"It's that confounded Jeekie," said Alan, and he called to him to come
in.
"What's the matter now?" he asked crossly.
"Breakfast, Major. His lordship got plenty good stores, borrow some from
him and give him chit. Coming in one minute--hot coffee, kipper herring,
rasher bacon, also butter (best Danish), and Bath Oliver biscuit."
"Very well," said Alan, but Jeekie did not move.
"Very well," repeated Alan.
"No, Major, not very well, very ill. Thought those lies bring down
clouds."
"What do you mean, Jeekie?"
"Mean, Major, that Asiki smelling about this camp. Porter-man what go
to fetch water see them. Also believe they catch rest of those soldier
chaps and polish them, for porter-man hear the row."
Alan sprang up with an exclamation; in his new-found joy he had
forgotten all about the Asiki.
"Keep hair on, Major," said Jeekie cheerfully; "don't think they attack
yet, plenty of time for breakfast first. When they come we make it very
hot for them, lots of rifle and cartridge now."
"Can't we run away?" asked Barbara.
"No, Missy, can't run; must stop here and do best. Camp well built, open
all round, don't think they take it.
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