The boys thought he was gone for good; but presently he returned, holding in his hand a long thin root.
This he cut in two with his knife.
He placed one half in his bosom, and gave the other to Duncan.
"Carrambo plomise. Suppose Carrambo bleak dat plomise, den de debbil he cut Carrambo's heart in two, and take he away to de ver bad place."
This was an oath, though of a curious sort, but Duncan knew that this strange being would keep it, and so the rifle was restored.
The Somali now went off to see the king, but he first and foremost delivered the rifle into Conal's keeping.
Presently he returned laughing.
"De king--ha, ha!--he want to see you, foh tlue."
"Yes?"
"And he vant to see you vely mooch dilectly."