"Then why attempt the impossible? Look at the matter reasonably, calmly."
"I don't think I am agitated, Herr Reinecke. But go on."
"The position--what is it? You British are outnumbered. You have no forces equal to ours, even as they are; and I tell you we shall have ten times as many in a few months. Paris has fallen: your empire is broken up: your navy is defeated----"
"Come now, Herr Reinecke, don't draw the long bow."
"I assure you the news has gone all over the world," said Reinecke emphatically. "What can you do? We shall shortly capture Abercorn: already we have taken Mombasa and Nairobi; there will soon be no more British East Africa. It is certain. Well now, I make a proposition. I wish to be fair. The plantation is of course confiscated; it will now be mine, solely. That is the fortune of war. But you are young, hot-headed. I would do something for the sake of my late partner. Abandon this folly, then, while there is time; and I give my word to send you safe into British territory."
"And you make that proposition to me!" cried Tom, enraged by the mention of his father: "you, the man who has systematically robbed your partner, falsified the books, tried to murder me! I should be a fool indeed if I placed reliance on the word of a man like you. Save your breath, Herr Reinecke.... Ah! it is time for us to go." Mwesa had just appeared in the doorway. "Get up! don't try any tricks: I have given you fair warning."
Mwesa had come to report the return of the first contingent of Wahehe. They had established a camp some eight miles from the plantation.
"Very well," said Tom. "Let them take up as many of the remaining loads as they can carry. I shall soon be with you."
He clapped his hands. Mirami entered.
"Bring the lanterns, you and your fellows, and meet me at the front door," said Tom.