Let us begin now when we have such a good reason." "Do you hear, Muata; the young men say that we should all follow on the trail ?" "It is my quarrel," said the chief, not jumping at the offer.
Mr.Hume smoked in silence.
"Yet the man-eaters are strong," Muata said presently.
"They have also guns given by the man-stealers.

The great one and the young lions would be worth many men; but the forest is dark, the way is hard, and not fit for white men." Mr.Hume grunted.
"When Muata goes on the war-path, he fights his own way, on his own plan.

On the war-path Muata is chief." The hunter turned his calm eyes on the wild river-man.
"Chief of one." "Of one or none, it does not matter, great one; since to be chief is to do what is best." "Your plans are your own.Consider.If we go, we will do nothing to spoil those plans; but, in the end, if you want help to rescue the wise woman--your mother--then we will be ready to help you." "It is a good word; but consider also, great one, that those who walk the forest must know the forest, and those who know the forest must lead, lest there be divided counsels, and wanderings that lead nowhere but to death." "Am I, then, a boy at this work ?" "Wow! That was not my thought; but the lion hunts in the open land, the tiger in the bush.

If the lion roared in the forest, see, the evil ones would hear and prepare a trap for him." "Well, chief, hear this.

In all things I will take your advice.