“In times past,” he said to himself, “the Massais have given a good deal of trouble to the great white queen and we are now so far from any white settlement that we may have to look sharp.”
The blacks followed along after them for several miles.
At last the travelers made ready to camp at the shore of a small lake.
As before Trim and Dobbin sat upon a box while their employees did the work.
Trim kept his eyes upon the blacks, who now approached rapidly.
When they came up their leader spoke in loud tones and in what appeared to be a threatening manner.
The interpreter whom Trim summoned was evidently uneasy.
“It’s the same question,” he said. “They demand to know by what right you are traveling here and why you camp in this spot?”
“Give them the same answer back,” responded Trim.
“Tell them I want to know what right they have to ask questions, anyhow.”