There was a gasp of astonished recognition.
“Bomba!”
“Neram!”
Bomba found himself looking into the eyes of Neram, one of the two slaves he had rescued from the tyranny of Jojasta on his memorable visit to the Moving Mountain.
The delight of Neram at the meeting was unbounded, and that of Bomba was scarcely less great.
Following Bomba’s rescue of Sobrinini, the ex-slaves had begged to be permitted to go with him to Pipina’s cabin. Bomba had assented, and they had proved of great value in replenishing the food supplies of the little household as well as in helping Pipina take care of Casson and Sobrinini.
Later on, when the half-demented old woman had wandered away into the jungle, Bomba had sent Ashati and Neram to hunt for her, as they were skilled in all the lore of the jungle. They had gone on their search reluctantly, as they had a superstitious fear of Sobrinini, whom they regarded as a witch. Weeks passed by and lengthened into months with no word either of Sobrinini or of the ex-slaves. Bomba had reluctantly come to the conclusion that they had perished. And now, in this most unexpected manner, he had come upon them again!
There was little time at present for explanations, for Ashati demanded all their attention. The man had fainted from fright and pain. Neram ran to get some water, while Bomba chafed his wrists and slapped his face.
It was not long before, under these ministrations, Ashati opened his eyes. An expression of panic came over his features as memory returned to him.
“The snake! The big snake!” he shrieked.