That is why I asked you to speak to me."
Mario did not seem to be listening. She was looking over his head
up the river, in the direction from whence the message had come, and
there was a singular hopelessness in her eyes.
"I cannot leave until he tells me to," she said doggedly.
Guy Oscard took the pipe from his lips and examined the bowl of it
attentively for a moment.
"Excuse me," he said gently, "but I insist on your leaving with the
children to-morrow. I will send two men down with you, and will
give you a letter to Miss Gordon, who will see to your wants at
Loango."
She looked at him with a sort of wonder.
"You insist?" she said.
He raised his eyes to meet hers.
"Yes," he answered.
She bowed her head in grave submission, and made a little movement
as if to go.
"It is chiefly on account of the children," he added.
Quite suddenly she smiled, and seemed to check a sob in her throat.
"Yes," said she softly, "I know." And she went into the house.
The next morning brought further rumours of approaching danger, and
it seemed certain that this news must have filtered through
Durnovo's fortified camp further up the river. This time the report
was more definite. There were Arabs leading the tribes, and rumour
further stated that an organised descent on Msala was intended.
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