“Why is he a prisoner?”
“Because he brought the Germanis to Pongwa, oh, Bwana Macouba Sana (Very Great Master).”
“How do you know he brought the Germanis to Pongwa?”
“Because he has been made prisoner for doing so, oh, Bwana Macouba Kabeesa Sana (Very Greatest Master).”
“Do you know anything about him?”
“He is the man who stole the tobacco which my little boy took.”
All being translated and laid before the Court, it was decided that, so far, prisoner was scarcely proven guilty.
“Let’s ask him whether he would like to say anything as to the evidence of the last two witnesses,” suggested Bertram.
“He doesn’t understand Swahili,” objected Berners.
“I feel sure he does,” replied Bertram. “I have been watching his face. He half grinned when they talked about tobacco, and looked venomous when they talked about him.”