The
campfire had died down. The soft footsteps could still be heard
moving about the deck.
"That sounds like only one person or animal," whispered Ned.
"It does," agreed Tom. "Wait a minute, I'll fire an illuminating
charge, and we can see what it is."
The others posted themselves at windows that gave a view of the
deck. Tom poked his electric rifle out of a crack of the door, and
shot forth into the darkness one of the blue illuminations. The deck
of the craft was instantly lighted up brilliantly, and in the glare,
crouched on the deck, could be seen a powerful black man, nearly
naked, gazing at the hunters.
"A black!" gasped Tom, as the light died out. "Maybe it is one from
the village we just left. What do you want? Who are you?" called the
lad, forgetting that the Africans spoke only their own language. To
the surprise of all, there came his reply in broken English:
"Me Tomba! Me go fo' help for Missy Illingway--fo' Massy Illingway.
Me run away from little red men! Me Christian black man. Oh, if you
be English, help Missy Illingway--she most die! Please help. Tomba
go but Tomba be lost! Please help!"
CHAPTER XX
THE FIGHT
Surprise, for the moment, held Tom and the others speechless.
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