While thus speaking, Terence, assisted by Colin, took hold of Bill and tried to drag him to his feet; but the old sailor obstinately persisted in remaining upon the ground.
“Perhaps I could walk on a bit farther,” said he, “but I won’t. I’ve ’ad enough on it. I’m goin’ to ride, and let Golah walk awhile. He’s better able to do it than I am. Now don’t you boys be so foolish as to get yersels into trouble on my account. All ye’ve got to do is to look on, an’ ye’ll larn somethin’. If I’ve no youth an’ beauty, like Colly, to bring me good luck, I’ve age and experience, and I’ll get it by schamin’.”
On reaching the place where the sailor was sitting, Golah was informed of what had caused the delay, and that the usual remedy had failed of effect.
He did not seem displeased at the communication. On the contrary, his huge features bore an expression that for him might have been considered pleasant.
He quietly ordered the slave to get up, and pursue his journey.
The weary sailor had blistered feet; and, with his strength almost exhausted by hunger and thirst, had reached the point of desperation. Moreover, for the benefit of himself and his young companions, he wished to try an experiment.
He told the Krooman to inform the sheik that he would go on, if allowed to ride one of the camels.
“You want me to kill you?” exclaimed Golah, when this communication was made to him; “you want to cheat me out of the price I have paid for you; but you shall not. You must go on. I, Golah, have said it.”
The sailor, in reply, swore there was no possible chance for them to take him any farther without allowing him to ride.
This answer to the sheik’s civil request was communicated by the Krooman; and, for a moment, Golah seemed puzzled as to how he should act.