“That the chief’s arm will soon be well; that the young chief his son will soon be well; and that the great Hakim and his slaves are to have no fear, for the Baggara are their friends.”
“Yes, and mean to keep the Hakim and his slaves as prisoners as long as there are any cripples to cure,” said the professor merrily.
“I suppose that is what it means,” said the doctor quietly.
“That’s it, sure enough,” said the professor; “and we shall reach Khartoum, Frank, in half the time we should have managed it in if we had been left to ourselves.”
Frank shook his head sadly.
“What! you doubt?” cried the professor. “Here, Ibrahim, what do you say to that?”
“His Excellency is quite right,” replied the Sheikh. “We should have had to wander here and there, and have met with many hindrances by having to stay to perform cures of the sick people. Yes, it would have been a journey of many weary months.”
“It will take much time now,” said the professor, “but it looks as if we were really bound due south.”
“I suppose there is a party of wounded men on the way?” said the doctor.
“Yes, they follow the chief’s visits,” said the professor. “My word! learned one, your post is going to be no sinecure. Hah! here comes the first instalment.”