After breakfast I addressed and sent away our Zulus, each with a handsome present from the trade goods, giving into their charge the remaining wagon and our servants, none of whom, somewhat to my relief, wished to accompany us farther.  They sang their song of good-bye, saluted and departed over the rise, still looking hungrily behind them at the Mazitu, and we were very pleased to see the last of them without bloodshed or trouble.

When we had watched the white tilt of the wagon vanish, we set to work to get ourselves and our goods across the river.  This we accomplished safely, for the Mazitu worked for us like friends and not as do hired men.  On the farther bank, however, it took us two full days so to divide up the loads that the bearers could carry them without being overladen.

At length all was arranged and we started.  Of the month’s trek that followed there is nothing to tell, except that we completed it without notable accidents and at last reached the new Beza-Town, which much resembled the old, where we were accorded a great public reception.  Bausi II himself headed the procession which met us outside the south gate on that very mound which we had occupied in the great fight, where the bones of the gallant Mavovo and my other hunters lay buried.  Almost did it seem to me as though I could hear their deep voices joining in the shouts of welcome.

That night, while the Mazitu feasted in our honour, we held an indaba in the big new guest house with Bausi II, a pleasant-faced young man, and old Babemba.  The king asked us how long we meant to stay at Beza-Town, intimating his hope that the visit would be prolonged.  I replied, but a few days, as we were travelling far to the north to find a people called the Kendah whom we wished to see, and hoped that he would give us bearers to carry our goods as far as the confines of their country.  At the name of Kendah a look of astonishment appeared upon their faces and Babemba said: 

“Has madness seized you, Macumazana, that you would attempt this thing?  Oh surely you must be mad.”

“You thought us mad, Babemba, when we crossed the lake to Rica Town, yet we came back safely.”

“True, Macumazana, but compared to the Kendah the Pongo were but as the smallest star before the face of the sun.”

“What do you know of them then?” I asked.  “But stay—­before you answer, I will speak what I know,” and I repeated what I had learned from Hans, who confirmed my words, and from Harut and Marut, leaving out, however, any mention of their dealings with Lady Ragnall.