“Well,” said the doctor, “as everything depends upon their treating us well, and I occupy so critical a position, I must do my best.”
“Which we know you will,” said the professor, “of course. But they are not likely to keep us long, are they, Ibrahim—only while their chiefs wound is bad?”
“It is impossible to say, Excellency. It is a dangerous position.”
“Then if we get a chance of leaving it we must seize it. They don’t seem very grateful or friendly even now.”
“Your Excellency is not quite right,” said the Sheikh gravely. “Behold!”
He pointed to four of the Baggara coming towards the tent, and all well laden. One bore a fine young kid, another half a dozen chickens in an open basket in one hand, while slung over his shoulder were a large bunch of bananas and a bunch of dates. The others bore each a large bag of meal.
These they set down at once at the Hakim’s feet, bowing solemnly and low the while, and went off without a word.
“Come, doctor,” said the professor merrily, as soon as the men were out of hearing, “you never had such a fee as that before!”
“And look at its value as a token of friendliness on our captors’ behalf!” cried Frank eagerly.
“It’s splendid!” said the professor. “All that payment in kind, far better than guineas out here, for medicine and attendance to one man.”