"Now you no
tempt anyone," he said, addressing the said bottle with a very peculiar
smile, "or if you tempt, at least do no harm--like kiss down telephone!"
Then he laid down the bottle on its side and left the tent.
Outside of it three of the head porters, who appeared to be friends
of his, were waiting for him, and with these men he engaged in low and
earnest conversation. Next, after they had arrived at some agreement,
which they seemed to ratify by a curious oath that involved their
crossing and clasping hands in an odd fashion, and other symbols known
to West African secret societies, Jeekie went the round of the camp to
see that everyone was at his post. Then he did what most people would
have thought a very curious and strange thing, namely climbed the fence
and vanished into the forest, where presently a sound was heard as of an
owl hooting.
A little while later and another owl began to hoot in the distance,
whereat the three head porters nudged each other. Perhaps they had heard
such owls hoot before at night, and perhaps they knew that Jeekie, who
had "passed Bonsa," could only be harmed by the direct command of Bonsa
speaking through the mouth of the Asika herself.
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