"He sees Veena, who is kept a prisoner. She is not dead, as you feared, but is being held for a big bargain with Chief Mobogoma, just as Kulki told us. Jess Slythe is asking a big price for the white princess."
"How far away is she, O Tahara?" asked Raal anxiously.
Dick translated the question for the Mahatma who answered, stroking his beard:
"The village is a day's march from here."
"Then let us go at once, O Master. The bargain may be made quickly and after she is once in the hands of Mobogoma, she will be lost to us. Hurry, O Tahara!" Raal threw himself at Dick's feet.
"Yes, Raal, we will go soon," answered Dick. "And perhaps Mahatma Sikandar will ask one of his tribesmen to guide us in the shortest way!"
The Mahatma nodded his head. "I will take counsel with my chief and it will be decided," he said slowly.
Dick rose and looked about as if he intended to order the men to get ready. But Dan put up a detaining hand, "Not so fast, Dick! There is plenty of time." Dan rubbed his stomach, "Don't you smell the eats? That fruit and water we got a little while ago was just an appetizer. I'm hungry as a bear!"
"Not thus does a man gain wisdom," muttered the Mahatma. "It is by fasting and meditation."
Raal was scowling angrily at Dan but Dick quieted him.