CHAPTER IX
THE SHAFT OF DEATH
AS THE huge, man-like gorilla entered the compound the warriors closed the gate, and fell back respectfully as he advanced to the center of the village where he stood fo r a moment, looking about.
"Where are the shes and the balus?" he asked, tersely. "Call them."
T h e women and the children must have heard the command, but they did not emerge from their hiding places. T h e warriors moved about uneasily, evidently torn by the conflicting emotions o f fear of the creature who had issued the order, and reluctance to fulfil his commands.
" Call them," he repeated, " o r go and fetch them." But at last one of the warriors mustered the courage to address him.
" This village has already furnished one woman within the moon," he said. " It is the turn o f another village."
" Silence 1" roared the gorilla-man, advancing threateningly toward him. "You are a rash Gomangani to threaten the will of a Bolgani—I speak with the voice o f Numa, the Emperor; obey o r die."
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