Nevertheless, Cousin Benedict was no longer in Jose-Antonio Alvez's establishment.
During all that day Mrs. Weldon looked for him persistently3. Little
Mrs. Weldon was then forced to adopt this sad hypothesis: the prisoner had been carried away by the trader's orders, for motives5 that she could not fathom6. But then, what had Alvez done with him? Had he incarcerated7 him in one of the barracks of the large square? Why this carrying away, coming after the agreement made between Mrs. Weldon and Negoro, an agreement which included Cousin Benedict in the number of the prisoners whom the trader would conduct to Mossamedes, to be placed in James W. Weldon's hands for a ransom8?
If Mrs. Weldon had been a witness of Alvez's anger, when the latter learned of the prisoner's disappearance9, she would have understood that this disappearance was indeed made against his will. But then, if Cousin Benedict had escaped voluntarily, why had he not let her into the secret of his escape?
However, the search of Alvez and his servants, which was made with the greatest care, led to the discovery of that mole-hill, which put the factory in direct communication with the neighboring forest. The trader no longer doubted that the "fly-hunter" had fled by that narrow opening. One may then judge of his fury, when he said to himself that this flight would doubtless be put to account, and would diminish the prize that the affair would bring him.
"That imbecile is not worth much," thought he, "nevertheless, I shall be compelled to pay dear for him. Ah! if I take him again!"
But notwithstanding the searchings that were made inside, and though the woods were beaten over a large radius11, it was impossible to find any trace of the fugitive12.
Mrs. Weldon must resign herself to the loss of her cousin, and Alvez mourn over his prisoner. As it could not be admitted that the latter had established communications with the outside, it appeared evident that chance alone had made him discover the existence of the mole-hill, and that he had taken flight without thinking any more of those he left behind than if they had never existed.
Mrs. Weldon was forced to allow that it must be so, but she did not dream of blaming the poor man, so perfectly13 unconscious of his actions.
"The unfortunate! what will become of him?" she asked herself.
It is needless to say that the mole-hill had been closed up the same day, and with the greatest care, and that the watch was doubled inside as well as outside the factory.
The monotonous14 life of the prisoners then continued for Mrs. Weldon and her child.
Meanwhile, a climatic fact, very rare at that period of the year, was produced in the province. Persistent2 rains began about the 19th of June, though the masika period, that finishes in April, was passed. In fact, the sky was covered, and continual showers inundated16 the territory of Kazounde.
What was only a vexation for Mrs. Weldon, because she must renounce17 her walks inside the factory, became a public misfortune for the natives. The low lands, covered with harvests already ripe, were entirely18 submerged. The inhabitants of the province, to whom the crop suddenly failed, soon found themselves in distress19. All the labors21 of the season were compromised, and Queen Moini, any more than her ministers, did not know how to face the catastrophe22.
They then had recourse to the magicians, but not to those whose profession is to heal the sick by their incantations and sorceries, or who predict success to the natives. There was a public misfortune on hand, and the best "mganngas," who have the privilege of provoking or stopping the rains, were prayed to, to conjure23 away the peril24.
Their labor20 was in vain. It was in vain that they intoned their monotonous chant, rang their little bells and hand-bells, employed their most precious amulets25, and more particularly, a horn full of mud and bark, the point of which was terminated by three little horns. The spirits were exorcised by throwing little balls of dung, or in spitting in the faces of the most august personages of the court; but they did not succeed in chasing away the bad spirits that presided over the formation of the clouds.
Now, things were going from bad to worse, when Queen Moini thought of inviting27 a celebrated28 magician, then in the north of Angola. He was a magician of the first order, whose power was the more marvelous because they had never tested it in this country where he had never come. But there was no question of its success among the Masikas.
It was on the 25th of June, in the morning, that the new magician suddenly announced his arrival at Kazounde with great ringing of bells.
This sorcerer came straight to the "tchitoka," and immediately the crowd of natives rushed toward him. The sky was a little less rainy, the wind indicated a tendency to change, and those signs of calm, coinciding with the arrival of the magician, predisposed the minds of the natives in his favor.
Besides, he was a superb man—a black of the finest water. He was at least six feet high, and must be extraordinarily29 strong. This prestige already influenced the crowd.
Generally, the sorcerers were in bands of three, four, or five when they went through the villages, and a certain number of acolytes30, or companions, made their cortege. This magician was alone. His whole breast was zebraed with white marks, done with pipe clay. The lower part of his body disappeared under an ample skirt of grass stuff, the "train" of which would not have disgraced a modern elegant. A collar of birds' skulls31 was round his neck; on his head was a sort of leathern helmet, with plumes32 ornamented33 with pearls; around his loins a copper34 belt, to which hung several hundred bells, noisier than the sonorous35 harness of a Spanish mule26: thus this magnificent specimen36 of the corporation of native wizards was dressed.
