“You are going to Berbera, perhaps,” he went on, nowise discomfited by the rebuff.
You must remember that British influence is little felt at Berbera.
He had been raiding friendly tribes in the interior and there was a risk that he might attack Berbera.
When you arrive at Berbera, you will find them all encamped outside the town.
Yesterday afternoon the Arabs at Berbera massacred the garrison to a man, and are doubtless now marching on Zaila.
Once you and Tom arrive at Berbera, you have only to ride out to this camp.
When Jim and his friend left Berbera, the news of an immediate advance was in the air, but this was contradicted a few days later.
But as you are not that, and not traders, then for what reason have you come to Berbera?
The trade is almost entirely with Aden, of which Berbera may be considered a commercial dependency.
Why, he knows well that the British Government is now buying camels here and training and equipping a native levy at Berbera.
