“Yes,” put in Neram, “we will follow Bomba even to the land of ghosts and demons.”
The lad was profoundly touched, for he knew that each believed that he was signing his own death warrant.
“Ashati and Neram are good, and Bomba will not forget,” he said. “But where Bomba goes he must go alone. And now Bomba has spoken, and there is no need for more words about his going. But it may be that Ashati and Neram can tell Bomba some good words about the trail and what he must do to get to Jaguar Island when he reaches the great water.”
“Ashati and Neram have never been in that part of the jungle,” said the latter. “But they have heard about it from the old men of the tribe. It is two days’ journey beyond the Giant Cataract that Bomba must go before he reaches the great water. Then he must get a canoe or a raft and let the water carry him where it will. He will not need a paddle, except to steer, for the water is very strong and it will carry him until he touches Jaguar Island.”
Again a shudder stole through Neram as he mentioned that sinister name.
Ashati added further details of the journey, and by the time the conference was finished Bomba had gained a great deal of information that would be of service to him.
“It is well,” said the lad. “And now it is time that we sleep, for Bomba must start as soon as the sun comes up in the sky. We will gather wood and make a great fire to make the beasts afraid, and then we shall rest.”
He proposed that they should take turns in watching, lest the fire should go down. But Neram would not hear of this. That much at least he could do for his master. He would watch through the whole night so that Bomba could get the rest he needed for the task that lay before him. And finding that Neram was so much in earnest, Bomba did not protest.
The boy slept as soon as his head touched the ground, and did not wake till he felt Neram’s hand upon his shoulder at the first streak of dawn.
The faithful ex-slave had composed a savory stew, and they all ate heartily. Ashati’s arm, though still painful, was much better, and a great deal of the swelling had gone down.