Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/297

 like a pointer dog when Zack sneaked from Colonel Spottiswoode's bedroom with a box which clinked, and whispered of the metal that must be in it. Four black apparitions stalked past—natives, naked and silent—shadows coming out of the shadows, and merging into the shadows again. Zack took no chances; he lay low until the Shilluks were gone, then ventured forth again. A door creaked behind him, and Zack dived back into his hiding place. This time it was Colonel Spottiswoode's door that opened; a glare of light hurled the White Effendi's figure across the level spaces. Colonel Spottiswoode stood in the door way and shouted, "Zack! Oh, Zack!"

Then Said felt sure of the Black Effendi's concealments, for old Zack held his breath and did not answer. Never before had Said known the Black Effendi to act in such wise. Verily, it was a momentous intrigue. The Colonel, having failed to get an answer, turned back into his room and Old Reliable moved stealthily away. Said dropped flat to the ground, and began wriggling like a snake which was shedding its skin—wriggling out of his telltale robe and turban. Twenty paces beyond Zack rounded a corner of the house, then started at a quicker gait toward the river. He chose the way of the darkness, and avoided the path of the shine. To follow him Said must pass that blaze of light which streamed through