"The sooner the better. It rests with Sir James." "Oh, I am ready," said Mark's father. "You had better see, boys, if Mak has had his share of our dinner, and send him on to say we are coming." "That won't do, uncle," said Dean decisively. "Why not?" asked Mark sharply. "Mak must go with us. I am _not_ going to let uncle tramp in amongst those horrible trees without a guide." "Quite right, Dean," said the doctor. "We must have Mak to lead the way, and let him be our ambassador to this tribe of giants before we approach too near. We don't want them to take fright." "Oh, I don't think they will," said Mark. "I think quite the contrary," said the doctor, "for I believe a little tribe like this, who exist hiding in the forests, are always afraid of persecution by stronger people. There is such a thing as slavery." "Oh, yes," said Mark hastily. "Come along, Dean; let's hunt out Mak." There was no difficulty about that, for the Illaka had had his share of the dinner and was aiding his digestion by sleeping hard in the shade of one of the great trees at the edge of the forest, quite regardless of the cloud of flies that were buzzing about his head. He sprang up at a touch from Mark, and seized his spear, but as soon as he was aware of what was required of him, he followed the boys to where the doctor and Sir James were waiting, the former having slung a little knapsack from his shoulders, at which the boys looked enquiringly. "Are we going to take anybody else?" said Sir James. "No, I wouldn't, father," cried Mark. "We shan't want protecting. They will know us again, and Mak will make them understand that you have come in peace. Besides, we have got our rifles, and I know if there is any danger Dean is such a fierce one that he could tackle the whole lot; couldn't you, old chap?" "Don't chaff," said Dean seriously. "Go on, Mak." And the black led the way onward along the edge of the forest till he reached the spot where he had dashed in after the pigmy. "That isn't right," said Mark; but Mak only laughed and signed to them to come on, gliding in among the huge columnar trees for about half an hour, and in the most effortless way pressing on, looking back from time to time to see that his companions were following him. "Well, I don't believe he's right," said Mark; "eh, Dean?" His cousin shook his head. "I hope he is," said Sir James; "but we are quite at his mercy." "Yes," said the doctor, "and I don't wonder at all, boys, at your losing your way. I know I should have had to give up." "It seems so far," said Dean, and he looked enquiringly at their guide, who stood smiling and waiting for them to come on. At last full proof of the black's accuracy was shown by his stopping short and pointing forward. "Well, what are you doing that for?" cried Mark, who was next to him. "Yes, all right, father; there goes one of them."