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"
Yes," answered the man on shore. "What do you wish of the Rajah Muda Saffir?"
We are men of his company and we have news for him," returned the speaker in
"
the sampan. "Tell him that we must speak to him at once."
The native on shore returned to the long-house without replying. Von Horn
wondered what the important news for Muda Saffir might be, and so he remained
as he had been, concealed behind the prahu.
Presently the old Malay came down to the water's edge--very warily though--and
asked the men whom they might be. When they had given their names he
seemed relieved.
"Ninaka," they said, "has murdered Barunda who was taking the rajah's treasure
up to the rajah's stronghold--the treasure which Ninaka had stolen after trying to
murder the rajah and which Barunda had recaptured. Now Ninaka, after
murdering Barunda, set off through the jungle toward the river which leads to
Gunung Tebor, and Barunda's uncle followed him with what few men he had with
him; but he sent us down river to try and find you, master, and beg of you to
come with many men and overtake Ninaka and punish him."
Muda Saffir thought for a moment.
"
Hasten back to the uncle of Barunda and tell him that as soon as I can gather
the warriors I shall come and punish Ninaka. I have another treasure here which
I must not lose, but I can arrange that it will still be here when I return for it, and
then Barunda's uncle can come back with me to assist me if assistance is
needed. Also, be sure to tell Barunda's uncle never to lose sight of the treasure,"
and Muda Saffir turned and hastened back to the long-house.
As the men in the sampan headed the boat's bow up stream again, von Horn ran
along the jungle trail beside the river and abreast of the paddlers. When he
thought that they were out of hearing of the long-house he hailed the two. In
startled surprise the men ceased paddling.
"
Who are you and what do you want?" asked one.
"I am the man to whom the chest belongs," replied von Horn. "If you will take me
to Barunda's uncle before Muda Saffir reaches him you shall each have the finest
rifles that the white man makes, with ammunition enough to last you a year. All
I ask is that you guide me within sight of the party that pursues Ninaka; then you
may leave me and tell no one what you have done, nor will I tell any. What say
you?"
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