“He says there are many ill, and many wounded, and that they have buried many under the palm-trees,” said Gray, in a low sad voice, “and that when the young chief, Ali, came upon them, they were at the last extremity from weakness and hunger.”
Rachel Linton uttered a low wail, but on Mrs Major Sandars passing an arm round her, she made an effort and mastered her emotion, fixing her eyes on Adam Gray as, in a low, deep voice he continued the narrative after, at Captain Smithers’ wish, again questioning the Malay.
“He says that after giving him the message to bear, the young chief, Ali, left him, saying that he was about to try and join the party in the old stockade, and fight with them to the end!”
There was a mournful silence at this, and for a few moments no one spoke. Then Captain Smithers leaned towards Lieutenant Johnson.
“Have you any questions to put?” he said.
“Yes,” replied the lieutenant, and he turned round to their interpreter.
“Tell me, Gray, what is your opinion of the messenger?”
“At first, sir, I thought him genuine; but since then, there is something in his manner that makes me doubt the truth of his tale.”
“And yet it seems feasible?”
“Yes, sir, it does; and I confess I have little cause for doubting him; but still I do.”