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diff --git a/5174-h/5174-h.htm b/5174-h/5174-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..69c3f2f --- /dev/null +++ b/5174-h/5174-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14870 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Allan and the Holy Flower, by H. Rider Haggard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Allan and the Holy Flower, by H. Rider Haggard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Allan and the Holy Flower + +Author: H. Rider Haggard + +Release Date: May 29, 2002 [eBook #5174] +[Most recently updated: January 14, 2021] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALLAN AND THE HOLY FLOWER *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers, Dagny, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + ALLAN AND THE HOLY FLOWER + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By H. Rider Haggard + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + First Published 1915. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I<br/> + BROTHER JOHN + </h2> + <p> + I do not suppose that anyone who knows the name of Allan Quatermain would + be likely to associate it with flowers, and especially with orchids. Yet + as it happens it was once my lot to take part in an orchid hunt of so + remarkable a character that I think its details should not be lost. At + least I will set them down, and if in the after days anyone cares to + publish them, well—he is at liberty to do so. + </p> + <p> + It was in the year—oh! never mind the year, it was a long while ago + when I was much younger, that I went on a hunting expedition to the north + of the Limpopo River which borders the Transvaal. My companion was a + gentleman of the name of Scroope, Charles Scroope. He had come out to + Durban from England in search of sport. At least, that was one of his + reasons. The other was a lady whom I will call Miss Margaret Manners, + though that was not her name. + </p> + <p> + It seems that these two were engaged to be married, and really attached to + each other. Unfortunately, however, they quarrelled violently about + another gentleman with whom Miss Manners danced four consecutive dances, + including two that were promised to her <i>fiancé</i> at a Hunt ball in Essex, + where they all lived. Explanations, or rather argument, followed. Mr. + Scroope said that he would not tolerate such conduct. Miss Manners replied + that she would not be dictated to; she was her own mistress and meant to + remain so. Mr. Scroope exclaimed that she might so far as he was + concerned. She answered that she never wished to see his face again. He + declared with emphasis that she never should and that he was going to + Africa to shoot elephants. + </p> + <p> + What is more, he went, starting from his Essex home the next day without + leaving any address. As it transpired afterwards, long afterwards, had he + waited till the post came in he would have received a letter that might + have changed his plans. But they were high-spirited young people, both of + them, and played the fool after the fashion of those in love. + </p> + <p> + Well, Charles Scroope turned up in Durban, which was but a poor place + then, and there we met in the bar of the Royal Hotel. + </p> + <p> + “If you want to kill big game,” I heard some one say, who it was I really + forget, “there’s the man to show you how to do it—Hunter Quatermain; + the best shot in Africa and one of the finest fellows, too.” + </p> + <p> + I sat still, smoking my pipe and pretending to hear nothing. It is awkward + to listen to oneself being praised, and I was always a shy man. + </p> + <p> + Then after a whispered colloquy Mr. Scroope was brought forward and + introduced to me. I bowed as nicely as I could and ran my eye over him. He + was a tall young man with dark eyes and a rather romantic aspect (that was + due to his love affair), but I came to the conclusion that I liked the cut + of his jib. When he spoke, that conclusion was affirmed. I always think + there is a great deal in a voice; personally, I judge by it almost as much + as by the face. This voice was particularly pleasant and sympathetic, + though there was nothing very original or striking in the words by which + it was, so to speak, introduced to me. These were: + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, sir. Will you have a split?” + </p> + <p> + I answered that I never drank spirits in the daytime, or at least not + often, but that I should be pleased to take a small bottle of beer. + </p> + <p> + When the beer was consumed we walked up together to my little house on + what is now called the Berea, the same in which, amongst others, I + received my friends, Curtis and Good, in after days, and there we dined. + Indeed, Charlie Scroope never left that house until we started on our + shooting expedition. + </p> + <p> + Now I must cut all this story short, since it is only incidentally that it + has to do with the tale I am going to tell. Mr. Scroope was a rich man and + as he offered to pay all the expenses of the expedition while I was to + take all the profit in the shape of ivory or anything else that might + accrue, of course I did not decline his proposal. + </p> + <p> + Everything went well with us on that trip until its unfortunate end. We + only killed two elephants, but of other game we found plenty. It was when + we were near Delagoa Bay on our return that the accident happened. + </p> + <p> + We were out one evening trying to shoot something for our dinner, when + between the trees I caught sight of a small buck. It vanished round a + little promontory of rock which projected from the side of the kloof, + walking quietly, not running in alarm. We followed after it. I was the + first, and had just wriggled round these rocks and perceived the buck + standing about ten paces away (it was a bush-bok), when I heard a rustle + among the bushes on the top of the rock not a dozen feet above my head, + and Charlie Scroope’s voice calling: + </p> + <p> + “Look out, Quatermain! He’s coming.” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s coming?” I answered in an irritated tone, for the noise had made + the buck run away. + </p> + <p> + Then it occurred to me, all in an instant of course, that a man would not + begin to shout like that for nothing; at any rate when his supper was + concerned. So I glanced up above and behind me. To this moment I can + remember exactly what I saw. There was the granite water-worn boulder, or + rather several boulders, with ferns growing in their cracks of the + maiden-hair tribe, most of them, but some had a silver sheen on the under + side of their leaves. On one of these leaves, bending it down, sat a large + beetle with red wings and a black body engaged in rubbing its antennæ with + its front paws. And above, just appearing over the top of the rock, was + the head of an extremely fine leopard. As I write, I seem to perceive its + square jowl outlined against the arc of the quiet evening sky with the + saliva dropping from its lips. + </p> + <p> + This was the last thing which I did perceive for a little while, since at + that moment the leopard—we call them tigers in South Africa—dropped + upon my back and knocked me flat as a pancake. I presume that it also had + been stalking the buck and was angry at my appearance on the scene. Down I + went, luckily for me, into a patch of mossy soil. + </p> + <p> + “All up!” I said to myself, for I felt the brute’s weight upon my back + pressing me down among the moss, and what was worse, its hot breath upon + my neck as it dropped its jaws to bite me in the head. Then I heard the + report of Scroope’s rifle, followed by furious snarling from the leopard, + which evidently had been hit. Also it seemed to think that I had caused + its injuries, for it seized me by the shoulder. I felt its teeth slip + along my skin, but happily they only fastened in the shooting coat of + tough corduroy that I was wearing. It began to shake me, then let go to + get a better grip. Now, remembering that Scroope only carried a light, + single-barrelled rifle, and therefore could not fire again, I knew, or + thought I knew, that my time had come. I was not exactly afraid, but the + sense of some great, impending change became very vivid. I remembered—not + my whole life, but one or two odd little things connected with my infancy. + For instance, I seemed to see myself seated on my mother’s knee, playing + with a little jointed gold-fish which she wore upon her watch-chain. + </p> + <p> + After this I muttered a word or two of supplication, and, I think, lost + consciousness. If so, it can only have been for a few seconds. Then my + mind returned to me and I saw a strange sight. The leopard and Scroope + were fighting each other. The leopard, standing on one hind leg, for the + other was broken, seemed to be boxing Scroope, whilst Scroope was driving + his big hunting knife into the brute’s carcase. They went down, Scroope + undermost, the leopard tearing at him. I gave a wriggle and came out of + that mossy bed—I recall the sucking sound my body made as it left + the ooze. + </p> + <p> + Close by was my rifle, uninjured and at full cock as it had fallen from my + hand. I seized it, and in another second had shot the leopard through the + head just as it was about to seize Scroope’s throat. + </p> + <p> + It fell stone dead on the top of him. One quiver, one contraction of the + claws (in poor Scroope’s leg) and all was over. There it lay as though it + were asleep, and underneath was Scroope. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty was to get it off him, for the beast was very heavy, but I + managed this at last with the help of a thorn bough I found which some + elephant had torn from a tree. This I used as a lever. There beneath lay + Scroope, literally covered with blood, though whether his own or the + leopard’s I could not tell. At first I thought that he was dead, but after + I had poured some water over him from the little stream that trickled down + the rock, he sat up and asked inconsequently: + </p> + <p> + “What am I now?” + </p> + <p> + “A hero,” I answered. (I have always been proud of that repartee.) + </p> + <p> + Then, discouraging further conversation, I set to work to get him back to + the camp, which fortunately was close at hand. + </p> + <p> + When we had proceeded a couple of hundred yards, he still making + inconsequent remarks, his right arm round my neck and my left arm round + his middle, suddenly he collapsed in a dead faint, and as his weight was + more than I could carry, I had to leave him and fetch help. + </p> + <p> + In the end I got him to the tents by aid of the Kaffirs and a blanket, and + there made an examination. He was scratched all over, but the only serious + wounds were a bite through the muscles of the left upper arm and three + deep cuts in the right thigh just where it joins the body, caused by a + stroke of the leopard’s claws. I gave him a dose of laudanum to send him + to sleep and dressed these hurts as best I could. For three days he went + on quite well. Indeed, the wounds had begun to heal healthily when + suddenly some kind of fever took him, caused, I suppose, by the poison of + the leopard’s fangs or claws. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what a terrible week was that which followed! He became delirious, + raving continually of all sorts of things, and especially of Miss Margaret + Manners. I kept up his strength as well as was possible with soup made + from the flesh of game, mixed with a little brandy which I had. But he + grew weaker and weaker. Also the wounds in the thigh began to suppurate. + </p> + <p> + The Kaffirs whom we had with us were of little use in such a case, so that + all the nursing fell on me. Luckily, beyond a shaking, the leopard had + done me no hurt, and I was very strong in those days. Still the lack of + rest told on me, since I dared not sleep for more than half an hour or so + at a time. At length came a morning when I was quite worn out. There lay + poor Scroope turning and muttering in the little tent, and there I sat by + his side, wondering whether he would live to see another dawn, or if he + did, for how long I should be able to tend him. I called to a Kaffir to + bring me my coffee, and just as I was lifting the pannikin to my lips + with a shaking hand, help came. + </p> + <p> + It arrived in a very strange shape. In front of our camp were two thorn + trees, and from between these trees, the rays from the rising sun falling + full on him, I saw a curious figure walking towards me in a slow, + purposeful fashion. It was that of a man of uncertain age, for though the + beard and long hair were white, the face was comparatively youthful, save + for the wrinkles round the mouth, and the dark eyes were full of life and + vigour. Tattered garments, surmounted by a torn kaross or skin rug, hung + awkwardly upon his tall, thin frame. On his feet were veld-schoen of + untanned hide, on his back a battered tin case was strapped, and in his + bony, nervous hand he clasped a long staff made of the black and white + wood the natives call <i>unzimbiti</i>, on the top of which was fixed a + butterfly net. Behind him were some Kaffirs who carried cases on their + heads. + </p> + <p> + I knew him at once, since we had met before, especially on a certain + occasion in Zululand, when he calmly appeared out of the ranks of a + hostile native <i>impi</i>. He was one of the strangest characters in all + South Africa. Evidently a gentleman in the true sense of the word, none + knew his history (although I know it now, and a strange story it is), + except that he was an American by birth, for in this matter at times his + speech betrayed him. Also he was a doctor by profession, and to judge from + his extraordinary skill, one who must have seen much practice both in + medicine and in surgery. For the rest he had means, though where they came + from was a mystery, and for many years past had wandered about South and + Eastern Africa, collecting butterflies and flowers. + </p> + <p> + By the natives, and I might add by white people also, he was universally + supposed to be mad. This reputation, coupled with his medical skill, + enabled him to travel wherever he would without the slightest fear of + molestation, since the Kaffirs look upon the mad as inspired by God. Their + name for him was “Dogeetah,” a ludicrous corruption of the English word + “doctor,” whereas white folk called him indifferently “Brother John,” + “Uncle Jonathan,” or “Saint John.” The second appellation he got from his + extraordinary likeness (when cleaned up and nicely dressed) to the figure + by which the great American nation is typified in comic papers, as England + is typified by John Bull. The first and third arose in the well-known + goodness of his character and a taste he was supposed to possess for + living on locusts and wild honey, or their local equivalents. Personally, + however, he preferred to be addressed as “Brother John.” + </p> + <p> + Oh! who can tell the relief with which I saw him; an angel from heaven + could scarcely have been more welcome. As he came I poured out a second + jorum of coffee, and remembering that he liked it sweet, put in plenty of + sugar. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Brother John?” I said, proffering him the coffee. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, Brother Allan,” he answered—in those days he affected a + kind of old Roman way of speaking, as I imagine it. Then he took the + coffee, put his long finger into it to test the temperature and stir up + the sugar, drank it off as though it were a dose of medicine, and handed + back the tin to be refilled. + </p> + <p> + “Bug-hunting?” I queried. + </p> + <p> + He nodded. “That and flowers and observing human nature and the wonderful + works of God. Wandering around generally.” + </p> + <p> + “Where from last?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Those hills nearly twenty miles away. Left them at eight in the evening; + walked all night.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” I said, looking at him. + </p> + <p> + “Because it seemed as though someone were calling me. To be plain, you, + Allan.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you heard about my being here and the trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “No, heard nothing. Meant to strike out for the coast this morning. Just + as I was turning in, at 8.5 exactly, got your message and started. That’s + all.” + </p> + <p> + “My message——” I began, then stopped, and asking to see his + watch, compared it with mine. Oddly enough, they showed the same time to + within two minutes. + </p> + <p> + “It is a strange thing,” I said slowly, “but at 8.5 last night I did try + to send a message for some help because I thought my mate was dying,” and + I jerked my thumb towards the tent. “Only it wasn’t to you or any other + man, Brother John. Understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite. Message was expressed on, that’s all. Expressed and I guess + registered as well.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at Brother John and Brother John looked at me, but at the time we + made no further remark. The thing was too curious, that is, unless he + lied. But nobody had ever known him to lie. He was a truthful person, + painfully truthful at times. And yet there are people who do not believe + in prayer. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Mauled by leopard. Wounds won’t heal, and fever. I don’t think he can + last long.