After a brief conference we decided not to put down the top again, as the San Blas might take a notion to shoot at any time, and their arrows, while they might not penetrate the netted glass of the dome, might mow us down quickly if we were exposed to them.
But I did not like to acknowledge that we were afraid, either; so I let down the steps and opened the rear door, and Bry and Nux and myself all descended to the ground and grouped ourselves carelessly near the car, leaving Moit alone in the machine.
As soon as we appeared the natives began to come nearer, in a curious observant crowd. Then one who was doubtless a chief came forward and said that the King Nalig-Nad desired his brother kings to attend him at once in his palace.
“In our country,” answered Bry, gravely, “it is the custom when kings meet to honor each other in turn. Yesterday we waited upon Nalig-Nad; today he must wait upon us.”
“But he is the great King of the Techlas!” protested the other, as if amazed that the command could be disregarded.
“And we are the mighty Kings of Tayakoo, which numbers more people than the leaves of the forest,” replied Bry, drawing himself up proudly and frowning upon the other. “Take your master our answer, slave!”
The fellow obeyed; but the king was in no hurry to come.
His daughter arrived, though, fresh and beautiful as a rose in bloom, and the natives made way for her as she pressed through the group.
“A greeting to my friends!” she said in English, and peered into the car in search of Duncan Moit.
“Enter, Princess,” said I, holding open the door.