It was the first time that he had laughed for some months.

Then he translated it to his companions, not without complaisancy, for it had a truly legal sound, and your layman loves to affect the lawyer.
"What do you think of that, Otter ?" he asked when he had finished.
"It is fine, Baas, very fine," answered the dwarf.

"Wonderful are the ways of the white man! But, Baas, how can the old woman promise things on behalf of another ?" Leonard pulled his beard reflectively.

The dwarf had put his finger upon the weak spot in the document.

But he was saved the necessity of answering by Soa herself, who said quietly, "Have no fear, White Man; that which I promise in her name, my mistress will certainly perform, if so be that you can save her.