Aissa and Babalatchi started, but the latter gripped in his turn the girl's arm and restrained her with a strong grasp.
"Wait," he whispered.
The little door in the heavy stockade which separated Lakamba's private ground from Omar's enclosure swung back quickly, and the noble exile appeared with disturbed mien and a naked short sword in his hand.

His turban was half unrolled, and the end trailed on the ground behind him.
His jacket was open.

He breathed thickly for a moment before he spoke.
"He came in Bulangi's boat," he said, "and walked quietly till he was in my presence, when the senseless fury of white men caused him to rush upon me.

I have been in great danger," went on the ambitious nobleman in an aggrieved tone.

"Do you hear that, Babalatchi?
That eater of swine aimed a blow at my face with his unclean fist.