Sailor Bill, being as he declared unused to “navigate any sort o’ land craft”, could only keep his seat on the animal he bestrode, by allowing it to follow the others, while he clutched its mane with a firm grasp of both hands.
The journey was continued until near midnight; when the old sailor, unable any longer to endure the fatigue, managed to check the pace of his animal and dismount.
The Moors endeavoured to make him proceed, but were unsuccessful.
Bill declared that should he again be placed on the horse, he should probably fall off and break his neck.
This was communicated to Rais Mourad, who had turned back in a rage to inquire the cause of the delay. It was the Krooman who acted as interpreter.
The Moor’s anger immediately subsided on learning that one of the slaves could speak Arabic.
“Do you and your companions wish for freedom?” asked Rais Mourad, addressing himself to the Krooman.
“We pray for it every hour.”
“Then tell that foolish man that freedom is not found here, that to obtain it he must move on along with me.”
The Krooman made the communication as desired.