At
this they set up a loud protest, but it availed them nothing, and
they soon quieted down when assured that no harm would befall them
if they behaved.
CHAPTER XXXI
HOME AGAIN -- CONCLUSION
Nightfall found the entire expedition, including the women and
children, on the mountain side below the caves. As the party went
down the mountain a strict watch was kept for the Bumwo warriors,
and just as the sun was setting, they were discovered in camp on
the trail to the northwest.
"We will send out a flag of truce," said Randolph Rover. "Cujo
can talk to them."
This was done, and presently a tall Bumwo under chief came out in
a plain to hold a mujobo, or "law talk."
In a few words Cujo explained the situation, stating that they now
held in bondage eighteen women and children, including King
Susko's favorite wife Afgona. If the whites were allowed to pass
through the country unharmed until they, reached the village of
Kwa, where the Kassai River joins the Congo, they would release
all of the women and children at that point and they could go back
to rejoin their husbands and fathers. If, on the other hand, the
expedition was attacked the whites would put all of those in
bondage to instant death.
It is not likely that this horrible threat would have been put
into execution. As Dick said when relating the particulars of the
affair afterward. "We couldn't have done such a terrible thing,
for it would not have been human.
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