Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/101

  the bank a new stockade; the gum was still oozing from the stakes. To the right were some long, low buildings, of which I did not like the look. These also were very new—in fact, still in process of construction—and as I examined them through my glass I discovered some bungling contrivances hanging from a projecting rafter.

Neck-yokes,' said I to Lynch. 'We have stumbled on a slaver!'

" 'Here comes a white man,' he replied. There were a few natives watching us from the top of the bank, and through these there came a man of huge stature, with a rough, red beard and dressed in a suit of embroidered silk pajamas. The people wilted away from him as he approached, then fell in behind, walking with the curious drop-kneed gait of bush-folk the world over when ill at ease. This giant strode to the edge of the bank and stood glaring down without a word.

Good evening,' observed Lynch, and shoved the canoe to the bank. [ 85 ]