“This Noko,” Migo introduced him. “This man his name Holton, this man name Lewis. These Bob and Joe.”
The towering native smiled broadly and bowed. Then he listened to what Migo had to say.
“They want you guide them into unknown land,” Migo resumed. “They want shoot, hunt. Will you do it?”
“Yes, bwana [master], I will go,” Noko said to the naturalists. “Where you want hunt?”
“In the Forest of Mystery,” said Mr. Holton. “You know where that is, do you not?”
Noko nodded vehemently.
“Yes, bwana,” he told them. “Noko been there two time. It ver’ strange place. See strange things. Strange animals. There some bad men dere. Use long spears. They kill hunters. Noko not see them, but hear about them. Baya sana [very bad]!”
“That is indeed unfortunate,” said Mr. Lewis. “But we are willing to take the chance, if you are.”
Noko bowed.
“It well, then,” he said. “Noko will go into strange forest. Noko not afraid.”