa, who took up his rifle and went stealthily into the bush.
The Commissioner bent over the man who lay there, felt his breast, and detected no beat of heart.
"Get me my medicine chest," he said, but none obeyed him.
"Sergeant," he repeated, "bring my medicine chest!"
Abiboo saluted slowly, and, with every appearance of reluctance, went.