XXI
"Stas, why are we riding and speeding and have not yet reached Smain?"
"I do not know. He undoubtedly is moving rapidly ahead, in order to reach as quickly as possible the region in which he can catch negroes. Are you anxious that we should join his detachment?"
The little girl nodded her pale-yellow little head in sign that she was very much concerned about it.
"Why should you be so anxious?" asked Stas.
"Because perhaps Gebhr will not dare in Smain's company to beat that poor Kali so cruelly."
"Smain probably is no better. They all have no mercy for their slaves."
"Is that so?"
And two little tears coursed over her emaciated cheeks.
It was the ninth day of the journey. Gebhr, who was now the leader of the caravan, in the beginning easily discovered traces of Smain's march. His way was indicated by a trail of burnt jungle and camping grounds strewn with picked bones and various remnants. But after the lapse of five days they came upon a vast expanse of burnt steppe, on which the wind had carried the fire in all directions. The trails became deceptive and confusing, as, apparently, Smain had divided his detachment into ten or more small divisions, in order to facilitate the surrounding of the game and the capture of pro-