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know about it? Let me see him.” + </p> + <p> + Well, he saw him and did wonderful things. That tin box of his was full of + medicines and surgical instruments, which latter he boiled before he used + them. Also he washed his hands till I thought the skin would come off + them, using up more soap than I could spare. First he gave poor Charlie a + dose of something that seemed to kill him; he said he had that drug from + the Kaffirs. Then he opened up those wounds upon his thigh and cleaned + them out and bandaged them with boiled herbs. Afterwards, when Scroope + came to again, he gave him a drink that threw him into a sweat and took + away the fever. The end of it was that in two days’ time his patient sat + up and asked for a square meal, and in a week we were able to begin to + carry him to the coast. + </p> + <p> + “Guess that message of yours saved Brother Scroope’s life,” said old John, + as he watched him start. + </p> + <p> + I made no answer. Here I may state, however, that through my own men I + inquired a little as to Brother John’s movements at the time of what he + called the message. It seemed that he <i>had</i> arranged to march towards + the coast on the next morning, but that about two hours after sunset + suddenly he ordered them to pack up everything and follow him. This they + did and to their intense disgust those Kaffirs were forced to trudge all + night at the heels of Dogeetah, as they called him. Indeed, so weary did + they become, that had they not been afraid of being left alone in an + unknown country in the darkness, they said they would have thrown down + their loads and refused to go any further. + </p> + <p> + That is as far as I was able to take the matter, which may be explained by + telepathy, inspiration, instinct, or coincidence. It is one as to which + the reader must form his own opinion. + </p> + <p> + During our week together in camp and our subsequent journey to Delagoa Bay + and thence by ship to Durban, Brother John and I grew very intimate, with + limitations. Of his past, as I have said, he never talked, or of the real + object of his wanderings which I learned afterwards, but of his natural + history and ethnological (I believe that is the word) studies he spoke a + good deal. As, in my humble way, I also am an observer of such matters and + know something about African natives and their habits from practical + experience, these subjects interested me. + </p> + <p> + Amongst other things, he showed me many of the specimens that he had + collected during his recent journey; insects and beautiful butterflies + neatly pinned into boxes, also a quantity of dried flowers pressed between + sheets of blotting paper, amongst them some which he told me were orchids. + Observing that these attracted me, he asked me if I would like to see the + most wonderful orchid in the whole world. Of course I said yes, whereon he + produced out of one of his cases a flat package about two feet six square. + He undid the grass mats in which it was wrapped, striped, delicately woven + mats such as they make in the neighbourhood of Zanzibar. Within these was + the lid of a packing-case. Then came more mats and some copies of <i>The + Cape Journal</i> spread out flat. Then sheets of blotting paper, and last + of all between two pieces of cardboard, a flower and one leaf of the plant + on which it grew. + </p> + <p> + Even in its dried state it was a wondrous thing, measuring twenty-four + inches from the tip of one wing or petal to the tip of the other, by + twenty inches from the top of the back sheath to the bottom of the pouch. + The measurement of the back sheath itself I forget, but it must have been + quite a foot across. In colour it was, or had been, bright golden, but the + back sheath was white, barred with lines of black, and in the exact centre + of the pouch was a single black spot shaped like the head of a great ape. + There were the overhanging brows, the deep recessed eyes, the surly mouth, + the massive jaws—everything. + </p> + <p> + Although at that time I had never seen a gorilla in the flesh, I had seen + a coloured picture of the brute, and if that picture had been photographed + on the flower the likeness could not have been more perfect. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I asked, amazed. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Brother John, sometimes he used this formal term when excited, + “it is the most marvellous Cypripedium in the whole earth, and, sir, I + have discovered it. A healthy root of that plant will be worth £20,000.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s better than gold mining,” I said. “Well, have you got the root?” + </p> + <p> + Brother John shook his head sadly as he answered: + </p> + <p> + “No such luck.” + </p> + <p> + “How’s that as you have the flower?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you, Allan. For a year past and more I have been collecting in + the district back of Kilwa and found some wonderful things, yes, + wonderful. At last, about three hundred miles inland, I came to a tribe, + or rather, a people, that no white man had ever visited. They are called + the Mazitu, a numerous and warlike people of bastard Zulu blood.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of them,” I interrupted. “They broke north before the days + of Senzangakona, two hundred years or more ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I could make myself understood among them because they still talk a + corrupt Zulu, as do all the tribes in those parts. At first they wanted to + kill me, but let me go because they thought that I was mad. Everyone + thinks that I am mad, Allan; it is a kind of public delusion, whereas I + think that I am sane and that most other people are mad.” + </p> + <p> + “A private delusion,” I suggested hurriedly, as I did not wish to discuss + Brother John’s sanity. “Well, go on about the Mazitu.” + </p> + <p> + “Later they discovered that I had skill in medicine, and their king, + Bausi, came to me to be treated for a great external tumour. I risked an + operation and cured him. It was anxious work, for if he had died I should + have died too, though that would not have troubled me very much,” and he + sighed. “Of course, from that moment I was supposed to be a great + magician. Also Bausi made a blood brotherhood with me, transfusing some of + his blood into my veins and some of mine into his. I only hope he has not + inoculated me with his tumours, which are congenital. So I became Bausi + and Bausi became me. In other words, I was as much chief of the Mazitu as + he was, and shall remain so all my life.” + </p> + <p> + “That might be useful,” I said, reflectively, “but go on.” + </p> + <p> + “I learned that on the western boundary of the Mazitu territory were great + swamps; that beyond these swamps was a lake called Kirua, and beyond that + a large and fertile land supposed to be an island, with a mountain in its + centre. This land is known as Pongo, and so are the people who live + there.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a native name for the gorilla, isn’t it?” I asked. “At least so a + fellow who had been on the West Coast told me.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, then that’s strange, as you will see. Now these Pongo are + supposed to be great magicians, and the god they worship is said to be a + gorilla, which, if you are right, accounts for their name. Or rather,” he + went on, “they have two gods. The other is that flower you see there. + Whether the flower with the monkey’s head on it was the first god and + suggested the worship of the beast itself, or <i>vice versa</i>, I don’t + know. Indeed I know very little, just what I was told by the Mazitu and a + man who called himself a Pongo chief, no more.” + </p> + <p> + “What did they say?” + </p> + <p> + “The Mazitu said that the Pongo people are devils who came by the secret + channels through the reeds in canoes and stole their children and women, + whom they sacrificed to their gods. Sometimes, too, they made raids upon + them at night, ‘howling like hyenas.’ The men they killed and the women + and children they took away. The Mazitu want to attack them but cannot do + so, because they are not water people and have no canoes, and therefore + are unable to reach the island, if it is an island. Also they told me + about the wonderful flower which grows in the place where the ape-god + lives, and is worshipped like the god. They had the story of it from some + of their people who had been enslaved and escaped.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you try to get to the island?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Allan. That is, I went to the edge of the reeds which lie at the end + of a long slope of plain, where the lake begins. Here I stopped for some + time catching butterflies and collecting plants. One night when I was + camped there by myself, for none of my men would remain so near the Pongo + country after sunset, I woke up with a sense that I was no longer alone. I + crept out of my tent and by the light of the moon, which was setting, for + dawn drew near, I saw a man who leant upon the handle of a very + wide-bladed spear which was taller than himself, a big man over six feet + two high, I should say, and broad in proportion. He wore a long, white + cloak reaching from his shoulders almost to the ground. On his head was a + tight-fitting cap with lappets, also white. In his ears were rings of + copper or gold, and on his wrists bracelets of the same metal. His skin + was intensely black, but the features were not at all negroid. They were + prominent and finely-cut, the nose being sharp and the lips quite thin; + indeed of an Arab type. His left hand was bandaged, and on his face was an + expression of great anxiety. Lastly, he appeared to be about fifty years + of age. So still did he stand that I began to wonder whether he were one + of those ghosts which the Mazitu swore the Pongo wizards send out to haunt + their country. + </p> + <p> + “For a long while we stared at each other, for I was determined that I + would not speak first or show any concern. At last he spoke in a low, deep + voice and in Mazitu, or a language so similar that I found it easy to + understand. + </p> + <p> + “‘Is not your name Dogeetah, O White Lord, and are you not a master of + medicine?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes,’ I answered, ‘but who are you who dare to wake me from my sleep?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Lord, I am the Kalubi, the Chief of the Pongo, a great man in my own + land yonder.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then why do you come here alone at night, Kalubi, Chief of the Pongo?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why do <i>you</i> come here alone, White Lord?’ he answered evasively. + </p> + <p> + “‘What do you want, anyway?’ I asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘O! Dogeetah, I have been hurt, I want you to cure me,’ and he looked at + his bandaged hand. + </p> + <p> + “‘Lay down that spear and open your robe that I may see you have no + knife.’ + </p> + <p> + “He obeyed, throwing the spear to some distance. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now unwrap the hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “He did so. I lit a match, the sight of which seemed to frighten him + greatly, although he asked no questions about it, and by its light + examined the hand. The first joint of the second finger was gone. From the + appearance of the stump which had been cauterized and was tied tightly + with a piece of flexible grass, I judged that it had been bitten off. + </p> + <p> + “‘What did this?’ I asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Monkey,’ he answered, ‘poisonous monkey. Cut off the finger, O Dogeetah, + or tomorrow I die.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why do you not tell your own doctors to cut off the finger, you who are + Kalubi, Chief of the Pongo?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, no,’ he replied, shaking his head. ‘They cannot do it. It is not + lawful. And I, I cannot do it, for if the flesh is black the hand must + come off too, and if the flesh is black at the wrist, then the arm must be + cut off.’ + </p> + <p> + “I sat down on my camp stool and reflected. Really I was waiting for the + sun to rise, since it was useless to attempt an operation in that light. + The man, Kalubi, thought that I had refused his petition and became + terribly agitated. + </p> + <p> + “‘Be merciful, White Lord,’ he prayed, ‘do not let me die. I am afraid to + die. Life is bad, but death is worse. O! If you refuse me, I will kill + myself here before you and then my ghost will haunt you till you die also + of fear and come to join me. What fee do you ask? Gold or ivory or slaves? + Say and I will give it.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Be silent,’ I said, for I saw that if he went on thus he would throw + himself into a fever, which might cause the operation to prove fatal. For + the same reason I did not question him about many things I should have + liked to learn. I lit my fire and boiled the instruments—he thought + I was making magic. By the time that everything was ready the sun was up. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now,’ I said, ‘let me see how brave you are.’ + </p> + <p> + “Well, Allan, I performed that operation, removing the finger at the base + where it joins the hand, as I thought there might be something in his + story of the poison. Indeed, as I found afterwards on dissection, and can + show you, for I have the thing in spirits, there was, for the blackness of + which he spoke—a kind of mortification, I presume—had crept almost to + the joint, though the flesh beyond was healthy enough. Certainly that + Kalubi was a plucky fellow. He sat like a rock and never even winced. + Indeed, when he saw that the flesh was sound he uttered a great sigh of + relief. After it was all over he turned a little faint, so I gave him some + spirits of wine mixed with water which revived him. + </p> + <p> + “‘O Lord Dogeetah,’ he said, as I was bandaging his hand, ‘while I live I + am your slave. Yet, do me one more service. In my land there is a terrible + wild beast, that which bit off my finger. It is a devil; it kills us and + we fear it. I have heard that you white men have magic weapons which slay + with a noise. Come to my land and kill me that wild beast with your magic + weapon. I say, Come, Come, for I am terribly afraid,’ and indeed he looked + it. + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ I answered, ‘I shed no blood; I kill nothing except butterflies, + and of these only a few. But if you fear this brute why do you not poison + it? You black people have many drugs.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No use, no use,’ he replied in a kind of wail. ‘The beast knows poisons, + some it swallows and they do not harm it. Others it will not touch. + Moreover, no black man can do it hurt. It is white, and it has been known + from of old that if it dies at all, it must be by the hand of one who is + white.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘A very strange animal,’ I began, suspiciously, for I felt sure that he + was lying to me. But just at that moment I heard the sound of my men’s + voices. They were advancing towards me through the giant grass, singing as + they came, but as yet a long way off. The Kalubi heard it also and sprang + up. + </p> + <p> + “‘I must be gone,’ he said. ‘None must see me here. What fee, O Lord of + medicine, what fee?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I take no payment for my medicine,’ I said. ‘Yet—stay. A wonderful + flower grows in your country, does it not? A flower with wings and a cup + beneath. I would have that flower.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Who told you of the Flower?’ he asked. ‘The Flower is holy. Still, O + White Lord, still for you it shall be risked. Oh, return and bring with + you one who can kill the beast and I will make you rich. Return and call + to the reeds for the Kalubi, and the Kalubi will hear and come to you.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then he ran to his spear, snatched it from the ground and vanished among + the reeds. That was the last I saw, or am ever likely to see, of him.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Brother John, you got the flower somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Allan. About a week later when I came out of my tent one morning, + there it was standing in a narrow-mouthed, earthenware pot filled with + water. Of course I meant that he was to send me the plant, roots and all, + but I suppose he understood that I wanted a bloom. Or perhaps he dared not + send the plant. Anyhow, it is better than nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not go into the country and get it for yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “For several reasons, Allan, of which the best is that it was impossible. + The Mazitu swear that if anyone sees that flower he is put to death. + Indeed, when they found that I had a bloom of it, they forced me to move + to the other side of the country seventy miles away. So I thought that I + would wait till I met with some companions who would accompany me. Indeed, + to be frank, Allan, it occurred to me that you were the sort of man who + would like to interview this wonderful beast that bites off people’s + fingers and frightens them to death,” and Brother John stroked his long, + white beard and smiled, adding, “Odd that we should have met so soon + afterwards, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you?” I replied, “now did you indeed? Brother John, people say all + sorts of things about you, but I have come to the conclusion that there’s + nothing the matter with your wits.” + </p> + <p> + Again he smiled and stroked his long, white beard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II<br/> + THE AUCTION ROOM + </h2> + <p> + I do not think that this conversation about the Pongo savages who were said + to worship a Gorilla and a Golden Flower was renewed until we reached my + house at Durban. Thither of course I took Mr. Charles Scroope, and thither + also came Brother John who, as bedroom accommodation was lacking, pitched + his tent in the garden. + </p> + <p> + One night we sat on the step smoking; Brother John’s only concession to + human weakness was that he smoked. He drank no wine or spirits; he never + ate meat unless he was obliged, but I rejoice to say that he smoked + cigars, like most Americans, when he could get them. + </p> + <p> + “John,” said I, “I have been thinking over that yarn of yours and have + come to one or two conclusions.” + </p> + <p> + “What may they be, Allan?” + </p> + <p> + “The first is that you were a great donkey not to get more out of the + Kalubi when you had the chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed, Allan, but, amongst other things, I am a doctor and the operation + was uppermost in my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “The second is that I believe this Kalubi had charge of the gorilla-god, + as no doubt you’ve guessed; also that it was the gorilla which bit off his + finger.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have heard of great monkeys called <i>sokos</i> that live in + Central East Africa which are said to bite off men’s toes and fingers. I + have heard too that they are very like gorillas.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you mention it, so have I, Allan. Indeed, once I saw a <i>soko</i>, + though some way off, a huge, brown ape which stood on its hind legs and + drummed upon its chest with its fists. I didn’t see it for long because I + ran away.” + </p> + <p> + “The third is that this yellow orchid would be worth a great deal of money + if one could dig it up and take it to England.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I told you, Allan, that I valued it at £20,000, so that + conclusion of yours is not original.” + </p> + <p> + “The fourth is that I should like to dig up that orchid and get a share of + the £20,000.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John became intensely interested. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said, “now we are getting to the point. I have been wondering how + long it would take you to see it, Allan, but if you are slow, you are + sure.” + </p> + <p> + “The fifth is,” I went on, “that such an expedition to succeed would need + a great deal of money, more than you or I could find. Partners would be + wanted, active or sleeping, but partners with cash.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John looked towards the window of the room in which Charlie + Scroope was in bed, for being still weak he went to rest early. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, “he’s had enough of Africa, and you told me yourself that it + will be two years before he is really strong again. Also there’s a lady in + this case. Now listen. I have taken it on myself to write to that lady, + whose address I found out while he didn’t know what he was saying. I have + said that he was dying, but that I hoped he might live. Meanwhile, I + added, I thought she would like to know that he did nothing but rave of + her; also that he was a hero, with a big H twice underlined. My word! I + did lay it on about the hero business with a spoon, a real hotel gravy + spoon. If Charlie Scroope knows himself again when he sees my description + of him, well, I’m a Dutchman, that’s all. The letter caught the last mail + and will, I hope, reach the lady in due course. Now listen again. Scroope + wants me to go to England with him to look after him on the voyage—that’s + what he says. What he means is that he hopes I might put in a word for him + with the lady, if I should chance to be introduced to her. He offers to + pay all my expenses and to give me something for my loss of time. So, as I + haven’t seen England since I was three years old, I think I’ll take the + chance.