Indeed it appeared that
all this jungle was supposed to be haunted, and no Asiki would enter it
at night, or unless he were very bold and protected by many charms, by
day either. Therefore it was an excellent place for fugitives who sorely
needed a good start.
At length the day began to dawn just as they reached the main road where
it crossed the hills, whence on his journey thither Alan had his first
view of Bonsa Town. Peering from the edge of the bush, they perceived a
fire burning near the road and round it five or six men, who seemed
to be asleep. Their first thought was to avoid them, but the Mungana,
creeping up to Alan, for Jeekie he would not approach, whispered:
"Not Asiki, Ogula chief and slaves who left Bonsa Town yesterday."
They crept nearer the fire and saw that this was so. Then rejoicing
exceedingly, they awoke the old chief, Fahni, who at first thought they
must be spirits. But when he recognized Alan, he flung himself on his
knees and kissed his hand, because to him he owed his liberty.
"No time for all that, Fahni," said Alan. "Give us food."
Now of this as it chanced there was plenty, since by the Asika's orders
the slaves had been laden with as much as they could carry.
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