Henryk Sienkiewicz

“ Stas did not answer a single word to this and only from the glitter of his eyes did Idris perceive that he spoke in vain.
Nevertheless, notwithstanding the urging of Gebhr and the Bedouins, he did not order him to be bound for the night, and when Gebhr did not cease his importunities, he replied with anger:
"Instead of going to sleep, you will to-night stand on guard. I have decided that from this time one of us shall watch during the sleep of the others." ”

“ After which he left the tree, poured tea into a utensil with water, and returned to Nell with the remedy.
And during that time she reflected upon everything which had happened. She was immensely curious as to who that white man was. From whence did Stas get the information about him? Would he come to them, and would he travel along with them? She did not doubt that since Stas had secured the quinine she would regain her health. But Stas during the night-time went through the jungle as if it were nothing. ”

“ Then he said to Stas:
"In the night-time the fever is worse and my mind becomes confused. But a pipe clears my thoughts. Truly, did you say that you had escaped from dervish captivity and are hiding in the jungle? Is it so?" ”

“ He did not know to what extent Idris had observed it and had begun to get uneasy, understanding that, in case the pursuing party should capture them, he could not depend upon the boy's intercession. Idris was always ready for the most audacious deed, but as a man not deprived of reason, he thought that it was necessary to provide for everything and in case of misfortune to leave some gate of salvation open. For this reason, after the last occurrence he wanted in some manner to conciliate Stas and, with this object, at the first stop, he began the following conversation with him. ”

“ This recollection placated Nell's anger a little. She did not, however, want to grant pardon to the culprit at once.
"That is very well," she said, "but a real gentleman ought not to bark on greeting."
Stas burst out laughing again.
"Neither does a real gentleman bark on leave-taking unless he is a dog, and Saba is one." ”

“ Stas gazed at him with astonishment.
"And this camp?"
"It is the camp of death."
"And those negroes?"
"Those negroes are sleeping and will not awaken any more."
"I do not understand—"
"They are suffering from the sleeping sickness. [1] Those are men from beyond the Great Lakes where this terrible disease is continually raging and all fell prey to it, excepting those who previously died of small-pox. Only that boy remains to me." ”

“ Idris and Gebhr as well as the Bedouins knew that on the beds of the khors and in those places where the rocks formed natural cavities and wells they would, for a few days, find enough water to suffice not only for their and the camels' immediate wants but even for replenishing their supplies. ”

“ Listen! you yourself have said that the white people always keep their oath. So if you will swear by your God and by the head of that little 'bint' that you will do nothing against us, then I will not order you to be bound for the night. ”

“ A day passed, a night, and yet another day and they drove constantly southward, halting only for a brief time in the khors in order not to fatigue the camels too much, to water and feed them, and also to divide their provisions and water. ”

“ But they had principally spears, and my men Remingtons, which now are stacked under that wall, absolutely useless. If you need arms or ammunition take all that you want. Take a horse also; you will return sooner to your patient—how old is she? ”