CHAPTER VIII
BLACK WARRIORS
"Can you beat it!" exclaimed Dan Carter in astonishment, on hearing theEnglish words spoken among a savage tribe in the jungle.
A chuckle was heard from the tangle of foliage above the heads of thetwo boys as they drew rein where the jungle path entered a clearing.
"Advance, Dick Sahib! Mahatma Sikandar speaks!"
"Don't go!" whispered Dan. "There's something spooky about this. Howdoes he know your name? Maybe it's a trap. If we go out there in theopen they will use us for targets."
"Keep quiet, Dan, I want to speak to the man. Besides they can shootus here if they have a mind to do it. If there is a trap we're in itright now," Dick answered impatiently.
But Dan could not keep quiet. Before Dick could stop him the boycalled out:
"Say, Mister, I bet you don't know what my name is."
A hearty laugh issued from the hiding place of the Mahatma. "Dan Sahibis young. After many lives, he will gain wisdom--perhaps!"
Dan stared above his head in speechless amazement. Here they weremiles away from any one they knew, yet this man had called them both bytheir names and in their own tongue.
"Who is he, anyway?" whispered Dan.
"He must be a Hindu with that name, and I judge also by the sing-songEnglish he uses. But what is he doing here? That's what I want toknow."
"Advance friends," once more the Mahatma spoke. "The men of theKungoras are brave warriors, they will not harm you for I have giventhem promise that you are my friends."
"Let's go!" said Dick, touching his horse's sides with his heels,sending the animal trotting into the clearing where the savages hadranged themselves in a huge semicircle.
A file of the Taharan and Gorol warriors followed Dick and Dan into theclearing.
There was a tense pause.
It seemed as though a battle might follow at any moment, for theTaharans and Gorols looked upon all strangers as foes and the blackswere dangerous looking fellows. The Kungora tribe was warlike andpowerful, which accounted for the slave raiders leaving them alone.
Tall, well formed and athletic, each man was like an ebony statue,armed with a long bow or else with a slender lance tipped with aleaf-shaped iron point and a broad shield of buffalo hide. The shieldswere painted with fantastic designs and light as they were could turn aspear thrust or withstand an arrow.
The black warriors were scantily clad with strips of hide and adornedwith copper bracelets and neckbands. Their round heads were coveredwith little pointed caps, under which their rolling eyes and shinynegro features looked fiercely hostile, as they glared at the strangeblond savages and the ape-like Gorols.
As Dick reached the center of the cleared space, he wheeled his horsesuddenly and looked up at the lowest branches of the trees above thejungle path he had just left, but a dense tangle of vines and moss hungfrom limb to limb. There was no sign of the man who had spoken to them.
"Raal and his people would say this was black magic," exclaimed Dick,"and I'm half inclined to think it is. Who ever heard of such astrange coincidence? It doesn't happen."
But Dick Oakwood bowed toward the tree. "We thank you, MahatmaSikandar for your protection."
But before Dick could speak further, Sikandar went on in his clippedEnglish.
"The young Sahib has come far. The journey was full of frightfuldangers, and Dick Sahib has done this for the sake of a girl he doesnot love. That much I see."
"And that is true, Mahatma Sikandar. But how did you know it?" askedDick.
"He must be a mind reader. Or maybe it _is_ black magic!" said Dan inan undertone.
As they talked, the warriors of the Taharans and Gorols glaredsuspiciously at the black men; their hands were on their weapons readyto fight. Raal tried to quiet them, feeling that the Boy King could betrusted. He watched Dick's face but it showed no sign of fear oruneasiness. Therefore, he, as Dick's chief warrior, need not beafraid. He dismounted and drew near to Dick.
But the Boy King had his eyes on the screen of vines above the path.At first he could see nothing but the mass of green, but finallythrough the foliage he saw two shining eyes staring at him. Then theleaves parted and Mahatma Sikandar's whole head appeared. It was abroad good-natured face with a luxuriant grey beard. His dark eyeswere smiling.
"Why he looks exactly like Santa Claus," exclaimed Dan, "MerryChristmas, old scout!"
The old man ignored this remark from Dan. His head suddenlydisappeared and a few minutes later the Hindu had dropped from the treeand was walking toward them.
"Now perhaps Dan Sahib will believe that I am human," he said extendinghis hand, English fashion.
His body was short and fat and naked except for a loin cloth of saffroncolored cotton. His complexion was darker than that of most white menand his eyes were smiling and friendly yet there was a shadow of asneer in them, a look of craftiness that made Dick and Dan determine tobe on their guard.
The boys shook the Hindu's hand, after which the Mahatma turned to thechief of the Kungoras and ordered him to bring fresh water and fruitfor the visitors and to prepare a feast. The black savages hurriedaway with grinning faces, well pleased to show Mahatma's friends thehospitality of their village.
Sikandar drew Dick and Dan aside and squatting cross-legged on theground, invited the guests to do the same. In his hand he carriedsomething that was wrapped in a black cloth.
