"He said he was sorry he had suspected you," said Dick.
"What a big fool dis darkey was to run away!" murmured Aleck meditatively. "I wasn't cut out fo' no sailer man. Ise been sick most ebery day since I left shoah. By de way, whar is dis ship bound?" he went on.
"To Africa."
"Africa! Shuah yo' is foolin', Massah Dick?"
"No, I am not. We and our uncle are bound for the Congo River."
"De Congo! Dat's whar my great gran' fadder dun come from—so I heard my mammy tell, years ago. I don't want to go dar, not me!"
"I don't see how you are going to help yourself, Aleck. The first stop this steamer will make will be at Boma on the Congo River."
"'Wot am I to do when I gits dar? answer me dat, chile."
"I'm sure I don't know. Perhaps the captain will let you remain on the Republique."
"What wid dern Frenchmen? I don't t'ink I could stand dat. An' what am yo' going to do in Africa?"