When you wish to visit us, as you will do, journey to the north of that lake where the Pongo dwell, and stay there on the edge of the desert shooting till we come.  Now mock me if you will, but do not forget, for these things shall befall in their season, though that time be far.  If we meet no more for a while, still do not forget.  When you have need of gold or of the ivory that is gold, then journey to the north of the lake where the Pongo dwell, and call on the names of Harut and Marut.”

“And call on the names of Harut and Marut,” repeated the younger man, who hitherto appeared to take no interest in our talk.

Next, before I could answer, before I could think the thing out indeed, for all this breath from savage and mystical Africa blowing on me suddenly here in an Essex drawing-room, seemed to overwhelm me, the ineffable Harut proceeded in his English conjurer’s patter: 

“Rich ladies and gentlemen want see trick by poor old wizard from centre Africa.  Well, we show them, but please ’member no magic, all quite simple trick.  Teach it you if you pay.  Please not look too hard, no want you learn how it done.  What you like see?  Tree grow out of nothing, eh?  Good!  Please lend me that plate—­what you call him—­china.”

Then the performance began.  The tree grew admirably upon the china plate under the cover of an antimacassar.  A number of bits of stick danced together on the said plate, apparently without being touched.  At a whistle from Marut a second snake crawled out of the pocket of the horrified Mr. Savage, who stood observing these proceedings at a respectful distance, erected itself on its tail upon the plate and took fire till it was consumed to ashes, and so forth.

The show was very good, but to tell the truth I did not take much notice of it, for I had seen similar things before and was engaged in thoughts much excited by what Harut had said to me.  At length the pair paused amidst the clapping of the audience, and Marut began to pack up the properties as though all were done.  Then Harut observed casually: 

“The Lord Macumazana think this poor business and he right.  Very poor business, any conjurer do better.  All common trick”—­here his eye fell upon Mr. Savage who was wriggling uneasily in the background.  “What matter with that gentleman?  Brother Marut, go see.”

Brother Marut went and freed Mr. Savage from two more snakes which seemed to have taken possession of various parts of his garments.  Also, amidst shouts of laughter, from a large dead rat which he appeared to draw from his well-oiled hair.

“Ah!” said Harut, as his confederate returned with these prizes, leaving Savage collapsed in a chair, “snake love that gentleman much.  He earn great money in Africa.  Well, he keep rat in hair; hungry snake always want rat.  But as I say, this poor business.  Now you like to see some better, eh?  Mameena, eh?”

“No,” I replied firmly, whereat everyone laughed.