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John’s face fell. “Then how about the expedition, Allan?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “This is the first of November,” I answered, “and the wet season in those + parts begins about now and lasts till April. So it would be no use trying + to visit your Pongo friends till then, which gives me plenty of time to go + to England and come out again. If you’ll trust that flower to me I’ll take + it with me. Perhaps I might be able to find someone who would be willing + to put down money on the chance of getting the plant on which it grew. + Meanwhile, you are welcome to this house if you care to stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Allan, but I can’t sit still for so many months. I’ll go + somewhere and come back.” He paused and a dreamy look came into his dark + eyes, then went on, “You see, Brother, it is laid on me to wander and + wander through all this great land until—I know.” + </p> + <p> + “Until you know what?” I asked, sharply. + </p> + <p> + He pulled himself together with a jerk, as it were, and answered with a + kind of forced carelessness. + </p> + <p> + “Until I know every inch of it, of course. There are lots of tribes I have + not yet visited.” + </p> + <p> + “Including the Pongo,” I said. “By the way, if I can get the money + together for a trip up there, I suppose you mean to come too, don’t you? + If not, the thing’s off so far as I am concerned. You see, I am reckoning + on you to get us through the Mazitu and into Pongo-land by the help of + your friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I mean to come. In fact, if you don’t go, I shall start alone. + I intend to explore Pongo-land even if I never come out of it again.” + </p> + <p> + Once more I looked at him as I answered: + </p> + <p> + “You are ready to risk a great deal for a flower, John. Or are you looking + for more than a flower? If so, I hope you will tell me the truth.” + </p> + <p> + This I said as I was aware that Brother John had a foolish objection to + uttering, or even acting lies. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Allan, as you put it like that, the truth is that I heard something + more about the Pongo than I told you up country. It was after I had + operated on that Kalubi, or I would have tried to get in alone. But this I + could not do then as I have said.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you hear?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard that they had a white goddess as well as a white god.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what of it? A female gorilla, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, except that goddesses have always interested me. Good night.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an odd old fish,” I remarked after him, “and what is more you + have got something up your sleeve. Well, I’ll have it down one day. + Meanwhile, I wonder whether the whole thing is a lie, no; not a lie, an + hallucination. It can’t be—because of that orchid. No one can + explain away the orchid. A queer people, these Pongo, with their white god + and goddess and their Holy Flower. But after all Africa is a land of queer + people, and of queer gods too.” + </p> + <p> + And now the story shifts away to England. (Don’t be afraid, my adventurous + reader, if ever I have one, it is coming back to Africa again in a very + few pages.) + </p> + <p> + Mr. Charles Scroope and I left Durban a day or two after my last + conversation with Brother John. At Cape Town we caught the mail, a + wretched little boat you would think it now, which after a long and + wearisome journey at length landed us safe at Plymouth. Our companions on + that voyage were very dull. I have forgotten most of them, but one lady I + do remember. I imagine that she must have commenced life as a barmaid, for + she had the orthodox tow hair and blowsy appearance. At any rate, she was + the wife of a wine-merchant who had made a fortune at the Cape. Unhappily, + however, she had contracted too great a liking for her husband’s wares, + and after dinner was apt to become talkative. For some reason or other she + took a particular aversion to me. Oh! I can see her now, seated in that + saloon with the oil lamp swinging over her head (she always chose the + position under the oil lamp because it showed off her diamonds). And I can + hear her too. “Don’t bring any of your elephant-hunting manners here, Mr. + Allan” (with an emphasis on the Allan) “Quatermain, they are not fit for + polite society. You should go and brush your hair, Mr. Quatermain.” (I may + explain that my hair sticks up naturally.) + </p> + <p> + Then would come her little husband’s horrified “Hush! hush! you are quite + insulting, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + Oh! why do I remember it all after so many years when I have even + forgotten the people’s names? One of those little things that stick in the + mind, I suppose. The Island of Ascension, where we called, sticks also + with its long swinging rollers breaking in white foam, its bare mountain + peak capped with green, and the turtles in the ponds. Those poor turtles. + We brought two of them home, and I used to look at them lying on their + backs in the forecastle flapping their fins feebly. One of them died, and + I got the butcher to save me the shell. Afterwards I gave it as a wedding + present to Mr. and Mrs. Scroope, nicely polished and lined. I meant it for + a work-basket, and was overwhelmed with confusion when some silly lady + said at the marriage, and in the hearing of the bride and bridegroom, that + it was the most beautiful cradle she had ever seen. Of course, like a + fool, I tried to explain, whereon everybody tittered. + </p> + <p> + But why do I write of such trifles that have nothing to do with my story? + </p> + <p> + I mentioned that I had ventured to send a letter to Miss Margaret Manners + about Mr. Charles Scroope, in which I said incidentally that if the hero + should happen to live I should probably bring him home by the next mail. + Well, we got into Plymouth about eight o’clock in the morning, on a mild, + November day, and shortly afterwards a tug arrived to take off the + passengers and mails; also some cargo. I, being an early riser, watched it + come and saw upon the deck a stout lady wrapped in furs, and by her side a + very pretty, fair-haired young woman clad in a neat serge dress and a + pork-pie hat. Presently a steward told me that someone wished to speak to + me in the saloon. I went and found these two standing side by side. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are Mr. Allan Quatermain,” said the stout lady. “Where is + Mr. Scroope whom I understand you have brought home? Tell me at once.” + </p> + <p> + Something about her appearance and fierce manner of address alarmed me so + much that I could only answer feebly: + </p> + <p> + “Below, madam, below.” + </p> + <p> + “There, my dear,” said the stout lady to her companion, “I warned you to + be prepared for the worst. Bear up; do not make a scene before all these + people. The ways of Providence are just and inscrutable. It is your own + temper that was to blame. You should never have sent the poor man off to + these heathen countries.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to me, she added sharply: “I suppose he is embalmed; we + should like to bury him in Essex.” + </p> + <p> + “Embalmed!” I gasped. “Embalmed! Why, the man is in his bath, or was a few + minutes ago.” + </p> + <p> + In another second that pretty young lady who had been addressed was + weeping with her head upon my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Margaret!” exclaimed her companion (she was a kind of heavy aunt), “I + told you not to make a scene in public. Mr. Quatermain, as Mr. Scroope is + alive, would you ask him to be so good as to come here.” + </p> + <p> + Well, I fetched him, half-shaved, and the rest of the business may be + imagined. It is a very fine thing to be a hero with a big H. Henceforth + (thanks to me) that was Charlie Scroope’s lot in life. He has + grandchildren now, and they all think him a hero. What is more, he does + not contradict them. I went down to the lady’s place in Essex, a fine + property with a beautiful old house. On the night I arrived there was a + dinner-party of twenty-four people. I had to make a speech about Charlie + Scroope and the leopard. I think it was a good speech. At any rate + everybody cheered, including the servants, who had gathered at the back of + the big hall. + </p> + <p> + I remember that to complete the story I introduced several other leopards, + a mother and two three-part-grown cubs, also a wounded buffalo, and told + how Mr. Scroope finished them off one after the other with a hunting + knife. The thing was to watch his face as the history proceeded. Luckily + he was sitting next to me and I could kick him under the table. It was all + very amusing, and very happy also, for these two really loved each other. + Thank God that I, or rather Brother John, was able to bring them together + again. + </p> + <p> + It was during that stay of mine in Essex, by the way, that I first met + Lord Ragnall and the beautiful Miss Holmes with whom I was destined to + experience some very strange adventures in the after years. + </p> + <p> + After this interlude I got to work. Someone told me that there was a firm + in the City that made a business of selling orchids by auction, flowers + which at this time were beginning to be very fashionable among rich + horticulturists. This, thought I, would be the place for me to show my + treasure. Doubtless Messrs. May and Primrose—that was their + world-famed style—would be able to put me in touch with opulent + orchidists who would not mind venturing a couple of thousands on the + chance of receiving a share in a flower that, according to Brother John, + should be worth untold gold. At any rate, I would try. + </p> + <p> + So on a certain Friday, about half-past twelve, I sought out the place of + business of Messrs. May and Primrose, bearing with me the golden + Cypripedium, which was now enclosed in a flat tin case. + </p> + <p> + As it happened I chose an unlucky day and hour, for on arriving at the + office and asking for Mr. May, I was informed that he was away in the + country valuing. + </p> + <p> + “Then I would like to see Mr. Primrose,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Primrose is round at the Rooms selling,” replied the clerk, who + appeared to be very busy. + </p> + <p> + “Where are the Rooms?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Out of the door, turn to the left, turn to the left again and under the + clock,” said the clerk, and closed the shutter. + </p> + <p> + So disgusted was I with his rudeness that I nearly gave up the enterprise. + Thinking better of it, however, I followed the directions given, and in a + minute or two found myself in a narrow passage that led to a large room. + To one who had never seen anything of the sort before, this room offered a + curious sight. The first thing I observed was a notice on the wall to the + effect that customers were not allowed to smoke pipes. I thought to myself + that orchids must be curious flowers if they could distinguish between the + smoke of a cigar and a pipe, and stepped into the room. To my left was a + long table covered with pots of the most beautiful flowers that I had ever + seen; all of them orchids. Along the wall and opposite were other tables + closely packed with withered roots which I concluded were also those of + orchids. To my inexperienced eye the whole lot did not look worth five + shillings, for they seemed to be dead. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the room stood the rostrum, where sat a gentleman with an + extremely charming face. He was engaged in selling by auction so rapidly + that the clerk at his side must have had difficulty in keeping a record of + the lots and their purchasers. In front of him was a horseshoe table, + round which sat buyers. The end of this table was left unoccupied so that + the porters might exhibit each lot before it was put up for sale. Standing + under the rostrum was yet another table, a small one, upon which were + about twenty pots of flowers, even more wonderful than those on the large + table. A notice stated that these would be sold at one-thirty precisely. + All about the room stood knots of men (such ladies as were present sat at + the table), many of whom had lovely orchids in their buttonholes. These, I + found out afterwards, were dealers and amateurs. They were a kindly-faced + set of people, and I took a liking to them. + </p> + <p> + The whole place was quaint and pleasant, especially by contrast with the + horrible London fog outside. Squeezing my small person into a corner where + I was in nobody’s way, I watched the proceedings for a while. Suddenly an + agreeable voice at my side asked me if I would like a look at the + catalogue. I glanced at the speaker, and in a sense fell in love with him + at once—as I have explained before, I am one of those to whom a + first impression means a great deal. He was not very tall, though + strong-looking and well-made enough. He was not very handsome, though none + so ill-favoured. He was just an ordinary fair young Englishman, four or + five-and-twenty years of age, with merry blue eyes and one of the + pleasantest expressions that I ever saw. At once I felt that he was a + sympathetic soul and full of the milk of human kindness. He was dressed in + a rough tweed suit rather worn, with the orchid that seemed to be the + badge of all this tribe in his buttonhole. Somehow the costume suited his + rather pink and white complexion and rumpled fair hair, which I could see + as he was sitting on his cloth hat. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no,” I answered, “I did not come here to buy. I know nothing + about orchids,” I added by way of explanation, “except a few I have seen + growing in Africa, and this one,” and I tapped the tin case which I held + under my arm. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” he said. “I should like to hear about the African orchids. What + is it you have in the case, a plant or flowers?” + </p> + <p> + “One flower only. It is not mine. A friend in Africa asked me to—well, + that is a long story which might not interest you.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not sure. I suppose it must be a Cymbidium scape from the size.” + </p> + <p> + I shook my head. “That’s not the name my friend mentioned. He called it a + Cypripedium.” + </p> + <p> + The young man began to grow curious. “One Cypripedium in all that large + case? It must be a big flower.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my friend said it is the biggest ever found. It measures twenty-four + inches across the wings, petals I think he called them, and about a foot + across the back part.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-four inches across the petals and a foot across the dorsal sepal!” + said the young man in a kind of gasp, “and a Cypripedium! Sir, surely you + are joking?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I answered indignantly, “I am doing nothing of the sort. Your + remark is tantamount to telling me that I am speaking a falsehood. But, of + course, for all I know, the thing may be some other kind of flower.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it. In the name of the goddess Flora let me see it!” + </p> + <p> + I began to undo the case. Indeed it was already half-open when two other + gentlemen, who had either overheard some of our conversation or noted my + companion’s excited look, edged up to us. I observed that they also wore + orchids in their buttonholes. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! Somers,” said one of them in a tone of false geniality, “what have + you got there?” + </p> + <p> + “What has your friend got there?” asked the other. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” replied the young man who had been addressed as Somers, + “nothing at all; that is—only a case of tropical butterflies.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! butterflies,” said No. 1 and sauntered away. But No. 2, a + keen-looking person with the eye of a hawk, was not so easily satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “Let us see these butterflies,” he said to me. + </p> + <p> + “You can’t,” ejaculated the young man. “My friend is afraid lest the damp + should injure their colours. Ain’t you, Brown?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am, Somers,” I replied, taking his cue and shutting the tin case + with a snap. + </p> + <p> + Then the hawk-eyed person departed, also grumbling, for that story about + the damp stuck in his throat. + </p> + <p> + “Orchidist!” whispered the young man. “Dreadful people, orchidists, so + jealous. Very rich, too, both of them. Mr. Brown—I hope that is your + name, though I admit the chances are against it.” + </p> + <p> + “They are,” I replied, “my name is Allan Quatermain.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! much better than Brown. Well, Mr. Allan Quatermain, there’s a private + room in this place to which I have admittance. Would you mind coming with + that——” here the hawk-eyed gentleman strolled past again, + “that case of butterflies?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure,” I answered, and followed him out of the auction chamber + down some steps through the door to the left, and ultimately into a little + cupboard-like room lined with shelves full of books and ledgers. + </p> + <p> + He closed the door and locked it. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said in a tone of the villain in a novel who at last has come + face to face with the virtuous heroine, “now we are alone. Mr. Quatermain, + let me see—those butterflies.” + </p> + <p> + I placed the case on a deal table which stood under a skylight in the + room. I opened it; I removed the cover of wadding, and there, pressed + between two sheets of glass and quite uninjured after all its journeyings, + appeared the golden flower, glorious even in death, and by its side the + broad green leaf. + </p> + <p> + The young gentleman called Somers looked at it till I thought his eyes + would really start out of his head. He turned away muttering something and + looked again. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Heavens,” he said at last, “oh! Heavens, is it possible that such a + thing can exist in this imperfect world? You haven’t faked it, Mr. Half—I + mean Quatermain, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I said, “for the second time you are making insinuations. Good + morning,” and I began to shut up the case. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be offhanded,” he exclaimed. “Pity the weaknesses of a poor sinner. + You don’t understand. If only you understood, you would understand.