During a pause in the conversation Dan suddenly blurted out: "Say, I'dlike to know how you can tell about our trek across the desert, and ournames and all that. Who told you?"
The Mahatma smiled mysteriously. "There are many things revealed towise men that are kept from others," he said very slowly. "Long beforeyou arrived in the jungle I saw you."
The Mahatma closed his eyes for a second then opened them and stared atDan. He seemed to be looking straight through him. Then he continuedin a hollow-sounding voice: "I saw riders, many of them on strangesmall horses, the like of which I have never seen until today. And theriders urged their horses forward for they saw ahead of them an oasiswhere they were to rest and drink." Suddenly the Mahatma turned toDick. "Is that true, Dick Sahib?" he asked.
"Yes, it is true." Dick replied simply.
"Then suddenly the riders all slumped in their saddles and looked tiredand ill, for the oasis had disappeared leaving only sandy waste in alldirections. Is that true, Dan Sahib?"
"Jiminy crickets, you've got it straight all right, but _how_ did yousee all that?"
"And where you are going and what you will do, I also know. There is ayoung girl, a princess, bound and imprisoned. This I see and muchbesides." He looked meaningly at the boys.
"Boloney!" said Dan in a low tone that Mahatma missed, but he saw thelook of disbelief on the boy's face.
"Dan Sahib does not believe that I speak true. I will show him!"
Dan was about to make a flippant retort but Dick gave him a threateninglook.
Dick's face was alight with interest. He had heard of the Hindu Yogiwho spend many years among the wise men of Tibet, who are supposed tohold all the wisdom of the world in their keeping. Was MahatmaSikandar one of these? Dick hoped so, for he had always wanted tostudy occultism and hoped to learn something of it first hand. He waswatching the Hindu earnestly and at the first chance he said:
"Can you really see what has not yet happened? It is true that we areon our way to rescue a princess of the Taharans. But tell us, MahatmaSikandar, will we arrive in time to save her?"
"Veena is safe at present," replied the Hindu.
"But how do you know that?" interrupted Dan impatiently. "You may havebeen able by mind reading to guess our names, but you can't tell methat there is anything in this fortune telling."
The Mahatma's eyes flashed fire for a second, then he became calm oncemore and turned to Dick, ignoring Dan's outburst.
"I have heard of occultism," said Dick. "But I want to learn more. Iwould like to have you instruct m
e."
"It is a long hard way, Dick Sahib. Many lives are needed to gainwisdom. I will show you."
Sikandar unwrapped the black cloth and displayed a ball that lookedlike transparent glass.
"He's a crystal gazer!" exclaimed Dan. "Read your fortune forseventy-five cents. It's all the bunk!"
The other two ignored these remarks and Dick spoke quickly. "Look intothe crystal and tell us what you see. Is Veena being treated badly?Where is she?"
"She is well treated even though she is kept prisoner, for a white manis bargaining for her sale."
"What's _his_ name?" asked Dan, giving Dick a poke in the ribs and withan elaborate wink whispered, "I bet the old fakir can't answer a directquestion."
"The name of the white scoundrel is Slythe, Jess Slythe. He is a badman and will in his next life be less than the worms. Thus it iswritten."
Dan Carter thrust out his hand which the Mahatma grasped withoutunderstanding why.
"Attaboy, Old Whiskers!" said Dan. "Now you're talking! I don't wishJess Slythe any bad luck but I'm hoping everything you say comes true."
Dick turned at this moment and saw Raal. He was sitting with his headbetween his knees, a picture of distress. Dick called him. "Comehere, Raal!" And as the warrior obeyed, Dick talked to him kindly."Don't worry, Raal. This man, Mahatma Sikandar, is a very greatwitch-doctor. He can see things hidden from men and gods. By hismagic, looking through that sacred ball which he holds so tightly inhis hand, he can see everything that goes on in the world. He saysthat he can see into the village of the Muta-gungas." Dick paused fora moment to let his words sink in.
"Speak O Master! What does he see?"
"He sees Veena, who is kept a prisoner. She is not dead, as youfeared, but is being held for a big bargain with Chief Mobogoma, justas Kulki told us. Jess Slythe is asking a big price for the whiteprincess."
"How far away is she, O Tahara?" asked Raal anxiously.
Dick translated the question for the Mahatma who answered, stroking hisbeard:
"The village is a day's march from here."
"Then let us go at once, O Master. The bargain may be made quickly andafter she is once in the hands of Mobogoma, she will be lost to us.Hurry, O Tahara!" Raal threw himself at Dick's feet.
"Yes, Raal, we will go soon," answered Dick. "And perhaps MahatmaSikandar will ask one of his tribesmen to guide us in the shortest way!"
The Mahatma nodded his head. "I will take counsel with my chief and itwill be decided," he said slowly.
