The Krooman, in explanation, stated that if the Arabs were robbers, pirates of the desert, they would not molest Golah so long as he remained at the well.
In this the Krooman was correct. Highway robbers do not way-lay their victims at an inn, but on the road. Pirates do not plunder ships in a harbour, but out on the open ocean. Custom, founded on some good purpose, has established a similar rule on the great sandy ocean of the Saara.
“I wish they were robbers, and would take us from Golah!” said Colin. “We should then perhaps be carried to the north, where we might be ransomed some time or other. As it is, if we are to be taken to Timbuctoo, we shall never escape out of Africa.”
“We shall not be taken there,” cried Terence. “We shall turn robbers ourselves first. I will for one; and when I do, Golah shall be robbed of one of his slaves at least.”
“An’ that wan will be Misther Terence O’Connor, av coorse?” said Bill.
“Yes.”
“Thin ye will ’ave done no more than Master Colly, who has already robbed ’im av twa, the haffections av ’is wife an’ bairn.”
“That will do, Bill,” said Colin, who did not like hearing any allusion made to the woman. “We have something else that should engage our attention. Since we have learnt that they intend taking us to Timbuctoo, it is time we began to act. We must not go there.”
“That is understood,” said Harry; “but what can we do? Something should be done immediately. Every day we journey southward carries us farther from home, or the chance of ever getting there. Perhaps these Arabs may buy us, and take us north. Suppose we get the Krooman to speak to them?”
All consented to this course. The Krooman was called; and when informed of their wishes he said that he must not be seen speaking to the Arabs, or Golah would be displeased. He also stated, what the white captives had already observed, that Golah and his son were keeping a sharp watch over them, as well as over the strangers; and that an opportunity of talking to the Arab sheik might not be easily obtained.