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, “I am bothered if I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you will when you begin to collect orchids. I’m not mad, really, + except perhaps on this point, Mr. Quatermain,”—this in a low and + thrilling voice—“that marvellous Cypripedium—your friend is + right, it is a Cypripedium—is worth a gold mine.” + </p> + <p> + “From my experience of gold mines I can well believe that,” I said tartly, + and, I may add, prophetically. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I mean a gold mine in the figurative and colloquial sense, not as the + investor knows it,” he answered. “That is, the plant on which it grew is + priceless. Where is the plant, Mr. Quatermain?” + </p> + <p> + “In a rather indefinite locality in Africa east by south,” I replied. “I + can’t place it to within three hundred miles.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s vague, Mr. Quatermain. I have no right to ask it, seeing that you + know nothing of me, but I assure you I am respectable, and in short, would + you mind telling me the story of this flower?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I should,” I replied, a little doubtfully. Then, after + another good look at him, suppressing all names and exact localities, I + gave him the outline of the tale, explaining that I wanted to find someone + who would finance an expedition to the remote and romantic spot where this + particular Cypripedium was believed to grow. + </p> + <p> + Just as I finished my narrative, and before he had time to comment on it, + there came a violent knocking at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Stephen,” said a voice, “are you there, Mr. Stephen?” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove! that’s Briggs,” exclaimed the young man. “Briggs is my father’s + manager. Shut up the case, Mr. Quatermain. Come in, Briggs,” he went on, + unlocking the door slowly. “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a good deal,” replied a thin and agitated person who thrust himself + through the opening door. “Your father, I mean Sir Alexander, has come to + the office unexpectedly and is in a nice taking because he didn’t find you + there, sir. When he discovered that you had gone to the orchid sale he + grew furious, sir, furious, and sent me to fetch you.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he?” replied Mr. Somers in an easy and unruffled tone. “Well, tell + Sir Alexander I am coming at once. Now please go, Briggs, and tell him I + am coming at once.” + </p> + <p> + Briggs departed not too willingly. + </p> + <p> + “I must leave you, Mr. Quatermain,” said Mr. Somers as he shut the door + behind him. “But will you promise me not to show that flower to anyone + until I return? I’ll be back within half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Somers. I’ll wait half an hour for you in the sale room, and I + promise that no one shall see that flower till you return.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. You are a good fellow, and I promise you shall lose nothing by + your kindness if I can help it.” + </p> + <p> + We went together into the sale room, where some thought suddenly struck + Mr. Somers. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove!” he said, “I nearly forgot about that Odontoglossum. Where’s + Woodden? Oh! come here, Woodden, I want to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + The person called Woodden obeyed. He was a man of about fifty, indefinite + in colouring, for his eyes were very light-blue or grey and his hair was + sandy, tough-looking and strongly made, with big hands that showed signs + of work, for the palms were horny and the nails worn down. He was clad in + a suit of shiny black, such as folk of the labouring class wear at a + funeral. I made up my mind at once that he was a gardener. + </p> + <p> + “Woodden,” said Mr. Somers, “this gentleman here has got the most + wonderful orchid in the whole world. Keep your eye on him and see that he + isn’t robbed. There are people in this room, Mr. Quatermain, who would + murder you and throw your body into the Thames for that flower,” he added, + darkly. + </p> + <p> + On receipt of this information Woodden rocked a little on his feet as + though he felt the premonitory movements of an earthquake. It was a habit + of his whenever anything astonished him. Then, fixing his pale eye upon me + in a way which showed that my appearance surprised him, he pulled a lock + of his sandy hair with his thumb and finger and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Servant, sir, and where might this horchid be?” + </p> + <p> + I pointed to the tin case. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it’s there,” went on Mr. Somers, “and that’s what you’ve got to + watch. Mr. Quatermain, if anyone attempts to rob you, call for Woodden and + he will knock them down. He’s my gardener, you know, and entirely to be + trusted, especially if it is a matter of knocking anyone down.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, I’ll knock him down surely,” said Woodden, doubling his great fist + and looking round him with a suspicious eye. + </p> + <p> + “Now listen, Woodden. Have you looked at that Odontoglossum Pavo, and if + so, what do you think of it?” and he nodded towards a plant which stood in + the centre of the little group that was placed on the small table beneath + the auctioneer’s desk. It bore a spray of the most lovely white flowers. + On the top petal (if it is a petal), and also on the lip of each of these + rounded flowers was a blotch or spot of which the general effect was + similar to the iridescent eye on the tail feathers of a peacock, whence, I + suppose, the flower was named “Pavo,” or Peacock. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, master, and I think it the beautifullest thing that ever I saw. + There isn’t a ‘glossum in England like that there ‘glossum Paving,” he + added with conviction, and rocked again as he said the word. “But there’s + plenty after it. I say they’re a-smelling round that blossom like, like—dawgs + round a rat hole. And” (this triumphantly) “they don’t do that for + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, Woodden, you have got a logical mind. But, look here, we must + have that ‘Pavo’ whatever it costs. Now the Governor has sent for me. I’ll + be back presently, but I might be detained. If so, you’ve got to bid on my + behalf, for I daren’t trust any of these agents. Here’s your authority,” + and he scribbled on a card, “Woodden, my gardener, has directions to bid + for me.—S.S.” “Now, Woodden,” he went on, when he had given the card + to an attendant who passed it up to the auctioneer, “don’t you make a fool + of yourself and let that ‘Pavo’ slip through your fingers.” + </p> + <p> + In another instant he was gone. + </p> + <p> + “What did the master say, sir?” asked Woodden of me. “That I was to get + that there ‘Paving’ whatever it cost?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said, “that’s what he said. I suppose it will fetch a good deal—several + pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, sir, can’t tell. All I know is that I’ve got to buy it as you can + bear me witness. Master, he ain’t one to be crossed for money. What he + wants, he’ll have, that is if it be in the orchid line.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are fond of orchids, too, Mr. Woodden?” + </p> + <p> + “Fond of them, sir? Why, I loves ‘em!” (Here he rocked.) “Don’t feel for + nothing else in the same way; not even for my old woman” (then with a + burst of enthusiasm) “no, not even for the master himself, and I’m fond + enough of him, God knows! But, begging your pardon, sir” (with a pull at + his forelock), “would you mind holding that tin of yours a little tighter? + I’ve got to keep an eye on that as well as on ‘O. Paving,’ and I just + see’d that chap with the tall hat alooking at it suspicious.” + </p> + <p> + After this we separated. I retired into my corner, while Woodden took his + stand by the table, with one eye fixed on what he called the “O. Paving” + and the other on me and my tin case. + </p> + <p> + An odd fish truly, I thought to myself. Positive, the old woman; + Comparative, his master; Superlative, the orchid tribe. Those were his + degrees of affection. Honest and brave and a good fellow though, I bet. + </p> + <p> + The sale languished. There were so many lots of one particular sort of + dried orchid that buyers could not be found for them at a reasonable + price, and many had to be bought in. At length the genial Mr. Primrose in + the rostrum addressed the audience. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” he said, “I quite understand that you didn’t come here to-day + to buy a rather poor lot of Cattleya Mossiæ. You came to buy, or to bid + for, or to see sold the most wonderful Odontoglossum that has ever been + flowered in this country, the property of a famous firm of importers whom + I congratulate upon their good fortune in having obtained such a gem. + Gentlemen, this miraculous flower ought to adorn a royal greenhouse. But + there it is, to be taken away by whoever will pay the most for it, for I + am directed to see that it will be sold without reserve. Now, I think,” he + added, running his eye over the company, “that most of our great + collectors are represented in this room to-day. It is true that I do not + see that spirited and liberal young orchidist, Mr. Somers, but he has left + his worthy head-gardener, Mr. Woodden, than whom there is no finer judge + of an orchid in England” (here Woodden rocked violently) “to bid for him, + as I hope, for the glorious flower of which I have been speaking. Now, as + it is exactly half-past one, we will proceed to business. Smith, hand the + ‘Odontoglossum Pavo’ round, that everyone may inspect its beauties, and be + careful you don’t let it fall. Gentlemen, I must ask you not to touch it + or to defile its purity with tobacco smoke. Eight perfect flowers in + bloom, gentlemen, and four—no, five more to open. A strong plant in + perfect health, six pseudo-bulbs with leaves, and three without. Two black + leads which I am advised can be separated off at the proper time. Now, + what bids for the ‘Odontoglossum Pavo.’ Ah! I wonder who will have the + honour of becoming the owner of this perfect, this unmatched production of + Nature. Thank you, sir—three hundred. Four. Five. Six. Seven in + three places. Eight. Nine. Ten. Oh! gentlemen, let us get on a little + faster. Thank you, sir—fifteen. Sixteen. It is against you, Mr + Woodden. Ah! thank you, seventeen.” + </p> + <p> + There came a pause in the fierce race for “O. Pavo,” which I occupied in + reducing seventeen hundred shillings to pounds sterling. + </p> + <p> + My word! I thought to myself, £85 is a goodish price to pay for one plant, + however rare. Woodden is acting up to his instructions with a vengeance. + </p> + <p> + The pleading voice of Mr. Primrose broke in upon my meditations. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, gentlemen!” he said, “surely you are not going to allow the + most wondrous production of the floral world, on which I repeat there is + no reserve, to be knocked down at this miserable figure. Come, come. Well, + if I must, I must, though after such a disgrace I shall get no sleep + to-night. One,” and his hammer fell for the first time. “Think, gentlemen, + upon my position, think what the eminent owners, who with their usual + delicacy have stayed away, will say to me when I am obliged to tell them + the disgraceful truth. Two,” and his hammer fell a second time. “Smith, + hold up that flower. Let the company see it. Let them know what they are + losing.” + </p> + <p> + Smith held up the flower at which everybody glared. The little ivory + hammer circled round Mr. Primrose’s head. It was about to fall, when a + quiet man with a long beard who hitherto had not joined in the bidding, + lifted his head and said softly: + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen hundred.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” exclaimed Mr. Primrose, “I thought so. I thought that the owner of + the greatest collection in England would not see this treasure slip from + his grasp without a struggle. Against you, Mr. Woodden.” + </p> + <p> + “Nineteen, sir,” said Woodden in a stony voice. + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand,” echoed the gentleman with the long beard. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-one hundred,” said Woodden. + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, Mr. Woodden,” cried Mr. Primrose, “you are indeed + representing your principal worthily. I feel sure that you do not mean to + stop for a few miserable pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if I knows it,” ejaculated Woodden. “I has my orders and I acts up to + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-two hundred,” said Long-beard. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-three,” echoed Woodden. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, damn!” shouted Long-beard and rushed from the room. + </p> + <p> + “‘Odontoglossum Pavo’ is going for twenty-three hundred, only twenty-tree + hundred,” cried the auctioneer. “Any advance on twenty-three hundred? + What? None? Then I must do my duty. One. Two. For the last time—no + advance? Three. Gone to Mr. Woodden, bidding for his principal, Mr. + Somers.” + </p> + <p> + The hammer fell with a sharp tap, and at this moment my young friend + sauntered into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Woodden,” he said, “have they put the ‘Pavo’ up yet?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s up and it’s down, sir. I’ve bought him right enough.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce you have! What did it fetch?” + </p> + <p> + Woodden scratched his head. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t rightly know, sir, never was good at figures, not having much + book learning, but it’s twenty-three something.” + </p> + <p> + “£23? No, it would have brought more than that. By Jingo! it must be £230. + That’s pretty stiff, but still, it may be worth it.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Mr. Primrose, who, leaning over his desk, was engaged in + animated conversation with an excited knot of orchid fanciers, looked up: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there you are, Mr. Somers,” he said. “In the name of all this company + let me congratulate you on having become the owner of the matchless + ‘Odontoglossum Pavo’ for what, under all the circumstances, I consider the + quite moderate price of £2,300.” + </p> + <p> + Really that young man took it very well. He shivered slightly and turned a + little pale, that is all. Woodden rocked to and fro like a tree about to + fall. I and my tin box collapsed together in the corner. Yes, I was so + surprised that my legs seemed to give way under me. People began to talk, + but above the hum of the conversation I heard young Somers say in a low + voice: + </p> + <p> + “Woodden, you’re a born fool.” Also the answer: “That’s what my mother + always told me, master, and she ought to know if anyone did. But what’s + wrong now? I obeyed orders and bought ‘O. Paving.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Don’t bother, my good fellow, it’s my fault, not yours. I’m the born + fool. But heavens above! how am I to face this?” Then, recovering himself, + he strolled up to the rostrum and said a few words to the auctioneer. Mr. + Primrose nodded, and I heard him answer: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that will be all right, sir, don’t bother. We can’t expect an account + like this to be settled in a minute. A month hence will do.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went on with the sale. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III<br/> + SIR ALEXANDER AND STEPHEN + </h2> + <p> + It was just at this moment that I saw standing by me a fine-looking, stout + man with a square, grey beard and a handsome, but not very good-tempered + face. He was looking about him as one does who finds himself in a place to + which he is not accustomed. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you could tell me, sir,” he said to me, “whether a gentleman + called Mr. Somers is in this room. I am rather short-sighted and there are + a great many people.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “he has just bought the wonderful orchid called + ‘Odontoglossum Pavo.’ That is what they are all talking about.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, has he? Has he indeed? And pray what did he pay for the article?” + </p> + <p> + “A huge sum,” I answered. “I thought it was two thousand three hundred + shillings, but it appears it was £2,300.” + </p> + <p> + The handsome, elderly gentleman grew very red in the face, so red that I + thought he was going to have a fit. For a few moments he breathed heavily. + </p> + <p> + “A rival collector,” I thought to myself, and went on with the story + which, it occurred to me, might interest him. + </p> + <p> + “You see, the young gentleman was called away to an interview with his + father. I heard him instruct his gardener, a man named Woodden, to buy the + plant at any price.” + </p> + <p> + “At any price! Indeed. Very interesting; continue, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the gardener bought it, that’s all, after tremendous competition. + Look, there he is packing it up. Whether his master meant him to go as far + as he did I rather doubt. But here he comes. If you know him——” + </p> + <p> + The youthful Mr. Somers, looking a little pale and <i>distrait</i>, + strolled up apparently to speak to me; his hands were in his pockets and + an unlighted cigar was in his mouth. His eyes fell upon the elderly + gentleman, a sight that caused him to shape his lips as though to whistle + and drop the cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, father,” he said in his pleasant voice. “I got your message and + have been looking for you, but never thought that I should find you here. + Orchids aren’t much in your line, are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you, indeed!” replied his parent in a choked voice. “No, I haven’t + much use for—this stinking rubbish,” and he waved his umbrella at + the beautiful flowers. “But it seems that you have, Stephen. This little + gentlemen here tells me you have just bought a very fine specimen.” + </p> + <p> + “I must apologize,” I broke in, addressing Mr. Somers. “I had not the + slightest idea that this—big gentleman,” here the son smiled + faintly, “was your intimate relation.