CHAPTER XXIV
Godwin the gorilla sighed. He had never uttered a more fervent and thankful sound in all his life. "Mihrjan," he said, "I must say, yes, by gad, I will say, I'm glad to see you."
Mihrjan cast a look about him. "Thy sentiments are understated, Lord. It is a trait of thy race."
"Yes, well, never mind that. Look here, can you get rid of these damned slimy things? My arm's weary with swatting 'em."
The djinni gestured; a wind arose and swept along the poop, and the rats were tumbled down onto the main deck, where they commenced to brawl among themselves again, on the edge of the fire.
"And see here, while I think of it, there's a black fellow swimming out there somewhere. Can you see if he's still at it, or has he sunk?"
Mihrjan vanished and returned before the air could rush into the vacuum his passing had created. "He swims, Master, but weakly."
"Well, he's a good chap, albeit misguided into serving under that lousy Mufaddal beggar. He's one of the best swordsmen I ever faced. Can you transport him home to Nubia?"
Mihrjan grinned. "It is done."
"Good. I felt rotten about him. Poor devil jumped overboard because I spoke to him. Which brings up this: can you make me myself again? That is to say, take this ape's body back where Heraj got it, and give me my own?"