Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 204: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AN AFRICAN SECRET. 195 leader of the party had to say in ex- planation of the stranger’s advent. Bradshaw, of course, could not un- derstand a word, but aside from pos- sible references to the dead black man, he presumed that the conversation was about himself. Presently he of the bright sash ad- dressed him in fair English: “How did you come here? ” “Your majesty,” answered Brad- shaw, pointing to his feet, “ you see my only means of locomotion. O king 7 “Tam no king,” interrupted the black, impatiently, “ but no matter. Go on.” Surprised beyond measure not only at the black’s command of English, but at his denial of royalty, Bradshaw was nonplussed for an instant, and the black repeated, “ How did you come here?” The American’s native humor was stirred, and he smiled good humoredly as again he pointed to his feet, but be- fore he could add to his answer with spoken words, the black interposed: “Yes, but how to this spot? What led you here?” “Nothing, your highness,” said Bradshaw, then, with perfect frankness. “T am traveling across Africa at my own will. I am not the agent of any government, I do not come to claim possession of any land. I merely wish to pass on without disturbing any- body.” ‘ That is impossible! ” exclaimed the black, with marked emphasis; “ but you do not answer my question.” ‘ As to how I came to this particular spot? I thought I had done so. Acci- dent, your highness. I had no idea any .tribe lived hereabout, or worked here, especially a tribe that would use such implements as that,” and he pointed to the wire screen. The face of “his highness” was sternly forbidding. “You have said that you are alone,” he remarked; “ that cannot be true.” ‘ My carriers,” said Bradshaw, “ are distant a half day’s journey.” “ Where? ” Bradshaw pointed toward the west. “Are no other white men with you?” “None, your highness.” “You are the only man of your race who ever set toot within this sacred region.” The black’s tone and manner were extremely menacing, and at last Brad- shaw began to feel a bit nervous as to the outcome of the negotiations toward which he had looked so confidently. He wished heartily that Pan were at hand to help him out. Nevertheless he gave not the slightest inclination of alarm when he answered, “ My chief desire, your highness, is to get out of this region without delay.” “You shall be gratified,” said the black. He addressed a few words to his fol- lowers and looked up toward the edge of the gully. Bradshaw followed his gaze, but saw nothing to arrest his at- tention. “You wish to go out by the way you came? ”’ asked his highness. “Yes, in order to rejoin my car- riers,’ said Bradshaw. ‘“‘ But before I go I should like to tell you just why I am in Africa. Perhaps you can give me valuable information. Certainly in all my journey I have not met anybody who seemed so likely to be of assist- ance to me.” “ Do you promise never to come here again?” “ Willingly.” “And that you will never tell any- body the way to this sacred place? ” “ Tnasmuch as I doubt if I could find my way here again, that ts easily prom- ised, your highness.” “What is it you wish to know? ” “T am trying to learn the fate of a fellow countryman who, ten years ago, landed at St. Paul de Loanda and set out soon afterwards for the interior. His friends have not heard from him since.” The black dignitary, looked at Brad- shaw almost pityingl: 06 an iea@rn CO