human
What the devil is in the wind now?
gpt
Treachery, said Hume.
human
Was that the informer?
gpt
Eweh, said Sirayo fiercely;
human
And now he will go straight to them, tell them where we are, and that half of us are wounded.
gpt
Eweh, he will do that.
human
For Heaven's sake, said Webster,
gpt
We've missed port again, but I'm hanged if I weigh anchor now.
human
A few minutes ago you were anxious to get away from here.
gpt
Look here, Frank, we are after a treasure. There's no doubt we've been mad to push on; but if there is a treasure here we would be mad to give it up. What do you think yourself?
human
Leave me out of the question; let Laura decide.
gpt
The chief Umkomaas has a plan.
human
Wait awhile, Laura. What is this plan?
gpt
He says it would be no good to leave this place unless you take the backward path up the mountain, for on the plain you would be seen and attacked in the open. This is a strong place, and the only place that a few men can hold. The Zulus will attack in the morning after they have eaten. You will hold them off till the sun is high. To-night one of us will leave, cross the river, and gather the people to fall on the Zulus. He cannot go, for his hurts are deep; neither a white man, for the people would not follow him; neither the Gaika, for he is not of their race. It is I who will go. Soh! That is the plan, and it is good.
human
Splendid!
gpt
Now, Laura, the decision remains with you.
human
I am tired, she said in low tones.
gpt
I could not climb the mountain if we retreated. Let us stay.
human
What we decide to do must be done quickly,
gpt
If you find your way to the people, Sirayo, will they not turn upon you?
human
The chief has given me the word and a sign. They will follow Sirayo,
gpt
Then let it be as you wish.
human
I will go, said the chief, rising;
gpt
I must swim the river, and though the way is not far, it will be longer than if I had both arms. But when the shadow is small at your feet you will hear Sirayo's war-cry.