Works of Guy Boothby

Author:Boothby, Guy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Delphi Main Series
Publisher: Delphi Classics
Published: 2016-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER IV

EVER since the moment when Dudley saw Samweli standing in the street before the Consul’s house, he had been wondering what it was that made him recognize, in the bit of misfortune below him, the man for whom they were so anxiously waiting. He resembled a mad Indian fakir more than the stalwart Swahili who had waited upon them the previous evening. Such garments as he wore were in tatters, while the assortment of wares he carried on the tray slung before him were such as would have insulted the intelligence of the most irresponsible purchaser. However, Dudley was convinced that it was Samweli; and this being so, Mr. Spurfield gave the order that he should be admitted to the house and brought before him.

“Well, Samweli,” said the Consul, after the other had revealed his identity, and had been welcomed with a heartiness that almost bordered on enthusiasm, “since you have come back to us so soon, I hope it means that you have been able to secure some information.”

“It is even as you say,” Samweli answered. “I have seen Achmet ben Hassein, that dog without teeth, and have learned his plans.”

“And where is his dhow anchored?” inquired Spurfield.

“In the bay that is called Mazazima,” Samweli replied.

“But is not that a long way from Mozambique?” asked Dudley, watching the other’s face as he put the question. “What is the meaning of this, Samweli? Why is he sailing from Mazazima instead of from this port? Has he been warned that I am on the watch for him?”

“It is because he fears to come to Muhibidi (Mozambique), lest the English sailor should hear of it and seize him.”

Both Spurfield and Dudley looked at each other with real surprise. If what Samweli had said were correct, the wind was indeed taken out of their sails.

“Do you mean to say,” cried Dudley, “that he knows what I am going to do?”

Samweli shook his head. “No,” he answered. “All he knows is that the Englishman has left his ship, and now is in Muhibidi.”

“But how on earth did he become aware of my presence here?” asked Dudley.

“That I do not know,” returned Samweli, simply; “but it is certain that he does know it.” Then he added more cheerfully, “He is the son of a dog, and by the grace of the Prophet, whose name be ever blessed, we will cut his throat ere he be many days A Sailor’s Bride older. Since he has heard my news, has the Englishman still a desire to sail in the dhow?”

“It is more than ever my wish,” Dudley replied. “But now that he knows of my presence here, and has decided to sail from Mazazima, how is it to be managed?”

“I have thought of that while I have been coming,” said Samweli, “and have good news to tell thee. Because Achmet ben Hassein is a fool, and the son of a fool, he thinks no one is so clever as himself. But he will learn wisdom before he is much older.

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