"I hope you were not so foolish as to fall into the trap?" said the hunter, sharply.
"I kicked him out of the place," said Compton. "I told Venning you were playing a game for Muata's life."
"You did me justice?" said Mr. Hume, with his gaze on Venning.
"It seemed to me terrible to leave him without a word of encouragement," said the boy; "but I am awfully sorry I doubted you, sir."
"You don't now, eh? Well, that's all right, and I think the chief knows too. That is why he spouted the water over you."
"A strange way of showing his gratitude," laughed the boy, with a reddening face at the thought of the outrage.
"Not so strange. He saw the Belgians, and did it to put them off their guard."
"That ought to help us in our plans for his escape."
"We have plans, have we?"
"You have," said Compton, confidently; "and your plan is our plan."