“That,” he said turning to Johnny, “is the advantage of not being human.”
“How does he work?” Johnny asked, looking with great admiration on the stooping giant.
“That,” said Curlie, “is a long story.”
“And I trust will keep,” said a voice behind him. He turned to find himself looking into the eyes of the little doctor.
“Johnny here has been traveling on foot for many hours,” the doctor said. “He will wish to eat and sleep. I too would like to know a little concerning this mechanical marvel. But more important still—I think you will agree when it is told—is something I have to say to you. Your giant,” he turned a twinkling eye on Curlie, “will be safe enough here. The blacks are gone. My men, I assure you, would not touch him for anything in the world. They will carry this unfortunate black man away. Later you may return to remove the victor in that unusual combat.
“In the meantime,” he turned to lead the way, “I suggest a cup of Haitian coffee, over which I have a tale to relate, the story of the ‘Rope of Gold’.”
“The Rope—”
The little man held up a hand for silence. Then he lead the way back into the cave.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE STORY IS TOLD
A half hour later the boys found themselves seated upon cocoanut fiber mats drinking Haitian coffee, black and bitter, and listening to one of the strangest stories ever told.