Alan went thankfully enough. As he plunged into one of the passages
the sound of frightful yelling reached his ears, followed by loud,
triumphant shouts.
"Now you gone they kill those who Bonsa smell out," said Jeekie. "Why
you no wait and see? Very interesting sight."
"Hold your tongue," answered Alan savagely. "Did you think so years ago
when you were put into that pen to be butchered?"
"No, Major," replied the unabashed Jeekie, "not think at all then, too
far gone. But see other people in there and know it not _you_, quite
different matter."
They reached their room. At the door of it Fahni and his followers were
led off to some quarters near by, blessing Alan as they went because he
had saved their lives.
"Jeekie," he said when they were alone, "tell me, what makes that
hellish idol swim about in the water picking out some people and leaving
others alone?"
"Major, I not know, no one know except top priest and Asika. Perhaps
there man underneath, perhaps they pull string, or perhaps fetish
alive and he do what he like. Please don't call him names, Major, or
he remember and come after us one time, and that bad job," and Jeekie
shivered visibly.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282