Golah's reply to this information was, that he doubted its truth; that he did not like seaport towns; that his business lay away from the sea; and that he was anxious to reach Timbuctoo as soon as possible. He further stated, that if all his slaves were Christian dogs, who had reached the country in ships, it might be worth his while to take them to some port where they would be redeemed; but as the most of them were of countries that did not pay ransoms for their subjects, there would be no use in his carrying them to the coast,--where they might escape from him, and he would then have had all his trouble for nothing.
He was next asked if he would not try to sell the white captives along with the two Kroomen, to some slave dealer, who would take them to the coast for a market.
Golah would not promise this. He said, that to do so, he should have to sell them on the desert, where he could not obtain half their value.
The only information they were able to obtain from him was, that they were quite certain of seeing that far-famed city, Timbuctoo,--that was if they should prove strong enough to endure the hardships of the journey.
After thanking Golah for his condescension in listening to their appeal, the Krooman withdrew, followed by the others, who now for the first time began to realize the horror of their position. A plentiful supply of food, along with the day's rest, had caused all the white slaves to turn their thoughts from the present to the future.
Harry Blount and Terence, after their interview with Golah, found Colin and Sailor Bill anxiously awaiting their return.
"Well, what's the news?" asked Bill, as they drew near.
"Very bad," answered Terence. "There is no hope for us: we are going to Timbuctoo."
"No, I'm no going there," said Bill, "if it was in another world I might see the place soon enough, but in this, niver,--niver!"
At an early hour next morning the caravan started on its journey, still moving westward. This direction Golah was compelled to pursue to obtain a supply of water, although it was taking him no nearer his destination.
Two days' journey was before them ere they could reach another well. While performing it, Golah, vexed at the delay thus occasioned, was in very ill-humor with things in general.