He was evidently very much pleased with himself--held himself erect, and squinted more violently than usual.
"I have been to Msala," he said, with considerable dignity of manner.
"Yes, and what news have you ?" Nala squatted down on the chunam floor, and proceeded to unfold a leaf.
The operation took some time.

Within the outer covering there was a second envelope of paper, likewise secured by a string.

Finally, the man produced a small note, which showed signs of having been read more than once.

This he handed to Jocelyn with an absurd air of importance.
She opened the paper and read: "To MARIE AT MSALA,--Send at once to Mr.Durnovo, informing him that the tribes have risen and are rapidly surrounding the Plateau.

He must return here at once with as large an armed force as he can raise.