“It is not the country, but the people who live there.” “What about them?” “They are rather too hot for my blood, that’s all,” replied Barry. “A man’s life is not worth much with them chaps.” “Is Henry Stolburst dead?” “Do you suppose Ajeeb would tell me if he killed him?” “You are very deep in this heathen priest’s confidence.” Barry smiled. “It is evident you do not know Ajeeb,” he said. “Well?” “That man makes no confidants; he keeps everything entirely to himself.” “You surely know that he made Henry Stolburst prisoner?” “As regards that, I’ve learned more from you than I ever heard from him.” Barry spoke with an air of conviction, but Burt did not believe him. “Do you mean to say the Abyssinian never told you he held Henry Stolburst prisoner?” “That’s exactly what I do say.” “I can hardly credit you.” “Ajeeb did say something a few days ago about making Henry Stolburst give up the diamond he had stolen.” “He did not speak of the means he intended to apply to effect this end?” “Not to me. You seem deeply interested in this explorer.” “I am.” “Is he your friend?” “He is my employer.” “Your employer?” said Barry; “I cannot understand that.” “He engaged me to find this diamond of which Ajeeb is in search.” “Have you succeeded?” “I shall succeed.” “What disposition does Henry Stolburst intend to make of the stone?” “He did intend to give it to Ajeeb,” replied Burt. “Has he changed his mind?” Burt smiled. “My friend,” he said, “we seem to have changed positions.” “How?” “You have become the inquisitor,” replied Burt. “Well,” said Barry, drawing in a long breath, “I do not think Ajeeb would murder the man.” “Only a moment ago you expressed entirely different sentiments.” “I don’t know that I did.” “You remarked that these Abyssinians placed little or no value on human life,” remarked the detective. “That is truth.” “Then, knowing that Ajeeb hates this man, you say it is not likely he has been murdered.” “This is America, and there are laws to be feared. At home Ajeeb’s acts would not be questioned. In Gondar he is looked upon as a prophet.” “Is Ajeeb a fanatic?” “I never knew a more thoroughgoing one. When I first knew him I used to believe that the devotion in which he spoke of his idols was not sincere, but I afterward learned he was in dead earnest.” “Now, Barry, you must know where Ajeeb has taken up his residence.” “I don’t; and I’d advise you to go slow in arresting him.” “Why?” “You know it is dangerous to play with edged tools.” “I never yet saw a man that I feared,” remarked Burt. “I am not attempting to advise you; but I do say that I would not incur this man’s enmity for anything.” “Afraid of him, eh?” “Yes, I’ll confess that I am afraid of him,” said Barry. “Well,” said Burt, “you should not have linked yourself with the man.”