“Ha! it is my servant that speaks,” said the wild man. “Bow low, bow, I tell you!” and he flourished a wooden sword that he held in one hand.
“It is the wild man, sure enough!” whispered Roger, in great excitement.
“And evidently he has been expecting Nat,” returned Dave. “Let us get closer and see what is up.”
They advanced with care until they were behind a tree at the very foot of the rustic bridge. In the meantime Nat had gone forward, bowing low at every step.
“I have brought you something, my king!” 197 cried the money-lender’s son. “Something of great importance to you.”
“What is it?” demanded the wild man, his curiosity excited.
“A new crown. It is of gold, a beautiful crown.”
“Ha! ha! that is well! The King of Sumatra needs a new crown!” cried the wild man, strutting up and down in front of the cabin. “Give it to me, that I may see if it fits.” And he held out his empty hand.
“Let us go into the cabin, and you can sit in your chair of state while I place it on your head,” said Nat, in a soothing, persuasive voice. “You will like it, I know.”
“Did you bring your army with you?” demanded the wild man, suspiciously.