Chapter Eighteen.
Unexpected Deliverance and Several Surprises.
At the time when Mamba started away on his expedition to Tamatave, Ravonino, as we have said, lay concealed in the forest, anxiously awaiting news from the town. At last the news came—the two white men and the negro had got involved in a row, and were in prison!
So said Laihova on entering the cave and seating himself, weary, worn, and dispirited, on a ledge of rock beside his friend, to whom he related all that had befallen.
“Give not way to despondency,” said Ravonino, though he could not smooth the lines of anxiety from his own brow. “Does not the Lord reign? Let the earth rejoice! No evil can befall unless permitted, and then it will surely work for good. Let us now consider what is to be done. But first, we will pray.”
In the gloom of the cavern the two men went down on their knees, and, in very brief but earnest sentences, made known their wants to their Creator.
“It is useless to remain here idle,” said the guide, as they resumed their seat on the ledge.
“It is useless to go into the town,” returned Laihova. “I am known now as one of those who aided Mamba to escape.”
“But I am not known—at least not in my present guise,” said Ravonino. “Have you seen Rafaravavy?”
“No; I tell you we had not been long in the town when this mischance befell.”