Robert Michael Ballantyne

Black Ivory Robert Michael Ballantyne

Book Excerpt: ...difficulty in working his way, while his companion, though a little older, was evidently quite as capable."There be no town, no village, for fifty miles from where you stand," replied the Arab."Indeed!" exclaimed Harold in surprise, for he had always supposed the East African coast to be rather populous."That's a blue look-out anyhow," observed Disco, "for it necessitates starvation, unless this good gentleman will hire us to work his craft. It ain't very ship-shape to be sure, but anything of a seagoin' craft comes more or less handy to an old salt."The trader listened with the politeness and profound gravity that seems to be characteristic of Orientals, but by no sign or expression showed whether he understood what was said."I go to Zanzibar," said he, turning to Harold, "and will take you, -- so you wish."There was something sinister in the man's manner which Harold did not like, but as he was destitute, besides being in the Arab's power, and utterly.