"These are strange words, Muata. What are you talking about?"
"I talk of the plan that is made by Hassan to destroy utterly my people in the Garden of Rest," said the chief, gloomily—"the secret hiding whence I went forth against the man-stealers. Hassan comes hither in the morning, and with these eaters of men, these jackals of the wood, he will go on his way."
"I see," said Mr. Hume, slowly. "They are not on our trail."
"Let us go for them now," said Compton, who had been eagerly listening.
Muata paid no heed to the words.
"There must be a new plan, chief," said Mr. Hume.
"And what says the great one?"
"There is only one good plan, Muata, but you have yourself opposed it."
"What is the plan, my father?"
"We should get to the Garden of Rest in advance of the enemy, and be ready to beat them off. That would be the best way, but you have said you would not lead us to your secret hiding."