“Of course, one can’t credit the absurd idea that a piece of wood, or brass, or whatever it is, can bring good luck to anyone who possesses it.” “Our ebony acquaintance holds so strongly to the absurdity that he will stop short of nothing in the effort to secure it. And my old fool of an—I beg your pardon, I mean my respected uncle, is actually plotting with him as to ways and means. He is in favor of informing the Government, but the Kwantu gentleman says the Colonial office will scoff at the notion. He is right there. The officials in Whitehall always do scoff until a certain number of white men and women are murdered, and an army corps has to be sent to exact vengeance.” “It seems to me that the killing will begin here, probably with a white dog—r-r-rip!” observed Minkie, stooping to dig me in the ribs. “Mongoose!” I yelled, but she didn’t appear to take any notice. [Pg 69] [Pg 69] “I wouldn’t write to dad if I were you,” she continued. “He would simply take sides with Schwartz. But you can write to me, if you like, only you must not wink, nor send postcards.” “What do you mean?” “Dorothy will tell you. Come on, Dan, let’s have a look at the warren.” When we were quite by ourselves Minkie took the ivory doll from her pocket and surveyed it seriously. “Ju-ju,” she said, “I hope you can really accomplish these wonders, because I’m going to do things, and there will be a fearful row if I don’t succeed.” I nearly killed twice in ten minutes, but a warren is the deuce and all if some of the holes are not stopped and you have no ferret. When we rejoined the others any dog could see that Dorothy had been crying. Yet she didn’t exactly look miserable, like Jim’s wife looked when her first baby died. Women are queer. Sometimes you can’t tell whether they are glad or sorry, because they weep just the same. [Pg 70] [Pg 70] The girls were dressing for dinner when a man in livery came with a
Prev.
Back
Top