All the material of his art was comprised in a kind of basket, of which a calebash formed the bottom, and which was filled with shells, amulets, little wooden idols37, and other fetiches, plus a notable quantity of dung balls, important accessories to the incantations and divinatory38 practises of the center of Africa.
One peculiarity39 was soon discovered by the crowd. This magician was dumb. But this infirmity could only increase the consideration with which they were disposed to surround him. He only made a guttural sound, low and languid, which had no signification. The more reason for being well skilled in the mysteries of witchcraft40.
The magician first made the tour of the great place, executing a kind of dance which put in motion all his chime of bells. The crowd followed, imitating his movements—it might be said, as a troop of monkeys following a gigantic, four-handed animal. Then, suddenly, the sorcerer, treading the principal street of Kazounde, went toward the royal residence.
As soon as Queen Moini had been informed of the arrival of the new wizard, she appeared, followed by her courtiers.
The magician bowed to the ground, and lifted up his head again, showing his superb height. His arms were then extended toward the sky, which was rapidly furrowed41 by masses of clouds. The sorcerer pointed42 to those clouds with his hand; he imitated their movements in an animated43 pantomime. He showed them fleeing to the west, but returning to the east by a rotary44 movement that no power could stop.
Then, suddenly, to the great surprise of the town and the court, this sorcerer took the redoubtable45 sovereign of Kazounde by the hand. A few courtiers wished to oppose this act, which was contrary to all etiquette46; but the strong magician, seizing the nearest by the nape of the neck, sent him staggering fifteen paces off.
The queen did not appear to disapprove47 of this proud manner of acting48. A sort of grimace49, which ought to be a smile, was addressed to the wizard, who drew the queen on with rapid steps, while the crowd rushed after him.
This time it was toward Alvez's establishment that the sorcerer directed his steps. He soon reached the door, which was shut. A simple blow from his shoulder threw it to the ground, and he led the conquered queen into the interior of the factory.
The trader, his soldiers and his slaves, ran to punish the daring being who took it upon himself to throw down doors without waiting for them to be opened to him. Suddenly, seeing that their sovereign did not protest, they stood still, in a respectful attitude.
No doubt Alvez was about to ask the queen why he was honored by her visit, but the magician did not give him time. Making the crowd recede50 so as to leave a large space free around him, he recommenced his pantomime with still greater animation51. He pointed to the clouds, he threatened them, he exorcised them; he made a sign as if he could first stop them, and then scatter52 them. His enormous cheeks were puffed53 out, and he blew on this mass of heavy vapors54 as if he had the strength to disperse55 them. Then, standing10 upright, he seemed to intend stopping them in their course, and one would have said that, owing to his gigantic height, he could have seized them.
The superstitious56 Moini, "overcome" by the acting of this tall comedian57, could no longer control herself. Cries escaped her. She raved58 in her turn, and instinctively59 repeated the magician's gestures. The courtiers and the crowd followed her example, and the mute's guttural sounds were lost amid those songs; cries, and yells which the native language furnishes with so much prodigality60.
Did the clouds cease to rise on the eastern horizon and veil the tropical sun? Did they vanish before the exorcisms of this new wizard? No. And just at this moment, when the queen and her people imagined that they had appeased61 the evil spirits that had watered them with so many showers, the sky, somewhat clear since daybreak, became darker than ever. Large drops of rain fell pattering on the ground.
Then a sudden change took place in the crowd. They then saw that this sorcerer was worth no more than the others. The queen's brows were frowning. They understood that he at least was in danger of losing his ears. The natives had contracted the circle around him; fists threatened him, and they were about to punish him, when an unforeseen incident changed the object of their evil intentions.
The magician, who overlooked the whole yelling crowd, stretched his arms toward one spot in the enclosure. The gesture was so imperious that all turned to look at it.
Mrs. Weldon and little Jack, attracted by the noise and the clamor, had just left their hut. The magician, with an angry gesture, had pointed to them with his left hand, while his right was raised toward the sky.
They! it was they'! It was this white woman—it was her child—they were causing all this evil. They had brought these clouds from their rainy country, to inundate15 the territories of Kazounde.
It was at once understood. Queen Moini, pointing to Mrs. Weldon, made a threatening gesture. The natives, uttering still more terrible cries, rushed toward her.
Mrs. Weldon thought herself lost, and clasping her son in her arms, she stood motionless as a statue before this over-excited crowd.
The magician went toward her. The natives stood aside in the presence of this wizard, who, with the cause of the evil, seemed to have found the remedy.
