Henry Stolburst placed his hand over the wound made by the removal of his ear.
“I understand,” said the Abyssinian. “Ashah says he is soon to cut off the other.”
The explorer gave a great start. He was a brave man, but tears came to his eyes despite his efforts to keep them back. If his life was spared, how could he go out in the world maimed as he was?
Only one ear—perhaps none! What would people say who met him? His mental agony was far more keen than his physical sufferings.
“Did Ashah tell you this?”
“Yes.”
“There must be some mistake.”
“No; if Ajeeb has not the Eye of Jobu in his possession four days hence, you will lose the other ear.”
“Great Heaven! Can such things be in America?” exclaimed Henry Stolburst.
It is strange, but true, that this man was actually tortured as described in the heart of New York City. Thousands daily passed the house in which he was a prisoner, but no cry of his could reach them. He might as well be in the depth of Africa as in that cellar, as far as making himself heard outside was concerned.