The chief nodded. "Now you know who that stranger was who came with his long story."
"One black chap is like another," muttered Compton.
"Who was he?" asked Mr. Hume.
"The servant of the white chiefs who bound me."
"The Zanzibari boy!" exclaimed Venning. "My Jenkins!"
"Why didn't you knock the beggar overboard?" said Compton. "What cheek!"
"Does he know you recognized him?" said Mr. Hume.
"The dog was afraid; but at the last he went away, thinking he led Muata by a rope, as he would lead a goat. Had Hassan, the wolf, tried to blind Muata so, then——" The chief touched the hilt of his knife.
"Let us hear the story."
Muata repeated the whole conversation with much byplay, even imitating the tones, the nervousness, and the sly glances of the Zanzibar spy, for nothing had escaped his keen glance.