The trader, Alvez, knowing that the life of the prisoner was precious, now approached, not being sure of what he ought to do.
The magician had seized little Jack, and snatching him from his mother's arms, he held him toward the sky. It seemed as if he were about to dash the child to the earth, so as to appease62 the gods.
With a terrible cry, Mrs. Weldon fell to the ground insensible.
But the magician, after having made a sign to the queen, which no doubt reassured63 her as to his intentions, raised the unhappy mother, and while the crowd, completely subdued64, parted to give him space, he carried her away with her child.
Alvez was furious, not expecting this result. After having lost one of the three prisoners, to see the prize confided65 to his care thus escape, and, with the prize, the large bribe66 promised him by Negoro! Never! not if the whole territory of Kazounde were submerged by a new deluge67! He tried to oppose this abduction.
The natives now began to mutter against him. The queen had him seized by her guards, and, knowing what it might cost him, the trader was forced to keep quiet, while cursing the stupid credulity of Queen Moini's subjects.
The savages68, in fact, expected to see the clouds disappear with those who had brought them, and they did not doubt that the magician would destroy the scourge69, from which they suffered so much, in the blood of the strangers.
Meanwhile, the magician carried off his victims as a lion would a couple of kids which did not satisfy his powerful appetite. Little Jack was terrified, his mother was unconscious. The crowd, roused to the highest degree of fury, escorted the magician with yells; but he left the enclosure, crossed Kazounde, and reentered the forest, walking nearly three miles, without resting for a moment. Finally he was alone, the natives having understood that he did not wish to be followed. He arrived at the bank of a river, whose rapid current flowed toward the north.
There, at the end of a large opening, behind the long, drooping70 branches of a thicket71 which hid the steep bank, was moored72 a canoe, covered by a sort of thatch73.
The magician lowered his double burden into the boat, and following himself, shoved out from the bank, and the current rapidly carried them down the stream. The next minute he said, in a very distinct voice:
"Captain, here are Mrs. Weldon and little Jack; I present them to you.
Forward. And may all the clouds in heaven fall on those idiots of
Kazounde!"
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1
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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persistent
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| adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的 | |
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persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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4
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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6
fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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7
incarcerated
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| 钳闭的 | |
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8
ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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9
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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10
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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11
radius
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| n.半径，半径范围；有效航程，范围，界限 | |
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12
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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13
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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14
monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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15
inundate
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| vt.淹没，泛滥，压倒 | |
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inundated
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| v.淹没( inundate的过去式和过去分词 )；（洪水般地）涌来；充满；给予或交予（太多事物）使难以应付 | |
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17
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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18
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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19
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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21
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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22
catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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25
amulets
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| n.护身符( amulet的名词复数 ) | |
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26
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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27
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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28
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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29
extraordinarily
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| adv.格外地；极端地 | |
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30
acolytes
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| n.助手( acolyte的名词复数 )；随从；新手；（天主教）侍祭 | |
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31
skulls
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| 颅骨( skull的名词复数 )； 脑袋； 脑子； 脑瓜 | |
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32
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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33
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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34
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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35
sonorous
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| adj.响亮的，回响的；adv.圆润低沉地；感人地；n.感人，堂皇 | |
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36
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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37
idols
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| 偶像( idol的名词复数 )； 受崇拜的人或物； 受到热爱和崇拜的人或物； 神像 | |
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38
divinatory
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| adj.占卦的 | |
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39
peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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41
furrowed
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| v.犁田，开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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43
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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44
rotary
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| adj.(运动等)旋转的；轮转的；转动的 | |
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45
redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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46
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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47
disapprove
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| v.不赞成，不同意，不批准 | |
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48
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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49
grimace
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| v.做鬼脸，面部歪扭 | |
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50
recede
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| vi.退(去)，渐渐远去；向后倾斜，缩进 | |
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51
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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52
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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53
puffed
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| adj.疏松的v.使喷出( puff的过去式和过去分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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54
vapors
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| n.水汽，水蒸气，无实质之物( vapor的名词复数 )；自夸者；幻想 [药]吸入剂 [古]忧郁（症）v.自夸，（使）蒸发( vapor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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55
disperse
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| vi.使分散；使消失；vt.分散；驱散 | |
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56
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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57
comedian
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| n.喜剧演员；滑稽演员 | |
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58
raved
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| v.胡言乱语( rave的过去式和过去分词 )；愤怒地说；咆哮；痴心地说 | |
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59
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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60
prodigality
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| n.浪费，挥霍 | |
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61
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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62
appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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63
reassured
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| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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64
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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66
bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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67
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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68
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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69
scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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70
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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71
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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72
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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thatch
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| vt.用茅草覆盖…的顶部；n.茅草(屋) | |
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