Then all hands shook Carrambo's hard fist, and noting that there was something more than usual on the tapis, Vike must jump up and go dancing all round the fort. But he made his way to the water to finish up with, for racing in Africa is hot work.
Carrambo received his rifle, and that very evening received also his first lessons in the use thereof.
Carrambo was indeed a proud man now.
He held his head erect and said to Duncan:
"We'n King Slaleema he want some piccaniny kill fo' to eat, I bling dat piccaniny down wid one lifel bullet plenty twick."
Then Duncan lost his temper.
He was a strong young Scot and athlete, and Carrambo, tough savage though he was, had no show after Duncan got hold of that rifle.
He wrenched it from his hand before anyone could have said "knife".
"You yellow-skinned scoundrel!" he cried, "you do not touch the rifle again till you promise me on your honour--though I don't suppose that weighs much--that you will never attempt to shoot, even at the king's bidding, any child he wishes to destroy."
Carrambo glanced one moment at Duncan, then, turning on his heel, walked off.