They finally came to us, however, hand in hand, and both their faces were radiant with bliss.
“Ama is coming with us,” announced Paul; “for whether Katalat’s story is true or not the Tcha believe him and this is no place for Ama hereafter. She will wear the extra gas-jacket and I’ll take care of her myself.”
Chaka approached and shook the hands of both very warmly.
“You will be happy, and I am glad,” he remarked simply, and the poor fellow was not to blame if his smile was a little sad and wistful.
“When shall we start?” I asked abruptly, to change the subject.
“At once,” replied our leader.
“Sorry we didn’t get more rubies,” said Archie.
“I’ve a few in my pocket yet, but most of them I left in my room over there,” indicating with a jerk of his thumb the palace of the priests.
Ama turned to him. “I have many of the red stones here, if you wish them,” she said.
“They will be very useful to us all in the world I am taking you to,” asserted Paul, being recalled to the practical side of our undertaking. Perhaps he had lost sight of the fact that Ama was not the only treasure he desired.