The woman, who seemed to have suddenly remembered a great deal of English, smiled blandly, and took hold of the dog’s muzzle, as Duke raised himself on his hind-legs and placed his paws on her chest.
“Did you see the lion?”
“Yes; no hurt,” said Tanta pleasantly. “Too much eat. Baas Joe die?”
“No!” cried Dyke, angrily, annoyed with the woman, and against himself for his unnecessary fear. “But what do you want?”
“Milk cow—say moo-ooo!”
She produced a capital imitation of the animal’s lowing, and laughed merrily as it was answered from the shed.
“Only one cow. Lion eat much.”
“Oh yes, I know all about that,” cried Dyke; “but I thought you had gone.”
“Jack take away. No top. Jack tief.”
“Yes, I know that; but do you mean Jack made you go away?”