But with
me it is different. For years I have used no gun, who kill nothing
that God made, except a few bright-winged insects. I am ready to visit
your country with naught save this in my hand," and he pointed to the
butterfly net that leaned against the fence behind him.
"Good, you are welcome," said Komba, and I thought that I saw his eyes
gleam with unholy joy. There followed a pause, during which I
explained everything to Stephen, showing that the thing was madness.
But here, to my horror, that young man's mulish obstinacy came in.
"I say, you know, Quatermain," he said, "we can't let the old boy go
alone, or at least I can't. It's another matter for you who have a son
dependent on you. But putting aside the fact that I mean to get----"
he was about to add, "the orchid," when I nudged him. Of course, it
was ridiculous, but an uneasy fear took me lest this Komba should in
some mysterious way understand what he was saying. "What's up? Oh! I
see, but the beggar can't understand English. Well, putting aside
everything else, it isn't the game, and there you are, you know.
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