“Poor little fellows,” said the ever kind Kate, when she saw them. “We will do all we can for them, though they look very ill.”
The eyes and cheeks of the young negroes were sadly sunk, for fever makes the same ravages in their frames as it does in those of white people. The father, though he saw his boys in safe keeping, still seemed unwilling to leave them. He had done what was quite contrary to the customs of his people, and he told Timbo he was afraid, if he was long absent, that the rest of his family might be ill-treated. He accordingly, after looking affectionately at them, and expressing his thanks to us all, but to David especially, took his departure. I should have said that we brought away the presents made to us, which proved a welcome addition to our bill of fare.
Chapter Nine.
A Flight for Life.
“When are we to see the Giraffe and Gazelle launched, and to have our promised excursion on the river?” asked Kate, the evening after Igubo had left us.
“Oh do, Stanley!” cried Bella. “It is cruel to keep us so long shut up like captive princesses in your Castle, and as the natives are friendly and you can avoid the hippopotami, there can be no danger.”
“The Gazelle is not yet launched,” answered Stanley; “but as soon as she is in the water you can come and see her.”
“Oh, but we should like to see her at once, and help you to launch her,” said Kate. “If you will start to-morrow morning as soon as it is daylight and the air is still cool, we will accompany you.”