Dick rose and looked about as if he intended to order the men to getready. But Dan put up a detaining hand, "Not so fast, Dick! There isplenty of time." Dan rubbed his stomach, "Don't you smell the eats?That fruit and water we got a little while ago was just an appetizer.I'm hungry as a bear!"
"Not thus does a man gain wisdom," muttered the Mahatma. "It is byfasting and meditation."
Raal was scowling angrily at Dan but Dick quieted him.
"The men are tired and hungry, Raal. Some of them are weak from thelong journey. Mahatma Sikandar, the wise man, has ordered a feast tobe set before us. After that we will go and the men will be betterable to stand the march when their stomachs are full. Is that nottrue, Raal?"
"Yes, O Master, I know you speak the truth but my heart is heavy forfear that harm will come to Veena."
Suddenly Sikandar, who had been gazing into the crystal ball, saidquietly:
"Tell Raal, the great warrior, that the little princess is safe.Before two days are gone she will be under the protection of her ownpeople. Do not fear."
Raal smiled but looked eagerly toward his horse as if anxious to begone.
"Rest, my friends, and eat for the journey is hard and beset with manydangers."
"What do you see, Master?" asked Dick again seating himself beside theHindu. "Shall we have to fight?"
"Yes, Dick Sahib, before two days are gone you will have to fight forsomeone you love dearly." The Hindu gazed into the crystal and did notspeak for a long time. Then he straightened up and drew his handacross his eyes.
"I do not see clearly. A fog shuts out the sight. It is not meantthat you should know. I cannot see!"
"Say Dick, don't put any stock in all that talk. I never thought you'dfall for a lot of bunk like that. How can he tell, by looking into aglass ball, what is going to happen?"
"Dan Sahib has still to learn what sorrow is. He will learn thatlesson soon. That much I see."
"What does he mean, Dick?" asked Dan nervously.
But the Mahatma had put away the crystal, wrapping it carefully in theblack cloth.
"There you've done it," scolded Dick. "We might have learned somethingthat would help us. Instead of that, you insult him, and it's all off!"
At that moment the chief of the Kungora tribe approached and with muchbowing announced that food was to be brought. The Mahatma retired to asheltered spot to eat alone and in meditation. Dan and Dick sat downwith the warriors.
"This is what I call service!" said Dan as a black boy spread largeleaves in front of him and deposited there a large roasted spurfowl.There were large steaks of gazelle meat, wild apricots and a kind ofbread which the Mahatma had taught the natives to make, as he did noteat flesh but lived on grains and fruit.
Hungrily the warriors set to on the meal, pulling the birds apart withtheir fingers and devouring the bits in large mouthfuls.
"You would have made a good savage, Dan!" said Dick with a laugh, as hewatched his chum.
"I wouldn't mind belonging to this tribe," Dan retorted. "If they cancook like this, I'm strong for them!"
But finally even Dan had to cry enough, for one course after anotherwas being served and it seemed as if the feasting might go on for days.The Kungoras still sat in a semicircle about the visitors and laterDick learned from the Mahatma that this was a sign of friendship.
"These blacks are a very peaceful tribe, I see," said Dick to the Hindu.
The Mahatma smiled tolerantly at his warriors. "_My_ ways are ways ofpeace," he said quietly. "But these savage souls are just emerging.They will learn through suffering. But just now they are known to bethe most warlike tribe in the jungles of Africa. Offer any one of themtheir choice between a feast and a big battle and they'd take thebattle every time. And make no mistake about it, Dick Sahib, if I hadnot been here to protect you, this present life would be over for youand your young friend."
"I have no doubt of that, Mahatma Sikandar. And now as my men arerefreshed I think we should go on to the rescue of our little friend."
"That will only be the beginning of your jungle journey. Anothersearch will carry you far, far into its depths."
"Have you seen more?" asked Dick. "Tell me all, Mahatma Sikandar."
"It is not well for you to know all, Dick Sahib. For that reason acloud comes between me and your search. But this much I can tell you.Through suffering and dangers you will finally win. Make ready, myfriend. The time is short."
"Your tribesmen are great warriors. Could you not send them with us tohelp us in our search?"
"My ways are ways of peace, my son. I cannot send my men into battle.But this I will do. Mutaba, one of the best trackers of game, whoknows the jungle as you do your house, he will guide you to the villageof the Muta-Gungas."
"We thank you, Mahatma Sikandar. The jungle is a new country to me andmy tribes of Taharans and Gorols. It will save us many weary steps."
The Mahatma suddenly raised himself. "Here, Mutaba! Make ready mylitter. I accompany Dick Sahib into the jungle."
"Say," whispered Dan to his chum, "I'm not sure I want Old Whiskersalong. He's something of a frost. I don't like him."
But Dick was giving orders to Raal, who joyously set his men tosaddling their horses.
"Let's get ready," he said. "We've got a big job ahead of us, ifMahatma Sikandar knows what he's talking about."
"Okay!" answered Dan Carter. "I'm ready and waiting! Come on!"