“I am looking out,” returned Nick. “Keep quiet, and you and Chick be ready for anything.”
CHAPTER VI.
NICK ACCEPTS THE TEST.
“You come in strange fashion, my stranger guests,” began the gray-bearded man deliberately, as if he were choosing his words, with plenty of time at his disposal. “What is your business?”
“We have business in Bolongu,” replied Nick. “Are you the representative of its government?”
The other ignored this question. He was not inclined to be catechized. He continued, as if he had not been asked anything:
“How you came by this road I cannot tell, seeing that the approach to it has been closed for many years—ever since our fathers’ fathers died. You must be brave men, and that tall black one there is quick with his spear. He killed three of my picked guards before they could even touch him.”
“Hear that, Jai Singh, old sport?” asked the irreverent Patsy. “The old geezer is firing bouquets at you with a machine gun.”
“Keep quiet, Patsy!” ordered Nick Carter.