“This is dreadful,” said Captain Smithers. “How we have been deluded!”
He took a few steps to and fro, and then paused before Ali, gazing at him searchingly.
“Sir,” he said, “we are each of different nations, and your people are at war with mine. Why should I trust you? why should I believe in your words? How do I know that I am not talking to one who believes it to be a virtue to slay people of my creed?”
Ali looked at him wonderingly for a few moments before he spoke, slowly,—
“Because you know that I am honest,” he said; “and if I am not, you have your resource there. Kill me.”
Captain Smithers resumed his agitated walk to and fro.
“This is dreadful!” he said, excitedly. “Those poor fellows have been inveigled away like the hunting-party, and perhaps by this time there is a second massacre.”
“I think you exaggerate,” said Ali, quietly. “The hunting-party have been led away by a ruse, and the steamer sent upon an errand by a clever trick. But Captain Horton and Major Sandars are not men to give up the lives of their following without a bitter struggle. And as for Lieutenant Johnson—”
“And Mr Roberts,” interposed Tom Long.
“Yes, with Mr Roberts,” said Ali, “he is too strong in guns and men to be easily overcome, unless by—”