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! pray don’t, Mr. Quatermain. Why should you not speak of what will be + in all the papers. Yes, father, I have bought a very fine specimen, the + finest known, or at least Woodden has on my behalf, while I was hunting + for you, which comes to the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Stephen, and what did you pay for this flower? I have heard a + figure, but think that there must be some mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what you heard, father, but it seems to have been knocked + down to me at £2,300. It’s a lot more than I can find, indeed, and I was + going to ask you to lend me the money for the sake of the family credit, + if not for my own. But we can talk about that afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Stephen, we can talk of that afterwards. In fact, as there is no + time like the present, we will talk of it now. Come to my office. And, + sir” (this was to me) “as you seem to know something of the circumstances, + I will ask you to come also; and you too, Blockhead” (this was to Woodden, + who just then approached with the plant). + </p> + <p> + Now, of course, I might have refused an invitation conveyed in such a + manner. But, as a matter of fact, I didn’t. I wanted to see the thing out; + also to put in a word for young Somers, if I got the chance. So we all + departed from that room, followed by a titter of amusement from those of + the company who had overheard the conversation. In the street stood a + splendid carriage and pair; a powdered footman opened its door. With a + ferocious bow Sir Alexander motioned to me to enter, which I did, taking + one of the back seats as it gave more room for my tin case. Then came Mr. + Stephen, then Woodden bundled in holding the precious plant in front of + him like a wand of office, and last of all, Sir Alexander, having seen us + safe, entered also. + </p> + <p> + “Where to, sir?” asked the footman. + </p> + <p> + “Office,” he snapped, and we started. + </p> + <p> + Four disappointed relatives in a funeral coach could not have been more + silent. Our feelings seemed to be too deep for words. Sir Alexander, + however, did make one remark and to me. It was: + </p> + <p> + “If you will remove the corner of that infernal tin box of yours from my + ribs I shall be obliged to you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon,” I exclaimed, and in my efforts to be accommodating, dropped + it on his toe. I will not repeat the remark he made, but I may explain + that he was gouty. His son suddenly became afflicted with a sense of the + absurdity of the situation. He kicked me on the shin, he even dared to + wink, and then began to swell visibly with suppressed laughter. I was in + agony, for if he had exploded I do not know what would have happened. + Fortunately, at this moment the carriage stopped at the door of a fine + office. Without waiting for the footman Mr. Stephen bundled out and + vanished into the building—I suppose to laugh in safety. Then I + descended with the tin case; then, by command, followed Woodden with the + flower, and lastly came Sir Alexander. + </p> + <p> + “Stop here,” he said to the coachman; “I shan’t be long. Be so good as to + follow me, Mr. What’s-your-name, and you, too, Gardener.” + </p> + <p> + We followed, and found ourselves in a big room luxuriously furnished in a + heavy kind of way. Sir Alexander Somers, I should explain, was an + enormously opulent bullion-broker, whatever a bullion-broker may be. In + this room Mr. Stephen was already established; indeed, he was seated on + the window-sill swinging his leg. + </p> + <p> + “Now we are alone and comfortable,” growled Sir Alexander with sarcastic + ferocity. + </p> + <p> + “As the boa-constrictor said to the rabbit in the cage,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + I did not mean to say it, but I had grown nervous, and the thought leapt + from my lips in words. Again Mr. Stephen began to swell. He turned his + face to the window as though to contemplate the wall beyond, but I could + see his shoulders shaking. A dim light of intelligence shone in Woodden’s + pale eyes. About three minutes later the joke got home. He gurgled + something about boa-constrictors and rabbits and gave a short, loud laugh. + As for Sir Alexander, he merely said: + </p> + <p> + “I did not catch your remark, sir, would you be so good as to repeat it?” + </p> + <p> + As I appeared unwilling to accept the invitation, he went on: + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, then, you would repeat what you told me in that sale-room?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I?” I asked. “I spoke quite clearly and you seemed to + understand.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” replied Sir Alexander; “to waste time is useless.” He + wheeled round on Woodden, who was standing near the door still holding the + paper-wrapped plant in front of him. “Now, Blockhead,” he shouted, “tell + me why you brought that thing.” + </p> + <p> + Woodden made no answer, only rocked a little. Sir Alexander reiterated his + command. This time Woodden set the plant upon a table and replied: + </p> + <p> + “If you’re aspeaking to me, sir, that baint my name, and what’s more, if + you calls me so again, I’ll punch your head, whoever you be,” and very + deliberately he rolled up the sleeves on his brawny arms, a sight at which + I too began to swell with inward merriment. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, father,” said Mr. Stephen, stepping forward. “What’s the use + of all this? The thing’s perfectly plain. I did tell Woodden to buy the + plant at any price. What is more I gave him a written authority which was + passed up to the auctioneer. There’s no getting out of it. It is true it + never occurred to me that it would go for anything like £2,300—the + odd £300 was more my idea, but Woodden only obeyed his orders, and ought + not to be abused for doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s what I call a master worth serving,” remarked Woodden. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, young man,” said Sir Alexander, “you have purchased this + article. Will you be so good as to tell me how you propose it should be + paid for.” + </p> + <p> + “I propose, father, that you should pay for it,” replied Mr. Stephen + sweetly. “Two thousand three hundred pounds, or ten times that amount, + would not make you appreciably poorer. But if, as is probable, you take a + different view, then I propose to pay for it myself. As you know a certain + sum of money came to me under my mother’s will in which you have only a + life interest. I shall raise the amount upon that security—or + otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + If Sir Alexander had been angry before, now he became like a mad bull in a + china shop. He pranced round the room; he used language that should not + pass the lips of any respectable merchant of bullion; in short, he did + everything that a person in his position ought not to do. When he was + tired he rushed to a desk, tore a cheque from a book and filled it in for + a sum of £2,300 to bearer, which cheque he blotted, crumpled up and + literally threw at the head of his son. + </p> + <p> + “You worthless, idle young scoundrel,” he bellowed. “I put you in this + office here that you may learn respectable and orderly habits and in due + course succeed to a very comfortable business. What happens? You don’t + take a ha’porth of interest in bullion-broking, a subject of which I + believe you to remain profoundly ignorant. You don’t even spend your + money, or rather my money, upon any gentleman-like vice, such as + horse-racing, or cards, or even—well, never mind. No, you take to + flowers, miserable, beastly flowers, things that a cow eats and clerks + grow in back gardens.” + </p> + <p> + “An ancient and Arcadian taste. Adam is supposed to have lived in a + garden,” I ventured to interpolate. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you would ask your friend with the stubbly hair to remain quiet,” + snorted Sir Alexander. “I was about to add, although for the sake of my + name I meet your debts, that I have had enough of this kind of thing. I + disinherit you, or will do if I live till 4 p.m. when the lawyer’s office + shuts, for thank God! there are no entailed estates, and I dismiss you + from the firm. You can go and earn your living in any way you please, by + orchid-hunting if you like.” He paused, gasping for breath. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all, father?” asked Mr. Stephen, producing a cigar from his + pocket. + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn’t, you cold-blooded young beggar. That house you occupy at + Twickenham is mine. You will be good enough to clear out of it; I wish to + take possession.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose, father, I am entitled to a week’s notice like any other + tenant,” said Mr. Stephen, lighting the cigar. “In fact,” he added, “if + you answer no, I think I shall ask you to apply for an ejection order. You + will understand that I have arrangements to make before taking a fresh + start in life.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! curse your cheek, you—you—cucumber!” raged the infuriated + merchant prince. Then an inspiration came to him. “You think more of an + ugly flower than of your father, do you? Well, at least I’ll put an end to + that,” and he made a dash at the plant on the table with the evident + intention of destroying the same. + </p> + <p> + But the watching Woodden saw. With a kind of lurch he interposed his big + frame between Sir Alexander and the object of his wrath. + </p> + <p> + “Touch ‘O. Paving’ and I knocks yer down,” he drawled out. + </p> + <p> + Sir Alexander looked at “O. Paving,” then he looked at Woodden’s + leg-of-mutton fist, and—changed his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Curse ‘O. Paving,’” he said, “and everyone who has to do with it,” and + swung out of the room, banging the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s over,” said Mr. Stephen gently, as he fanned himself with a + pocket-handkerchief. “Quite exciting while it lasted, wasn’t it, Mr. + Quatermain—but I have been there before, so to speak. And now what + do you say to some luncheon? Pym’s is close by, and they have very good + oysters. Only I think we’ll drive round by the bank and hand in this + cheque. When he’s angry my parent is capable of anything. He might even + stop it. Woodden, get off down to Twickenham with ‘O. Pavo.’ Keep it warm, + for it feels rather like frost. Put it in the stove for to-night and give + it a little, just a little tepid water, but be careful not to touch the + flower. Take a four-wheeled cab, it’s slow but safe, and mind you keep the + windows up and don’t smoke. I shall be home for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Woodden pulled his forelock, seized the pot in his left hand, and departed + with his right fist raised—I suppose in case Sir Alexander should be + waiting for him round the corner. + </p> + <p> + Then we departed also and, after stopping for a minute at the bank to pay + in the cheque, which I noted, notwithstanding its amount, was accepted + without comment, ate oysters in a place too crowded to allow of + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Quatermain,” said my host, “it is obvious that we cannot talk here, + and much less look at that orchid of yours, which I want to study at + leisure. Now, for a week or so at any rate I have a roof over my head, and + in short, will you be my guest for a night or two? I know nothing about + you, and of me you only know that I am the disinherited son of a father, + to whom I have failed to give satisfaction. Still it is possible that we + might pass a few pleasant hours together talking of flowers and other + things; that is, if you have no previous engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “I have none,” I answered. “I am only a stranger from South Africa lodging + at an hotel. If you will give me time to call for my bag, I will pass the + night at your house with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + By the aid of Mr. Somers’ smart dog-cart, which was waiting at a city + mews, we reached Twickenham while there was still half an hour of + daylight. The house, which was called Verbena Lodge, was small, a square, + red-brick building of the early Georgian period, but the gardens covered + quite an acre of ground and were very beautiful, or must have been so in + summer. Into the greenhouse we did not enter, because it was too late to + see the flowers. Also, just when we came to them, Woodden arrived in his + four-wheeled cab and departed with his master to see to the housing of “O. + Pavo.” + </p> + <p> + Then came dinner, a very pleasant meal. My host had that day been turned + out upon the world, but he did not allow this circumstance to interfere + with his spirits in the least. Also he was evidently determined to enjoy + its good things while they lasted, for his champagne and port were + excellent. + </p> + <p> + “You see, Mr. Quatermain,” he said, “it’s just as well we had the row + which has been boiling up for a long while. My respected father has made + so much money that he thinks I should go and do likewise. Now, I don’t see + it. I like flowers, especially orchids, and I hate bullion-broking. To me + the only decent places in London are that sale-room where we met and the + Horticultural Gardens.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered rather doubtfully, “but the matter seems a little + serious. Your parent was very emphatic as to his intentions, and after + this kind of thing,” and I pointed to the beautiful silver and the port, + “how will you like roughing it in a hard world?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t think I shall mind a bit; it would be rather a pleasant change. + Also, even if my father doesn’t alter his mind, as he may, for he likes me + at bottom because I resemble my dear mother, things ain’t so very bad. I + have got some money that she left me, £6,000 or £7,000, and I’ll sell that + ‘Odontoglossum Pavo’ for what it will fetch to Sir Joshua Tredgold—he + was the man with the long beard who you tell me ran up Woodden to over + £2,000—or failing him to someone else. I’ll write about it to-night. + I don’t think I have any debts to speak of, for the Governor has been + allowing me £3,000 a year, at least that is my share of the profits paid + to me in return for my bullion-broking labours, and except flowers, I have + no expensive tastes. So the devil take the past, here’s to the future and + whatever it may bring,” and he polished off the glass of port he held and + laughed in his jolly fashion. + </p> + <p> + Really he was a most attractive young man, a little reckless, it is true, + but then recklessness and youth mix well, like brandy and soda. + </p> + <p> + I echoed the toast and drank off my port, for I like a good glass of wine + when I can get it, as would anyone who has had to live for months on + rotten water, although I admit that agrees with me better than the port. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Quatermain,” he went on, “if you have done, light your pipe and + let’s go into the other room and study that Cypripedium of yours. I shan’t + sleep to-night unless I see it again first. Stop a bit, though, we’ll get + hold of that old ass, Woodden, before he turns in.” + </p> + <p> + “Woodden,” said his master, when the gardener had arrived, “this + gentleman, Mr. Quatermain, is going to show you an orchid that is ten + times finer than ‘O. Pavo!’” + </p> + <p> + “Beg pardon, sir,” answered Woodden, “but if Mr. Quatermain says that, he + lies. It ain’t in Nature; it don’t bloom nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + I opened the case and revealed the golden Cypripedium. Woodden stared at + it and rocked. Then he stared again and felt his head as though to make + sure it was on his shoulders. Then he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if that there flower baint made up, it’s a MASTER ONE! If I could + see that there flower ablowing on the plant I’d die happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Woodden, stop talking, and sit down,” exclaimed his master. “Yes, there, + where you can look at the flower. Now, Mr. Quatermain, will you tell us + the story of that orchid from beginning to end. Of course omitting its + habitat if you like, for it isn’t fair to ask that secret. Woodden can be + trusted to hold his tongue, and so can I.” + </p> + <p> + I remarked that I was sure they could, and for the next half-hour talked + almost without interruption, keeping nothing back and explaining that I + was anxious to find someone who would finance an expedition to search for + this particular plant; as I believed, the only one of its sort that + existed in the world. + </p> + <p> + “How much will it cost?” asked Mr. Somers. + </p> + <p> + “I lay it at £2,000,” I answered. “You see, we must have plenty of men and + guns and stores, also trade goods and presents.” + </p> + <p> + “I call that cheap. But supposing, Mr. Quatermain, that the expedition + proves successful and the plant is secured, what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I propose that Brother John, who found it and of whom I have told + you, should take one-third of whatever it might sell for, that I as + captain of the expedition should take one-third, and that whoever finds + the necessary money should take the remaining third.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! That’s settled.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s settled?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that we should divide in the proportions you named, only I bargain + to be allowed to take my whack in kind—I mean in plant, and to have + the first option of purchasing the rest of the plant at whatever value may + be agreed upon.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. Somers, do you mean that you wish to find £2,000 and make this + expedition in person?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do. I thought you understood that. That is, if you will have + me. Your old friend, the lunatic, you and I will together seek for and + find this golden flower. I say that’s settled.” + </p> + <p> + On the morrow accordingly, it was settled with the help of a document, + signed in duplicate by both of us. + </p> + <p> + Before these arrangements were finally concluded, however, I insisted that + Mr. Somers should meet my late companion, Charlie Scroope, when I was not + present, in order that the latter might give him a full and particular + report concerning myself. Apparently the interview was satisfactory, at + least so I judged from the very cordial and even respectful manner in + which young Somers met me after it was over. Also I thought it my duty to + explain to him with much clearness in the presence of Scroope as a + witness, the great dangers of such an enterprise as that on which he + proposed to embark. I told him straight out that he must be prepared to + find his death in it from starvation, fever, wild beasts or at the hands + of savages, while success was quite problematical and very likely would + not be attained. + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> are taking these risks,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “but they are incident to the rough trade I follow, + which is that of a hunter and explorer. Moreover, my youth is past, and I + have gone through experiences and bereavements of which you know nothing, + that cause me to set a very slight value on life. I care little whether I + die or continue in the world for some few added years. Lastly, the + excitement of adventure has become a kind of necessity for me. I do not + think that I could live in England for very long. Also I’m a fatalist. I + believe that when my time comes I must go, that this hour is foreordained + and that nothing I can do will either hasten or postpone it by one moment. + Your circumstances are different. You are quite young. If you stay here + and approach your father in a proper spirit, I have no doubt but that he + will forget all the rough words he said to you the other day, for which + indeed you know you gave him some provocation. Is it worth while throwing + up such prospects and undertaking such dangers for the chance of finding a + rare flower? I say this to my own disadvantage, since I might find it hard + to discover anyone else who would risk £2,000 upon such a venture, but I + do urge you to weigh my words.” + </p> + <p> + Young Somers looked at me for a little while, then he broke into one of + his hearty laughs and exclaimed, “Whatever else you may be, Mr. Allan + Quatermain, you are a gentleman. No bullion-broker in the City could have + put the matter more fairly in the teeth of his own interests.