"Will you come and have a talk with us?"
"No want to talk. Want the white man to leave," answered the
African chief, talking in fairly good English.
"We do not wish to quarrel with you, King Susko; but you will find it best for you if you will grant us an interview," went on Randolph Rover.
"The white man must go away from this mountain. I will not talk with him," replied the African angrily.
"Do you know why we are here?"
"To rob the Bumwos of their gold."
"No; we are looking for a lost man, one who came to this country years ago and one who was your prisoner—"
"The white man is no longer here—he went home long time ago."
"We do not believe you!" cried Tom. "You have him a prisoner, and unless you deliver him up you shall suffer dearly for it."
This threat evidently angered the African chief greatly, for suddenly a spear was launched at the boy, which pierced Tom's shoulder.