"I think I did see one. Humph! you can rest assured that very few natives will remain in the neighborhood when a volcano is spouting fire. I even wonder that Sumo——"
As if the name carried the magic power of conjuring, it was barely uttered when the bushes on the left slope of the ravine parted and the giant porter strode into view.
"Hail, masters," he said, stopping and wiping his perspiring face.
"Where have you been? What have you seen?" asked Nattie and Mori, in a breath.
"I was in chase of the devil with the red beard."
"Did you see him?"
Sumo laughed grimly.
"Yes, as the hunter sees the hawk in its flight," he replied. "Red-beard is swift in his pace when danger threatens."
"Did you see the others?" eagerly asked Nattie.