"We are too few," said Muata, after turning the matter over. "Now, if you could bring some of your friends to help, it might be done."
"I am alone, and you are great warriors. Your name has gone abroad."
"How? You know us, then?"
"All white men are the same in battle," said the other, quickly.
"Think over my words—that some men are wanted. There must be men to guard our canoe, others to watch for the return of the robbers from across the river. You must get men, otherwise we do nothing."
The canoe-man pondered, then he clapped his hand over his mouth.
"Yoh! The fear of death confused me, and drove from my thought that my brother is near with warriors protecting the gardens."
"Good, then. Go to your brother. Bring him and his warriors to the point you spoke of, light a fire there to guide us, and in the dark we will join you."
Muata hauled on the rope, boarded the Okapi, and set the canoe adrift.
"Do as I have said—gather the men quickly, light a fire, guide us to the hiding-place, and in the morning we will share the riches. Hurry!"