Once more the frightful roar reached their ears, followed by shrieks and wails. For a moment they studied the blanched faces before them in the vain hope that they might betray some clew to the solution of the mystery.
“We are certainly up against it. Let’s go outside. Perhaps we can learn something definite there.”
Throwing light blankets over their shoulders they started toward the door. As they reached it they nearly collided with a man who was dashing in.
Half-naked, with streaming, dishevelled hair and bulging, startled eyes, he was a picture of the kind of fear that borders on insanity.
“I have heard with my own ears, and I have seen with my own eyes,” he shrieked, waving his trembling hands over his head, “and I shall carry the image of it into my grave.”
“Who is he?” Stanley asked Soncco.
“He is Lolo, one of the officers of the guard.”
“Lolo, having heard and seen, you will tell me everything. Talk slowly and distinctly and keep nothing from me. Remember, your king commands it.” Stanley addressed the man in a tone of authority.
This in a measure brought the officer to his senses, but the look of bewilderment did not leave his eyes, and his face retained the expression of fright and suffering. He bowed low, unsteadily, and asked forgiveness for intruding into the royal quarters without permission.
“It is all right,” Stanley reassured him; “think as clearly as you can, and tell us plainly what happened. We understand your position.”