"No savvy, m'sieu, no savvy." The Bantu shook his head and absolutely refused to say another word in spite of threats and commands.
"Come on," said Critch disgustedly. "He's wise to something but he won't let on. There's Cap'n Mac. Shut up."
They rejoined the captain and Mr. Wallace in the bow. Evidently the Scotchman had neither seen nor heard anything unusual, for he at once plunged into discussing plans with Mr. Wallace.
"Look here," he said finally. "I can't give up that cook o' yours, Wallace! Ye've got a good Scots name too. S'pose we make one party?"
"One party!" exclaimed Mr. Wallace. "I thought you were going more to the east?"
"Aye, but I ain't over parteec'lar. Mind, I'm no sayin' I'll go clear to the Makua wi' ye, but I may."
"Here's John with the dinner," said Mr. Wallace. "We'll talk it over while we eat. Looks mighty good to me, Montenay! I'd like you to go with us if you will."
"Hello, what's this stuff?" cried Burt as he leaned over his bowl and sniffed suspiciously. John stood by with a triumphant grin.
"Smells good," commented Critch. Captain Mac, as they had come to call him, winked at Mr. Wallace.
"It's vera good for fever," he said solemnly. "They make it out o' chopped snakes an' nigger bones."