I was very indignant and expressed my feelings to the Induna in no measured terms.  He on his part was most apologetic, and explained that what he did he was obliged to do “by the King’s orders.”  Also he let it slip that he was seeking for a certain “evil-doer” who, it was thought, might be with me without my knowing his real character, and as this “evil-doer,” whose name he would not mention, was a very fierce man, it had been necessary to bring a strong guard with him.

Now I bethought me of Umslopogaas, but merely looked blank and shrugged my shoulders, saying that I was not in the habit of consorting with evil-doers.

Still unsatisfied, the Induna questioned me as to the places where I had been during this journey of mine in the Zulu country.  I told him with the utmost frankness, mentioning among others—­because I was sure that already he knew all my movements well—­the town of the People of the Axe.

Then he asked me if I had seen its Chief, a certain Umslopogaas or Bulalio.  I answered, Yes, that I had met him there for the first time and thought him a very remarkable man.

With this the Induna agreed emphatically, saying that perhaps I did not know how remarkable.  Next he asked me where he was now, to which I replied that I had not the faintest idea, but I presumed in his kraal where I had left him.  The Induna explained that he was not in his kraal; that he had gone away leaving one Lousta and his own head wife Monazi to administer the chieftainship for a while, because, as he stated, he wished to make a journey.

I yawned as if weary of the subject of this chief, and indeed of the whole business.  Then the Induna said that I must come to the King and repeat to him all the words that I had spoken.  I replied that I could not possibly do so as, having finished my trading, I had arranged to go north to shoot elephants.  He answered that elephants lived a long while and would not die while I was visiting the King.

Then followed an argument which grew heated and ended in his declaring that to the King I must come, even if he had to take me there by force.

I sat silent, wondering what to say or do and leant forward to pick a piece of wood out of the fire wherewith to light my pipe.  Now my shirt was not buttoned and as it chanced this action caused the ivory image of Zikali that hung about my neck to appear between its edges.  The Induna saw it and his eyes grew big with fear.

“Hide that!” he whispered, “hide that, lest it should bewitch me.  Indeed, already I feel as though I were being bewitched.  It is the Great Medicine itself.”

“That will certainly happen to you,” I said, yawning again, “if you insist upon my taking a week’s trek to visit the Black One, or interfere with me in any way now or afterwards,” and I lifted my hand towards the talisman, looking him steadily in the face.