We followed the winding channels between the trees , and where we could not row we laid hold of the crusted roots and hauled ourselves along . The water was foul , and great glittering flies tormented us . Morning and evening a blue mist covered the mud , which bred fevers . Four of our rowers sickened , and were bound to their benches , lest they should leap overboard and be eaten by the monsters of the mud . The Yellow Man lay sick beside the Wise Iron , rolling his head and talking in his own tongue . Only the Bird throve . She sat on Witta 's shoulder and screamed in that noisome , silent darkness . Yes ; I think it was the silence we most feared . ' He paused to listen to the comfortable home noises of the brook . ` When we had lost count of time among those black gullies and swashes we heard , as it were , a drum beat far off , and following it we broke into a broad , brown river by a hut in a clearing among fields of pumpkins . We thanked God to see the sun again . The people of the village gave the good welcome , and Witta scratched his head at them -LRB- for gold -RRB- , and showed them our iron and beads . They ran to the bank -- we were still in the ship -- and pointed to our swords and bows , for always when near shore we lay armed . Soon they fetched store of gold in bars and in dust from their huts , and some great blackened elephants ' teeth . These they piled on the bank , as though to tempt us , and made signs of dealing blows in battle , and pointed up to the tree-tops , and to the forest behind . Their captain or chief sorcerer then beat on his chest with his fists , and gnashed his teeth . ` Said Thorkild of Borkum : `` Do they mean we must fight for all this gear ? '' and he half drew sword . ' `` Nay , '' said Hugh . `` I think they ask us to league against some enemy . '' '
`` I like this not , '' said XXXXX , of a sudden .
Borkum Hugh Morning Witta evening fevers pumpkins rowers throve tree-tops