Yacka grinned, showing his gleaming teeth.
‘All tribes lost since the white men came,’ he replied.
‘Guess you’re about right there,’ said Brody. ‘Black and white cannot live side by side; one of them’s bound to go, and it’s the black. Now, if they were all like you, Yacka, we could get on well together. Bless me if I don’t believe you are half a white man!’
A peculiar look came into Yacka’s eyes.
‘Think so?’ he said. ‘Black skin, white man’s heart.’
‘Bravo!’ shouted Brody. ‘You shall have another glass for that. Fill up, lads! Here’s to our mates, and a safe journey along with Yacka!’
All hands were becoming hilarious, and began to sing ‘For they are jolly good fellows.’
When the noise subsided, Brody said:
Do you want a horse, Yacka?’
The black shook his head, and slapped his legs.