“Say Hayti too, my lad.”
“No, sir,” said Murray, smiling, his face looking bright in the warm glow spread by the tremendous fire now burning. “I can’t say any more, for I have heard so little about these people and their religion.”
“I expect you know as much as I do, Murray, my lad. This is Obeah, isn’t it? Serpent worship, Caesar?”
“Yes, massa. Not good for Bri’sh officer and brave sailor. Snake in big box. Priest show um to people. Obeah. Berry dreadful, sah.”
“Very dreadful nonsense, Murray,” said the lieutenant to his companion, in a low tone. Then speaking aloud: “And what is it all for?”
The black shook his head.
“Caesar can’t tell, massa. Priest show big snake Caesar people. Make all see fire and fight.”
“Aha! Fight, eh?” said the lieutenant, after a glance at Murray.
“Yes, massa; make people fight—kill.”
“Fight and kill us?” said Mr Anderson.