“I will make straight talk,” asseverated the native. “I do not want to die.”
“Where is Nascanora? Quick!” demanded Bomba.
“In two days’ time,” replied the trembling native, “he will pass this spot on the other side of the river.”
“I thought he had already passed,” said Bomba.
“He has,” returned the native. “But he turned back to burn another village and take some more captives. He will move slowly, for he has other enemies that he wants to capture near Snake Island, where lives the old witch, Sobrinini——”
Bomba cried out in astonishment and quick hope.
“You know Sobrinini?” he asked eagerly.
The native marked his change of tone, and seemed encouraged by it. His terror abated, and he spoke so swiftly that the words stumbled over each other and Bomba could scarcely make out what he said.
“I know of Sobrinini. Who does not know of her who lives near the Giant Cataract?” he cried. “But I do not go near her island, for it is full of snakes and Sobrinini is a woman of evil whose frown means death.”
“Where is this island?” Bomba asked in a fever of eagerness.