“What do you think of this?” cried Mark, as he checked himself in laying his hand upon the scar of the pigmy’s wounded shoulder and placed it upon his right.
And now for the first time the little fellow displayed animation, for he snatched the hand away quickly and placed it upon the scar.
“Oh, very well,” said Mark. “I was afraid of hurting you. Well, Mak, aren’t you surprised?”
The black shook his head, and then quietly nodded it.
“Come,” he said. “Pig come.”
“Thank you,” said Mark, laughing; “but we knew that. Well, we will chance whether the boss likes it or not; tell Dan we shall want some breakfast before we start.”
“Yes, mps,” said the black, nodding his head. “Coff. Plenty eat;” and he went away.
“Well, jump down, little one,” said Mark. “Come on, Dean; there’s a splendid chance here for a dip, so let’s go and have one. Pig here won’t mind.”
He leaped down, and the little fellow followed him at once, Dean coming last.
“I say,” said Mark merrily, “that’s better, young fellow. You can get along now without being carried in a basket. But I can’t understand how you managed to get right so soon.”