"Slain? D'you mean kill 'im? Lumme! No wonder the old lady was a bit upset. That's what you done for me, Farr—get me chased with a chopper. Let the boy go at once."
"But, Lord...."
"Let 'im go at once; d'you 'ear me?"
"Lord, I hear and obey."
Mustapha spoke a few words to the negroes, who sheathed their weapons and stood away from the captive.
Alf jerked his thumb over his shoulder.
"'Op it!" he said, "and think yerself lucky to get off so easy."
Bobby rose to his feet as majestically as his size permitted and proceeded to the door. He managed to convey the impression that he attributed his release entirely to his own intimidatory demeanor; but not until he had made sure that his retreat was not cut off did he speak. At the door he stopped, placed his right thumb on the point of his nose and spread out his fingers, at the same time displaying a large expanse of insolent tongue.
"Yah!" he said—replacing his tongue for the purpose. "You just wait. You won't 'arf get it in the neck for this. I'll summons yer, see if I don't. Food-'og!"