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “For the rest,” he went on, “I too am tired of England and want to see the + world. It isn’t the golden Cypripedium that I seek, although I should like + to win it well enough. That’s only a symbol. What I seek are adventure and + romance. Also, like you I am a fatalist. God chose His own time to send us + here, and I presume that He will choose His own time to take us away + again. So I leave the matter of risks to Him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Somers,” I replied rather solemnly. “You may find adventure and + romance, there are plenty of both in Africa. Or you may find a nameless + grave in some fever-haunted swamp. Well, you have chosen, and I like your + spirit.” + </p> + <p> + Still I was so little satisfied about this business, that a week or so + before we sailed, after much consideration, I took it upon myself to write + a letter to Sir Alexander Somers, in which I set forth the whole matter as + clearly as I could, not blinking the dangerous nature of our undertaking. + In conclusion, I asked him whether he thought it wise to allow his only + son to accompany such an expedition, mainly because of a not very serious + quarrel with himself. + </p> + <p> + As no answer came to this letter I went on with our preparations. There + was money in plenty, since the re-sale of “O. Pavo” to Sir Joshua + Tredgold, at some loss, had been satisfactorily carried out, which enabled + me to invest in all things needful with a cheerful heart. Never before had + I been provided with such an outfit as that which preceded us to the ship. + </p> + <p> + At length the day of departure came. We stood on the platform at + Paddington waiting for the Dartmouth train to start, for in those days the + African mail sailed from that port. A minute or two before the train left, + as we were preparing to enter our carriage I caught sight of a face that I + seemed to recognise, the owner of which was evidently searching for + someone in the crowd. It was that of Briggs, Sir Alexander’s clerk, whom I + had met in the sale-room. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Briggs,” I said as he passed me, “are you looking for Mr. Somers? If + so, he is in here.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk jumped into the compartment and handed a letter to Mr. Somers. + Then he emerged again and waited. Somers read the letter and tore off a + blank sheet from the end of it, on which he hastily wrote some words. He + passed it to me to give to Briggs, and I could not help seeing what was + written. It was: “Too late now. God bless you, my dear father. I hope we + may meet again. If not, try to think kindly of your troublesome and + foolish son, Stephen.” + </p> + <p> + In another minute the train had started. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” he said, as we steamed out of the station, “I have heard + from my father, who enclosed this for you.” + </p> + <p> + I opened the envelope, which was addressed in a bold, round hand that + seemed to me typical of the writer, and read as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My Dear Sir,—I appreciate the motives which caused you to write + to me and I thank you very heartily for your letter, which shows + me that you are a man of discretion and strict honour. As you + surmise, the expedition on which my son has entered is not one + that commends itself to me as prudent. Of the differences between + him and myself you are aware, for they came to a climax in your + presence. Indeed, I feel that I owe you an apology for having + dragged you into an unpleasant family quarrel. Your letter only + reached me to-day having been forwarded to my place in the country + from my office. I should have at once come to town, but + unfortunately I am laid up with an attack of gout which makes it + impossible for me to stir. Therefore, the only thing I can do is + to write to my son hoping that the letter which I send by a + special messenger will reach him in time and avail to alter his + determination to undertake this journey. Here I may add that + although I have differed and do differ from him on various points, + I still have a deep affection for my son and earnestly desire his + welfare. The prospect of any harm coming to him is one upon which + I cannot bear to dwell. + + “Now I am aware that any change of his plans at this eleventh hour + would involve you in serious loss and inconvenience. I beg to + inform you formally, therefore, that in this event I will make + good everything and will in addition write off the £2,000 which I + understand he has invested in your joint venture. It may be, + however, that my son, who has in him a vein of my own obstinacy, + will refuse to change his mind. In that event, under a Higher + Power I can only commend him to your care and beg that you will + look after him as though he were your own child. I can ask and you + can do no more. Tell him to write me as opportunity offers, as + perhaps you will too; also that, although I hate the sight of + them, I will look after the flowers which he has left at the house + at Twickenham.— + + “Your obliged servant, ALEXANDER SOMERS.” + </pre> + <p> + This letter touched me much, and indeed made me feel very uncomfortable. + Without a word I handed it to my companion, who read it through carefully. + </p> + <p> + “Nice of him about the orchids,” he said. “My dad has a good heart, + although he lets his temper get the better of him, having had his own way + all his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what will you do?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Go on, of course. I’ve put my hand to the plough and I am not going to + turn back. I should be a cur if I did, and what’s more, whatever he might + say he’d think none the better of me. So please don’t try to persuade me, + it would be no good.” + </p> + <p> + For quite a while afterwards young Somers seemed to be comparatively + depressed, a state of mind that in his case was rare indeed. At last, he + studied the wintry landscape through the carriage window and said nothing. + By degrees, however, he recovered, and when we reached Dartmouth was as + cheerful as ever, a mood that I could not altogether share. + </p> + <p> + Before we sailed I wrote to Sir Alexander telling him exactly how things + stood, and so I think did his son, though he never showed me the letter. + </p> + <p> + At Durban, just as we were about to start up country, I received an answer + from him, sent by some boat that followed us very closely. In it he said + that he quite understood the position, and whatever happened would + attribute no blame to me, whom he should always regard with friendly + feelings. He told me that, in the event of any difficulty or want of + money, I was to draw on him for whatever might be required, and that he + had advised the African Bank to that effect. Further, he added, that at + least his son had shown grit in this matter, for which he respected him. + </p> + <p> + And now for a long while I must bid good-bye to Sir Alexander Somers and + all that has to do with England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV<br/> + MAVOVO AND HANS + </h2> + <p> + We arrived safely at Durban at the beginning of March and took up our + quarters at my house on the Berea, where I expected that Brother John + would be awaiting us. But no Brother John was to be found. The old, lame + Griqua, Jack, who looked after the place for me and once had been one of + my hunters, said that shortly after I went away in the ship, Dogeetah, as + he called him, had taken his tin box and his net and walked off inland, he + knew not where, leaving, as he declared, no message or letter behind him. + The cases full of butterflies and dried plants were also gone, but these, + I found he had shipped to some port in America, by a sailing vessel bound + for the United States which chanced to put in at Durban for food and + water. As to what had become of the man himself I could get no clue. He + had been seen at Maritzburg and, according to some Kaffirs whom I knew, + afterwards on the borders of Zululand, where, so far as I could learn, he + vanished into space. + </p> + <p> + This, to say the least of it, was disconcerting, and a question arose as + to what was to be done. Brother John was to have been our guide. He alone + knew the Mazitu people; he alone had visited the borders of the mysterious + Pongo-land, I scarcely felt inclined to attempt to reach that country + without his aid. + </p> + <p> + When a fortnight had gone by and still there were no signs of him, Stephen + and I held a solemn conference. I pointed out the difficulties and dangers + of the situation to him and suggested that, under the circumstances, it + might be wise to give up this wild orchid-chase and go elephant-hunting + instead in a certain part of Zululand, where in those days these animals + were still abundant. + </p> + <p> + He was inclined to agree with me, since the prospect of killing elephants + had attractions for him. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” I said, after reflection, “it’s curious, but I never remember + making a successful trip after altering plans at the last moment, that is, + unless one was driven to it.” + </p> + <p> + “I vote we toss up,” said Somers; “it gives Providence a chance. Now then, + heads for the Golden Cyp, and tails for the elephants.” + </p> + <p> + He spun a half-crown into the air. It fell and rolled under a great, + yellow-wood chest full of curiosities that I had collected, which it took + all our united strength to move. We dragged it aside and not without some + excitement, for really a good deal hung upon the chance, I lit a match and + peered into the shadow. There in the dust lay the coin. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I asked of Somers, who was stretched on his stomach on the + chest. + </p> + <p> + “Orchid—I mean head,” he answered. “Well, that’s settled, so we + needn’t bother any more.” + </p> + <p> + The next fortnight was a busy time for me. As it happened there was a + schooner in the bay of about one hundred tons burden which belonged to a + Portuguese trader named Delgado, who dealt in goods that he carried to the + various East African ports and Madagascar. He was a villainous-looking + person whom I suspected of having dealings with the slave traders, who + were very numerous and a great power in those days, if indeed he were not + one himself. But as he was going to Kilwa whence we proposed to start + inland, I arranged to make use of him to carry our party and the baggage. + The bargain was not altogether easy to strike for two reasons. First, he + did not appear to be anxious that we should hunt in the districts at the + back of Kilwa, where he assured me there was no game, and secondly, he + said that he wanted to sail at once. However, I overcame his objections + with an argument he could not resist—namely, money, and in the end + he agreed to postpone his departure for fourteen days. + </p> + <p> + Then I set about collecting our men, of whom I had made up my mind there + must not be less than twenty. Already I had sent messengers summoning to + Durban from Zululand and the upper districts of Natal various hunters who + had accompanied me on other expeditions. To the number of a dozen or so + they arrived in due course. I have always had the good fortune to be on + the best of terms with my Kaffirs, and where I went they were ready to go + without asking any questions. The man whom I had selected to be their + captain under me was a Zulu of the name of Mavovo. He was a short fellow, + past middle age, with an enormous chest. His strength was proverbial; + indeed, it was said that he could throw an ox by the horns, and myself I + have seen him hold down the head of a wounded buffalo that had fallen, + until I could come up and shoot it. + </p> + <p> + When I first knew Mavovo he was a petty chief and witch doctor in + Zululand. Like myself, he had fought for the Prince Umbelazi in the great + battle of the Tugela, a crime which Cetewayo never forgave him. About a + year afterwards he got warning that he had been smelt out as a wizard and + was going to be killed. He fled with two of his wives and a child. The + slayers overtook them before he could reach the Natal border, and stabbed + the elder wife and the child of the second wife. They were four men, but, + made mad by the sight, Mavovo turned on them and killed them all. Then, + with the remaining wife, cut to pieces as he was, he crept to the river + and through it to Natal. Not long after this wife died also; it was said + from grief at the loss of her child. Mavovo did not marry again, perhaps + because he was now a man without means, for Cetewayo had taken all his + cattle; also he was made ugly by an assegai wound which had cut off his + right nostril. Shortly after the death of his second wife he sought me out + and told me he was a chief without a kraal and wished to become my hunter. + So I took him on, a step which I never had any cause to regret, since + although morose and at times given to the practice of uncanny arts, he was + a most faithful servant and brave as a lion, or rather as a buffalo, for a + lion is not always brave. + </p> + <p> + Another man whom I did not send for, but who came, was an old Hottentot + named Hans, with whom I had been more or less mixed up all my life. When I + was a boy he was my father’s servant in the Cape Colony and my companion + in some of those early wars. Also he shared some very terrible adventures + with me which I have detailed in the history I have written of my first + wife, Marie Marais. For instance, he and I were the only persons who + escaped from the massacre of Retief and his companions by the Zulu king, + Dingaan. In the subsequent campaigns, including the Battle of the Blood + River, he fought at my side and ultimately received a good share of + captured cattle. After this he retired and set up a native store at a + place called Pinetown, about fifteen miles out of Durban. Here I am afraid + he got into bad ways and took to drink more or less; also to gambling. At + any rate, he lost most of his property, so much of it indeed that he + scarcely knew which way to turn. Thus it happened that one evening when I + went out of the house where I had been making up my accounts, I saw a + yellow-faced white-haired old fellow squatted on the verandah smoking a + pipe made out of a corn-cob. + </p> + <p> + “Good day, Baas,” he said, “here am I, Hans.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see,” I answered, rather coldly. “And what are you doing here, Hans? + How can you spare time from your drinking and gambling at Pinetown to + visit me here, Hans, after I have not seen you for three years?” + </p> + <p> + “Baas, the gambling is finished, because I have nothing more to stake, and + the drinking is done too, because but one bottle of Cape Smoke makes me + feel quite ill next morning. So now I only take water and as little of + that as I can, water and some tobacco to cover up its taste.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it, Hans. If my father, the Predikant who baptised you, + were alive now, he would have much to say about your conduct as indeed I + have no doubt he will presently when you have gone into a hole (i.e., a + grave). For there in the hole he will be waiting for you, Hans.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know, Baas. I have been thinking of that and it troubles me. + Your reverend father, the Predikant, will be very cross indeed with me + when I join him in the Place of Fires where he sits awaiting me. So I wish + to make my peace with him by dying well, and in your service, Baas. I hear + that the Baas is going on an expedition. I have come to accompany the + Baas.” + </p> + <p> + “To accompany me! Why, you are old, you are not worth five shillings a + month and your <i>scoff</i> (food). You are a shrunken old brandy cask + that will not even hold water.” + </p> + <p> + Hans grinned right across his ugly face. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas, I am old, but I am clever. All these years I have been + gathering wisdom. I am as full of it as a bee’s nest is with honey when + the summer is done. And, Baas, I can stop those leaks in the cask.” + </p> + <p> + “Hans, it is no good, I don’t want you. I am going into great danger. I + must have those about me whom I can trust.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Baas, and who can be better trusted than Hans? Who warned you of + the attack of the Quabies on Maraisfontein, and so saved the life of——” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” I said. + </p> + <p> + “I understand. I will not speak the name. It is holy, not to be mentioned. + It is the name of one who stands with the white angels before God; not to + be mentioned by poor drunken Hans. Still, who stood at your side in that + great fight? Ah! it makes me young again to think of it, when the roof + burned; when the door was broken down; when we met the Quabies on the + spears; when you held the pistol to the head of the Holy One whose name + must not be mentioned, the Great One who knew how to die. Oh! Baas, our + lives are twisted up together like the creeper and the tree, and where you + go, there I must go also. Do not turn me away. I ask no wages, only a bit + of food and a handful of tobacco, and the light of your face and a word + now and again of the memories that belong to both of us. I am still very + strong. I can shoot well—well, Baas, who was it that put it into + your mind to aim at the tails of the vultures on the Hill of Slaughter + yonder in Zululand, and so saved the lives of all the Boer people, and of + her whose holy name must not be mentioned? Baas, you will not turn me + away?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “you can come. But you will swear by the spirit of my + father, the Predikant, to touch no liquor on this journey.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear by his spirit and by that of the Holy One,” and he flung himself + forward on to his knees, took my hand and kissed it. Then he rose and said + in a matter-of-fact tone, “If the Baas can give me two blankets, I shall + thank him, also five shillings to buy some tobacco and a new knife. Where + are the Baas’s guns? I must go to oil them. I beg that the Baas will take + with him that little rifle which is named <i>Intombi</i> (Maiden), the one + with which he shot the vultures on the Hill of Slaughter, the one that + killed the geese in the Goose Kloof when I loaded for him and he won the + great match against the Boer whom Dingaan called Two-faces.