The officer started.
"A machine gun?"
"Yes—a machine gun."
"Monsieur Elbel made no mention of a machine gun."
"No, it is a new acquisition. But if you would like to assure yourself on the point I can convince you."
The officer hesitated. Jack turned to Lepoko.
"Run up and tell Mr. Barney to show the big gun on the blockhouse."
Lepoko ran away.
"It is very hot, monsieur," said Jack pleasantly. "The rains, I am told by my friends the chiefs here, are long overdue. I am afraid you would have found your journey rather more difficult if it had been a little later, with the river in flood.—Ah! there it is!"
A number of men had hoisted the gun on to the edge of the parapet, in full view of the group below.