I had resolved to take him into my confidence, so I told him the full tale of my night's adventure.

He was very severe with me, I remember, for my daft-like ride, but his severity relaxed before I had done with my story.
The telling brought back the scene to me, and I shivered at the picture of the cave with the morning breaking through the veil of water and Laputa in his death throes.

Arcoll did not speak for some time.
'So he is dead,' he said at last, half-whispering to himself.

'Well, he was a king, and died like a king.

Our job now is simple, for there is none of his breed left in Africa.' Then I told him of the treasure.
'It belongs to you, Davie,' he said, 'and we must see that you get it.
This is going to be a long war, but if we survive to the end you will be a rich man.' 'But in the meantime ?' I asked.