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The girl cast a quick glance at him. These were the first words he had addressed
to her that might indicate that his sentiments toward her were more than those of
a companion in distress. She regretted that he had spoken as he had and he, too,
regretted it almost instantly as he saw the shadow cross her face and realized
that he had unwittingly added to the difficulties of her already almost unbearable
situation.
"Forgive me," he said quickly. "Please forget what that remark implied. I promise
you that I will not offend again, if it does offend you, until after we are both safely
out of this mess."
She smiled and thanked him, but the thing had been said and could never be
unsaid, and Bertha Kircher knew even more surely than as though he had fallen
upon his knees and protested undying devotion that the young English officer
loved her.
Usanga was for taking his first lesson in aviation immediately. The Englishman
attempted to dissuade him, but immediately the black became threatening and
abusive, since, like all those who are ignorant, he was suspicious that the
intentions of others were always ulterior unless they perfectly coincided with his
wishes.
"All right, old top," muttered the Englishman, "I will give you the lesson of your
life," and then turning to the girl: "Persuade him to let you accompany us. I shall
be afraid to leave you here with these devilish scoundrels." But when she put the
suggestion to Usanga the black immediately suspected some plan to thwart him--
possibly to carry him against his will back to the German masters he had
traitorously deserted, and glowering at her savagely, he obstinately refused to
entertain the suggestion.
"
The white woman will remain here with my people," he said. "They will not harm
her unless you fail to bring me back safely."
"Tell him," said the Englishman, "that if you are not standing in plain sight in this
meadow when I return, I will not land, but will carry Usanga back to the British
camp and have him hanged."
Usanga promised that the girl would be in evidence upon their return, and took
immediate steps to impress upon his warriors that under penalty of death they
must not harm her. Then, followed by the other members of his party, he crossed
the clearing toward the plane with the Englishman. Once seated within what he
already considered his new possession, the black's courage began to wane and
when the motor was started and the great propeller commenced to whir, he
screamed to the Englishman to stop the thing and permit him to alight, but the
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