Alan sat up in his chair and stared at Jeekie, while Jeekie nodded his head at him.

“There is something in it,” he said slowly, speaking more to himself than to the negro, “and perhaps that is why I would not sell the fetish, for as you say, there are plenty of true things in the world besides those which we believe.  But, Jeekie, how should I find the way?”

“No trouble, Major, Little Bonsa find way, want to get back home, very hungry by now, much need sacrifice.  Think it good thing kill pig to Little Bonsa—­or even lamb.  She know you do your best, since human being not to be come at in Christian land, and say ’thank you for life of pig.’”

“Stop that rubbish,” said Alan.  “I want a guide; if I go, will you come with me?”

At this suggestion the negro looked exceedingly uncomfortable.

“Not like to, not like to at all,” he said, rolling his eyes.  “Asiki-land very funny place for native-born.  But,” he added sadly, “if you go Jeekie must, for I servant of Little Bonsa and if I stay behind, she angry and kill me because I not attend her where she walk.  But perhaps if I go and take her to Gold House again, she pleased and let me off.  Also I able help you there.  Yes, if you and Little Bonsa go, think I go too.”

After this announcement Jeekie rose and walked down the room, carrying the cold mutton in his hand.  Then he returned, replaced it on the table and standing in front of Alan, said earnestly: 

“Major, I tell you all truth, just this once.  Jeekie believe he got go with you to Asiki-land.  Jeekie have plenty bad dream lately, Little Bonsa come in middle of the night and sit on his stomach and scratch his face with her gold leg, and say, ’Jeekie, Jeekie, you son of Bonsa, you get up quick and take me back Bonsa Town, for I darned tired of City fog and finished all I come here to do.  Now I want jolly good sacrifice and got plenty business attend to there at home, things you not understand just yet.  You take me back sharp, or I make you sit up, Jeekie, my boy;’” and he paused.

“Indeed,” said Alan; “and did she tell you anything else in her midnight visitations?”

“Yes, Major.  She say, ’You take that white master of yours along also, for I want come back Asiki-land on his head, and someone wish see him there, old pal, what he forget but what not forget him.  You tell him Little Bonsa got score she wants settle with that party and wish use him to square account.  You tell him too that she pay him well for trip; he lose nothing if he play her game ’cause she got no score against him.  But if he not go, that another matter, then he look out, for Little Bonsa very nasty customer if she riled, as his late partners find out one day.’”

“Oh! shut up, Jeekie.  What’s the use of wasting time telling me your nightmares?”

“Very well, Major, just as you like, Major.  But I got other reasons why I willing go.  Jeekie want see his ma.”