It is true that before they went to sleep I explained to them very clearly that any of them who attempted to give us the slip would certainly be seen and shot, whereas if they remained with us they would be treated with every kindness.

They answered through the two Mazitu that they had nowhere to go, and did not wish to fall again into the power of Hassan, of whom they spoke literally with shudders, pointing the while to their scarred backs and the marks of the slave yokes upon their necks.

Their protestations seemed and indeed proved to be sincere, but of this of course we could not then be sure.
As I was engaged at sunrise in making certain that the donkeys had not strayed and generally that all was well, I noted through the thin mist a little white object, which at first I thought was a small bird sitting on an upright stick about fifty yards from the camp.

I went towards it and discovered that it was not a bird but a folded piece of paper stuck in a cleft wand, such as natives often use for the carrying of letters.
I opened the paper and with great difficulty, for the writing within was bad Portuguese, read as follows: "English Devils .-- Do not think that you have escaped me.

I know where you are going, and if you live through the journey it will be but to die at my hands after all.