"Of course I could not break up the party," said Compton, eagerly; "but you will think over Venning's proposal, won't you, sir? We have come to explore the forest. Let us begin now when we have such a good reason."
"Do you hear, Muata; the young men say that we should all follow on the trail?"
"It is my quarrel," said the chief, not jumping at the offer.
Mr. Hume smoked in silence.
"Yet the man-eaters are strong," Muata said presently.
"They have also guns given by the man-stealers. The great one and the young lions would be worth many men; but the forest is dark, the way is hard, and not fit for white men."
Mr. Hume grunted.
"When Muata goes on the war-path, he fights his own way, on his own plan. On the war-path Muata is chief."
The hunter turned his calm eyes on the wild river-man.
"Chief of one."