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” I said. “Here are the five shillings. You shall have the blankets + and a new gun and all things needful. You will find the guns in the little + back room and with them those of the Baas, my companion, who also is your + master. Go see to them.” + </p> + <p> + At length all was ready, the cases of guns, ammunition, medicines, + presents and food were on board the <i>Maria</i>. So were four donkeys + that I had bought in the hope that they would prove useful, either to ride + or as pack beasts. The donkey, be it remembered, and man are the only + animals which are said to be immune from the poisonous effects of the bite + of tsetse fly, except, of course, the wild game. It was our last night at + Durban, a very beautiful night of full moon at the end of March, for the + Portugee Delgado had announced his intention of sailing on the following + afternoon. Stephen Somers and I were seated on the stoep smoking and + talking things over. + </p> + <p> + “It is a strange thing,” I said, “that Brother John should never have + turned up. I know that he was set upon making this expedition, not only + for the sake of the orchid, but also for some other reason of which he + would not speak. I think that the old fellow must be dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” answered Stephen (we had become intimate and I called him + Stephen now), “a man alone among savages might easily come to grief and + never be heard of again. Hark! What’s that?” and he pointed to some + gardenia bushes in the shadow of the house near by, whence came a sound of + something that moved. + </p> + <p> + “A dog, I expect, or perhaps it is Hans. He curls up in all sorts of + places near to where I may be. Hans, are you there?” + </p> + <p> + A figure arose from the gardenia bushes. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Ja</i>, I am here, Baas.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing, Hans?” + </p> + <p> + “I am doing what the dog does, Baas—watching my master.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” I answered. Then an idea struck me. “Hans, you have heard of the + white Baas with the long beard whom the Kaffirs call Dogeetah?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of him and once I saw him, a few moons ago passing through + Pinetown. A Kaffir with him told me that he was going over the Drakensberg + to hunt for things that crawl and fly, being quite mad, Baas.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, where is he now, Hans? He should have been here to travel with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I a spirit that I can tell the Baas whither a white man has wandered? + Yet, stay. Mavovo may be able to tell. He is a great doctor, he can see + through distance, and even now, this very night his Snake of divination + has entered into him and he is looking into the future, yonder, behind the + house. I saw him form the circle.” + </p> + <p> + I translated what Hans said to Stephen, for he had been talking in Dutch, + then asked him if he would like to see some Kaffir magic. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” he answered, “but it’s all bosh, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, all bosh, or so most people say,” I answered evasively. “Still, + sometimes these <i>Inyangas</i> tell one strange things.” + </p> + <p> + Then, led by Hans, we crept round the house to where there was a five-foot + stone wall at the back of the stable. Beyond this wall, within the circle + of some huts where my Kaffirs lived, was an open space with an ant-heap + floor where they did their cooking. Here, facing us, sat Mavovo, while in + a ring around him were all the hunters who were to accompany us; also + Jack, the lame Griqua, and the two house-boys. In front of Mavovo burned a + number of little wood fires. I counted them and found that there were + fourteen, which, I reflected, was the exact number of our hunters, plus + ourselves. One of the hunters was engaged in feeding these fires with + little bits of stick and handfuls of dried grass so as to keep them + burning brightly. The others sat round perfectly silent and watched with + rapt attention. Mavovo himself looked like a man who is asleep. He was + crouched on his haunches with his big head resting almost upon his knees. + About his middle was a snake-skin, and round his neck an ornament that + appeared to be made of human teeth. On his right side lay a pile of + feathers from the wings of vultures, and on his left a little heap of + silver money—I suppose the fees paid by the hunters for whom he was + divining. + </p> + <p> + After we had watched him for some while from our shelter behind the wall + he appeared to wake out of his sleep. First he muttered; then he looked up + to the moon and seemed to say a prayer of which I could not catch the + words. Next he shuddered three times convulsively and exclaimed in a clear + voice: + </p> + <p> + “My Snake has come. It is within me. Now I can hear, now I can see.” + </p> + <p> + Three of the little fires, those immediately in front of him, were larger + than the others. He took up his bundle of vultures’ feathers, selected one + with care, held it towards the sky, then passed it through the flame of + the centre one of the three fires, uttering as he did so, my native name, + Macumazana. Withdrawing it from the flame he examined the charred edges of + the feather very carefully, a proceeding that caused a cold shiver to go + down my back, for I knew well that he was inquiring of his “Spirit” what + would be my fate upon this expedition. How it answered, I cannot tell, for + he laid the feather down and took another, with which he went through the + same process. This time, however, the name he called out was Mwamwazela, + which in its shortened form of Wazela, was the Kaffir appellation that the + natives had given to Stephen Somers. It means a Smile, and no doubt was + selected for him because of his pleasant, smiling countenance. + </p> + <p> + Having passed it through the right-hand fire of the three, he examined it + and laid it down. + </p> + <p> + So it went on. One after another he called out the names of the hunters, + beginning with his own as captain; passed the feather which represented + each of them through the particular fire of his destiny, examined and laid + it down. After this he seemed to go to sleep again for a few minutes, then + woke up as a man does from a natural slumber, yawned and stretched + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” said his audience, with great anxiety. “Have you seen? Have you + heard? What does your Snake tell you of me? Of me? Of me? Of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen, I have heard,” he answered. “My Snake tells me that this + will be a very dangerous journey. Of those who go on it six will die by + the bullet, by the spear or by sickness, and others will be hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Ow?</i>” said one of them, “but which will die and which will come out + safe? Does not your Snake tell you that, O Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course my Snake tells me that. But my Snake tells me also to hold + my tongue on the matter, lest some of us should be turned to cowards. It + tells me further that the first who should ask me more, will be one of + those who must die. Now do you ask? Or you? Or you? Or you? Ask if you + will.” + </p> + <p> + Strange to say no one accepted the invitation. Never have I seen a body of + men so indifferent to the future, at least to every appearance. One and + all they seemed to come to the conclusion that so far as they were + concerned it might be left to look after itself. + </p> + <p> + “My Snake told me something else,” went on Mavovo. “It is that if among + this company there is any jackal of a man who, thinking that he might be + one of the six to die, dreams to avoid his fate by deserting, it will be + of no use. For then my Snake will point him out and show me how to deal + with him.” + </p> + <p> + Now with one voice each man present there declared that desertion from the + lord Macumazana was the last thing that could possibly occur to him. + Indeed, I believe that those brave fellows spoke truth. No doubt they put + faith in Mavovo’s magic after the fashion of their race. Still the death + he promised was some way off, and each hoped he would be one of the six to + escape. Moreover, the Zulu of those days was too accustomed to death to + fear its terrors over much. + </p> + <p> + One of them did, however, venture to advance the argument, which Mavovo + treated with proper contempt, that the shillings paid for this divination + should be returned by him to the next heirs of such of them as happened to + decease. Why, he asked, should these pay a shilling in order to be told + that they must die? It seemed unreasonable. + </p> + <p> + Certainly the Zulu Kaffirs have a queer way of looking at things. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” I whispered, “is your fire among those that burn yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Baas,” he wheezed back into my ear. “Does the Baas think me a + fool? If I must die, I must die; if I am to live, I shall live. Why then + should I pay a shilling to learn what time will declare? Moreover, yonder + Mavovo takes the shillings and frightens everybody, but tells nobody + anything. <i>I</i> call it cheating. But, Baas, do you and the Baas Wazela + have no fear. You did not pay shillings, and therefore Mavovo, though + without doubt he is a great <i>Inyanga</i>, cannot really prophesy + concerning you, since his Snake will not work without a fee.” + </p> + <p> + The argument seems remarkably absurd. Yet it must be common, for now that + I come to think of it, no gipsy will tell a “true fortune” unless her hand + is crossed with silver. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Quatermain,” said Stephen idly, “since our friend Mavovo seems to + know so much, ask him what has become of Brother John, as Hans suggested. + Tell me what he says afterwards, for I want to see something.” + </p> + <p> + So I went through the little gate in the wall in a natural kind of way, as + though I had seen nothing, and appeared to be struck by the sight of the + little fires. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mavovo,” I said, “are you doing doctor’s work? I thought that it + had brought you into enough trouble in Zululand.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so, <i>Baba</i>,” replied Mavovo, who had a habit of calling me + “father,” though he was older than I. “It cost me my chieftainship and my + cattle and my two wives and my son. It made of me a wanderer who is glad + to accompany a certain Macumazana to strange lands where many things may + befall me, yes,” he added with meaning, “even the last of all things. And + yet a gift is a gift and must be used. You, <i>Baba</i>, have a gift of + shooting and do you cease to shoot? You have a gift of wandering and can + you cease to wander?” + </p> + <p> + He picked up one of the burnt feathers from the little pile by his side + and looked at it attentively. “Perhaps, <i>Baba</i>, you have been told—my + ears are very sharp, and I thought I heard some such words floating + through the air just now—that we poor Kaffir <i>Inyangas</i> can + prophesy nothing true unless we are paid, and perhaps that is a fact so + far as something of the moment is concerned. And yet the Snake in the <i>Inyanga</i>, + jumping over the little rock which hides the present from it, may see the + path that winds far and far away through the valleys, across the streams, + up the mountains, till it is lost in the ‘heaven above.’ Thus on this + feather, burnt in my magic fire, I seem to see something of your future, O + my father Macumazana. Far and far your road runs,” and he drew his finger + along the feather. “Here is a journey,” and he flicked away a carbonised + flake, “here is another, and another, and another,” and he flicked off + flake after flake. “Here is one that is very successful, it leaves you + rich; and here is yet one more, a wonderful journey this in which you see + strange things and meet strange people. Then”—and he blew on the + feather in such a fashion that all the charred filaments (Brother John + says that <i>laminae</i> is the right word for them) fell away from it—“then, + there is nothing left save such a pole as some of my people stick upright + on a grave, the Shaft of Memory they call it. O, my father, you will die + in a distant land, but you will leave a great memory behind you that will + live for hundreds of years, for see how strong is this quill over which + the fire has had no power. With some of these others it is quite + different,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay,” I broke in, “but, Mavovo, be so good as to leave me out of + your magic, for I don’t at all want to know what is going to happen to me. + To-day is enough for me without studying next month and next year. There + is a saying in our holy book which runs: ‘Sufficient to the day is its + evil.’” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, O Macumazana. Also that is a very good saying as some of those + hunters of yours are thinking now. Yet an hour ago they were forcing their + shillings on me that I might tell them of the future. And <i>you</i>, too, + want to know something. You did not come through that gate to quote to me + the wisdom of your holy book. What is it, <i>Baba</i>? Be quick, for my + Snake is getting very tired. He wishes to go back to his hole in the world + beneath.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” I answered in rather a shamefaced fashion, for Mavovo had an + uncanny way of seeing into one’s secret motives, “I should like to know, + if you can tell me, which you can’t, what has become of the white man with + the long beard whom you black people call Dogeetah? He should have been + here to go on this journey with us; indeed, he was to be our guide and we + cannot find him. Where is he and why is he not here?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you anything about you that belonged to Dogeetah, Macumazana?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered; “that is, yes,” and from my pocket I produced the stump + of pencil that Brother John had given me, which, being economical, I had + saved up ever since. Mavovo took it, and after considering it carefully as + he had done in the case of the feathers, swept up a pile of ashes with his + horny hand from the edge of the largest of the little fires, that indeed + which had represented myself. These ashes he patted flat. Then he drew on + them with the point of the pencil, tracing what seemed to me to be the + rough image of a man, such as children scratch upon whitewashed walls. + When he had finished he sat up and contemplated his handiwork with all the + satisfaction of an artist. A breeze had risen from the sea and was blowing + in little gusts, so that the fine ashes were disturbed, some of the lines + of the picture being filled in and others altered or enlarged. + </p> + <p> + For a while Mavovo sat with his eyes shut. Then he opened them, studied + the ashes and what remained of the picture, and taking a blanket that lay + near by, threw it over his own head and over the ashes. Withdrawing it + again presently he cast it aside and pointed to the picture which was now + quite changed. Indeed, in the moonlight, it looked more like a landscape + than anything else. + </p> + <p> + “All is clear, my father,” he said in a matter-of-fact voice. “The white + wanderer, Dogeetah, is not dead. He lives, but he is sick. Something is + the matter with one of his legs so that he cannot walk. Perhaps a bone is + broken or some beast has bitten him. He lies in a hut such as Kaffirs + make, only this hut has a verandah round it like your stoep, and there are + drawings on the wall. The hut is a long way off, I don’t know where.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” I asked, for he paused. + </p> + <p> + “No, not all. Dogeetah is recovering. He will join us in that country + whither we journey, at a time of trouble. That is all, and the fee is + half-a-crown.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean one shilling,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “No, my father Macumazana. One shilling for simple magic such as + foretelling the fate of common black people. Half-a-crown for very + difficult magic that has to do with white people, magic of which only + great doctors, like me, Mavovo, are the masters.” + </p> + <p> + I gave him the half-crown and said: + </p> + <p> + “Look here, friend Mavovo, I believe in you as a fighter and a hunter, but + as a magician I think you are a humbug. Indeed, I am so sure of it that if + ever Dogeetah turns up at a time of trouble in that land whither we are + journeying, I will make you a present of that double-barrelled rifle of + mine which you admired so much.” + </p> + <p> + One of his rare smiles appeared upon Mavovo’s ugly face. + </p> + <p> + “Then give it to me now, <i>Baba</i>,” he said, “for it is already earned. + My Snake cannot lie—especially when the fee is half-a-crown.” + </p> + <p> + I shook my head and declined, politely but with firmness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mavovo, “you white men are very clever and think that you know + everything. But it is not so, for in learning so much that is new, you + have forgotten more that is old. When the Snake that is in you, + Macumazana, dwelt in a black savage like me a thousand thousand years ago, + you could have done and did what I do. But now you can only mock and say, + ‘Mavovo the brave in battle, the great hunter, the loyal man, becomes a + liar when he blows the burnt feather, or reads what the wind writes upon + the charmed ashes.’” + </p> + <p> + “I do not say that you are a liar, Mavovo, I say that you are deceived by + your own imaginings. It is not possible that man can know what is hidden + from man.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it indeed so, O Macumazana, Watcher by Night? Am I, Mavovo, the pupil + of Zikali, the Opener of Roads, the greatest of wizards, indeed deceived + by my own imaginings? And has man no other eyes but those in his head, + that he cannot see what is hidden from man? Well, you say so and all we + black people know that you are very clever, and why should I, a poor Zulu, + be able to see what you cannot see? Yet when to-morrow one sends you a + message from the ship in which we are to sail, begging you to come fast + because there is trouble on the ship, then bethink you of your words and + my words, and whether or no man can see what is hidden from man in the + blackness of the future. Oh! that rifle of yours is mine already, though + you will not give it to me now, you who think that I am a cheat. Well, my + father Macumazana, because you think I am a cheat, never again will I blow + the feather or read what the wind writes upon the ashes for you or any who + eat your food.” + </p> + <p> + Then he rose, saluted me with uplifted right hand, collected his little + pile of money and bag of medicines and marched off to the sleeping hut. + </p> + <p> + On our way round the house we met my old lame caretaker, Jack. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Inkoosi</i>,” he said, “the white chief Wazela bade me say that he and + the cook, Sam, have gone to sleep on board the ship to look after the + goods. Sam came up just now and fetched him away; he says he will show you + why to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded and passed on, wondering to myself why Stephen had suddenly + determined to stay the night on the <i>Maria</i>. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V<br/> + HASSAN + </h2> + <p> + I suppose it must have been two hours after dawn on the following morning + that I was awakened by knocks upon the door and the voice of Jack saying + that Sam, the cook, wanted to speak to me. + </p> + <p> + Wondering what he could be doing there, as I understood he was sleeping on + the ship, I called out that he was to come in. Now this Sam, I should say, + hailed from the Cape, and was a person of mixed blood. The original stock, + I imagine, was Malay which had been crossed with Indian coolie. Also, + somewhere or other, there was a dash of white and possibly, but of this I + am not sure, a little Hottentot. The result was a person of few vices and + many virtues. Sammy, I may say at once, was perhaps the biggest coward I + ever met. He could not help it, it was congenital, though, curiously + enough, this cowardice of his never prevented him from rushing into fresh + danger. Thus he knew that the expedition upon which I was engaged would be + most hazardous; remembering his weakness I explained this to him very + clearly. Yet that knowledge did not deter him from imploring that he might + be allowed to accompany me. Perhaps this was because there was some mutual + attachment between us, as in the case of Hans. Once, a good many years + before, I had rescued Sammy from a somewhat serious scrape by declining to + give evidence against him. I need not enter into the details, but a + certain sum of money over which he had control had disappeared. I will + merely say, therefore, that at the time he was engaged to a coloured lady + of very expensive tastes, whom in the end he never married. + </p> + <p> + After this, as it chanced, he nursed me through an illness. Hence the + attachment of which I have spoken. + </p> + <p> + Sammy was the son of a native Christian preacher, and brought up upon what + he called “The Word.” He had received an excellent education for a person + of his class, and in addition to many native dialects with which a varied + career had made him acquainted, spoke English perfectly, though in the + most bombastic style. Never would he use a short word if a long one came + to his hand, or rather to his tongue. For several years of his life he + was, I believe, a teacher in a school at Capetown where coloured persons + received their education; his “department,” as he called it, being + “English Language and Literature.” + </p> + <p> + Wearying of or being dismissed from his employment for some reason that he + never specified, he had drifted up the coast to Zanzibar, where he turned + his linguistic abilities to the study of Arabic and became the manager or + head cook of an hotel. After a few years he lost this billet, I know not + how or why, and appeared at Durban in what he called a “reversed + position.” Here it was that we met again, just before my expedition to + Pongo-land. + </p> + <p> + In manners he was most polite, in disposition most religious; I believe he + was a Baptist by faith, and in appearance a small, brown dandy of a man of + uncertain age, who wore his hair parted in the middle and, whatever the + circumstances, was always tidy in his garments. + </p> + <p> + I took him on because he was in great distress, an excellent cook, the + best of nurses, and above all for the reason that, as I have said, we were + in a way attached to each other. Also, he always amused me intensely, + which goes for something on a long journey of the sort that I + contemplated. + </p> + <p> + Such in brief was Sammy. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the room I saw that his clothes were very wet and asked him + at once if it were raining, or whether he had got drunk and been sleeping + in the damp grass. + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Quatermain,” he answered, “the morning is extremely fine, and + like the poor Hottentot, Hans, I have abjured the use of intoxicants. + Though we differ on much else, in this matter we agree.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what the deuce is up?” I interrupted, to cut short his flow of fine + language. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, there is trouble on the ship” (remembering Mavovo I started at these + words) “where I passed the night in the company of Mr. Somers at his + special request.” (It was the other way about really.) “This morning + before the dawn, when he thought that everybody was asleep, the Portuguese + captain and some of his Arabs began to weigh the anchor quite quietly; + also to hoist the sails. But Mr. Somers and I, being very much awake, came + out of the cabin and he sat upon the capstan with a revolver in his hand, + saying—well, sir, I will not repeat what he said.” + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t. What happened then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir, there followed much noise and confusion. The Portugee and the + Arabs threatened Mr. Somers, but he, sir, continued to sit upon the + capstan with the stern courage of a rock in a rushing stream, and remarked + that he would see them all somewhere before they touched it. After this, + sir, I do not know what occurred, since while I watched from the bulwarks + someone knocked me head over heels into the sea and being fortunately, a + good swimmer, I gained the shore and hurried here to advise you.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you advise anyone else, you idiot?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. As I sped along I communicated to an officer of the port that + there was the devil of a mess upon the <i>Maria</i> which he would do well + to investigate.” + </p> + <p> + By this time I was in my shirt and trousers and shouting to Mavovo and the + others. Soon they arrived, for as the costume of Mavovo and his company + consisted only of a moocha and a blanket, it did not take them long to + dress. + </p> + <p> + “Mavovo,” I began, “there is trouble on the ship——” + </p> + <p> + “O <i>Baba</i>,” he interrupted with something resembling a grin, “it is + very strange, but last night I dreamed that I told you——” + </p> + <p> + “Curse your dreams,” I said. “Gather the men and go down—no, that + won’t work, there would be murder done. Either it is all over now or it is + all right. Get the hunters ready; I come with them. The luggage can be + fetched afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + Within less than an hour we were at that wharf off which the <i>Maria</i> + lay in what one day will be the splendid port of Durban, though in those + times its shipping arrangements were exceedingly primitive. A + strange-looking band we must have been. I, who was completely dressed, and + I trust tidy, marched ahead. Next came Hans in the filthy wide-awake hat + which he usually wore and greasy corduroys and after him the oleaginous + Sammy arrayed in European reach-me-downs, a billy-cock and a bright blue + tie striped with red, garments that would have looked very smart had it + not been for his recent immersion. After him followed the fierce-looking + Mavovo and his squad of hunters, all of whom wore the “ring” or <i>isicoco</i>, + as the Zulus call it; that is, a circle of polished black wax sewn into + their short hair. They were a grim set of fellows, but as, according to a + recent law it was not allowable for them to appear armed in the town, + their guns had already been shipped, while their broad stabbing spears + were rolled up in their sleeping mats, the blades wrapped round with dried + grass. + </p> + <p> + Each of them, however, bore in his hand a large knobkerry of red-wood, and + they marched four by four in martial fashion. It is true that when we + embarked on the big boat to go to the ship much of their warlike ardour + evaporated, since these men, who feared nothing on the land, were terribly + afraid of that unfamiliar element, the water. + </p> + <p> + We reached the <i>Maria</i>, an unimposing kind of tub, and climbed + aboard. On looking aft the first thing that I saw was Stephen seated on + the capstan with a pistol in his hand, as Sammy had said. Near by, leaning + on the bulwark was the villainous-looking Portugee, Delgado, apparently in + the worst of tempers and surrounded by a number of equally + villainous-looking Arab sailors clad in dirty white. In front was the + Captain of the port, a well-known and esteemed gentleman of the name of + Cato, like myself a small man who had gone through many adventures. + Accompanied by some attendants, he was seated on the after-skylight, + smoking, with his eyes fixed upon Stephen and the Portugee. + </p> + <p> + “Glad to see you, Quatermain,” he said. “There’s some row on here, but I + have only just arrived and don’t understand Portuguese, and the gentleman + on the capstan won’t leave it to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s up, Stephen?” I asked, after shaking Mr. Cato by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “What’s up?” replied Somers. “This man,” and he pointed to Delgado, + “wanted to sneak out to sea with all our goods, that’s all, to say nothing + of me and Sammy, whom, no doubt, he’d have chucked overboard, as soon as + he was out of sight of land. However, Sammy, who knows Portuguese, + overheard his little plans and, as you see, I objected.” + </p> + <p> + Well, Delgado was asked for his version of the affair, and, as I expected, + explained that he only intended to get a little nearer to the bar and + there wait till we arrived. Of course he lied and knew that we were aware + of the fact and that his intention had been to slip out to sea with all + our valuable property, which he would sell after having murdered or + marooned Stephen and the poor cook. But as nothing could be proved, and we + were now in strong enough force to look after ourselves and our + belongings, I did not see the use of pursuing the argument. So I accepted + the explanation with a smile, and asked everybody to join in a morning + nip. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards Stephen told me that while I was engaged with Mavovo on the + previous night, a message had reached him from Sammy who was on board the + ship in charge of our belongings, saying that he would be glad of some + company. Knowing the cook’s nervous nature, fortunately enough he made up + his mind at once to go and sleep upon the <i>Maria</i>. In the morning + trouble arose as Sammy had told me. What he did not tell me was that he + was not knocked overboard, as he said, but took to the water of his own + accord, when complications with Delgado appeared imminent. + </p> + <p> + “I understand the position,” I said, “and all’s well that ends well. But + it’s lucky you thought of coming on board to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + After this everything went right. I sent some of the men back in the + charge of Stephen for our remaining effects, which they brought safely + aboard, and in the evening we sailed. Our voyage up to Kilwa was + beautiful, a gentle breeze driving us forward over a sea so calm that not + even Hans, who I think was one of the worst sailors in the world, or the + Zulu hunters were really sick, though as Sammy put it, they “declined + their food.” + </p> + <p> + I think it was on the fifth night of our voyage, or it may have been the + seventh, that we anchored one afternoon off the island of Kilwa, not very + far from the old Portuguese fort. Delgado, with whom we had little to do + during the passage, hoisted some queer sort of signal. In response a boat + came off containing what he called the Port officials, a band of + cut-throat, desperate-looking, black fellows in charge of a pock-marked, + elderly half-breed who was introduced to us as the Bey + Hassan-ben-Mohammed. That Mr. Hassan-ben-Mohammed entirely disapproved of + our presence on the ship, and especially of our proposed landing at Kilwa, + was evident to me from the moment that I set eyes upon his ill-favoured + countenance. After a hurried conference with Delgado, he came forward and + addressed me in Arabic, of which I could not understand a word. Luckily, + however, Sam the cook, who, as I think I said, was a great linguist, had a + fair acquaintance with this tongue, acquired, it appears, while at the + Zanzibar hotel; so, not trusting Delgado, I called on him to interpret. + </p> + <p> + “What is he saying, Sammy?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He began to talk to Hassan and replied presently: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, he makes you many compliments. He says that he has heard what a + great man you are from his friend, Delgado, also that you and Mr. Somers + are English, a nation which he adores.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he?” I exclaimed. “I should never have thought it from his looks. + Thank him for his kind remarks and tell him that we are going to land here + and march up country to shoot.” + </p> + <p> + Sammy obeyed, and the conversation went on somewhat as follows: + </p> + <p> + “With all humility I (i.e. Hassan) request you not to land. This country + is not a fit place for such noble gentlemen. There is nothing to eat and + no head of game has been seen for years. The people in the interior are + savages of the worst sort, whom hunger has driven to take to cannibalism. + I would not have your blood upon my head. I beg of you, therefore, to go + on in this ship to Delagoa Bay, where you will find a good hotel, or to + any other place you may select.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “Might I ask you, noble sir, what is your position at Kilwa, that + you consider yourself responsible for our safety?” + </p> + <p> + H.: “Honoured English lord, I am a trader here of Portuguese nationality, + but born of an Arab mother of high birth and brought up among that people. + I have gardens on the mainland, tended by my native servants who are as + children to me, where I grow palms and cassava and ground nuts and + plantains and many other kinds of produce. All the tribes in this district + look upon me as their chief and venerated father.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “Then, noble Hassan, you will be able to pass us through them, + seeing that we are peaceful hunters who wish to harm no one.” + </p> + <p> + (A long consultation between Hassan and Delgado, during which I ordered + Mavovo to bring his Zulus on deck with their guns.) + </p> + <p> + H.: “Honoured English lord, I cannot allow you to land.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “Noble son of the Prophet, I intend to land with my friend, my + followers, my donkeys and my goods early to-morrow morning. If I can do so + with your leave I shall be glad. If not——” and I glanced at + the fierce group of hunters behind me. + </p> + <p> + H.: “Honoured English lord, I shall be grieved to use force, but let me + tell you that in my peaceful village ashore I have at least a hundred men + armed with rifles, whereas here I see under twenty.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q., after reflection and a few words with Stephen Somers: “Can you tell + me, noble sir, if from your peaceful village you have yet sighted the + English man-of-war, <i>Crocodile</i>; I mean the steamer that is engaged + in watching for the dhows of wicked slavers? A letter from her captain + informed me that he would be in these waters by yesterday. Perhaps, + however, he has been delayed for a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + If I had exploded a bomb at the feet of the excellent Hassan its effect + could scarcely have been more remarkable than that of this question. He + turned—not pale, but a horrible yellow, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “English man-of-war! <i>Crocodile</i>! I thought she had gone to Aden to + refit and would not be back at Zanzibar for four months.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “You have been misinformed, noble Hassan. She will not refit till + October. Shall I read you the letter?” and I produced a piece of paper + from my pocket. “It may be interesting since my friend, the captain, whom + you remember is named Flowers, mentions you in it. He says——” + </p> + <p> + Hassan waved his hand. “It is enough. I see, honoured lord, that you are a + man of mettle not easily to be turned from your purpose. In the name of + God the Compassionate, land and go wheresoever you like.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “I think that I had almost rather wait until the <i>Crocodile</i> + comes in.” + </p> + <p> + H.: “Land! Land! Captain Delgado, get up the cargo and man your boat. Mine + too is at the service of these lords. You, Captain, will like to get away + by this night’s tide. There is still light, Lord Quatermain, and such + hospitality as I can offer is at your service.” + </p> + <p> + A.Q.: “Ah! I knew Bey Hassan, that you were only joking with me when you + said that you wished us to go elsewhere. An excellent jest, truly, from + one whose hospitality is so famous. Well, to fall in with your wishes, we + will come ashore this evening, and if the Captain Delgado chances to sight + the Queen’s ship <i>Crocodile</i> before he sails, perhaps he will be so + good as to signal to us with a rocket.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, certainly,” interrupted Delgado, who up to this time had + pretended that he understood no English, the tongue in which I was + speaking to the interpreter, Sammy. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned and gave orders to his Arab crew to bring up our belongings + from the hold and to lower the <i>Maria’s</i> boat. + </p> + <p> + Never did I see goods transferred in quicker time. Within half an hour + every one of our packages was off that ship, for Stephen Somers kept a + count of them. Our personal baggage went into the <i>Maria’s</i> boat, and + the goods together with the four donkeys which were lowered on to the top + of them, were rumbled pell-mell into the barge-like punt belonging to + Hassan. Here also I was accommodated, with about half of our people, the + rest taking their seats in the smaller boat under the charge of Stephen. + </p> + <p> + At length all was ready and we cast off. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Captain,” I cried to Delgado. “If you should sight the <i>Crocodile</i>——” + </p> + <p> + At this point Delgado broke into such a torrent of bad language in + Portuguese, Arabic and English that I fear the rest of my remarks never + reached him. + </p> + <p> + As we rowed shorewards I observed that Hans, who was seated near to me + under the stomach of a jackass, was engaged in sniffing at the sides and + bottom of the barge, as a dog might do, and asked him what he was about. + </p> + <p> + “Very odd smell in this boat,” he whispered back in Dutch. “It stinks of + Kaffir man, just like the hold of the <i>Maria</i>. I think this boat is + used to carry slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet,” I whispered back, “and stop nosing at those planks.” But to + myself I thought, Hans is right, we are in a nest of slave-traders, and + this Hassan is their leader. + </p> + <p> + We rowed past the island, on which I observed the ruins of an old + Portuguese fort and some long grass-roofed huts, where, I reflected, the + slaves were probably kept until they could be shipped away. Observing my + glance fixed upon these, Hassan hastened to explain, through Sammy, that + they were storehouses in which he dried fish and hides, and kept goods. + </p> + <p> + “How interesting!” I answered. “Further south we dry hides in the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Crossing a narrow channel we arrived at a rough jetty where we + disembarked, whence we were led by Hassan not to the village which I now + saw upon our left, but to a pleasant-looking, though dilapidated house + that stood a hundred yards from the shore. Something about the appearance + of this house impressed me with the idea that it was never built by + slavers; the whole look of the place with its verandah and garden + suggested taste and civilisation. Evidently educated people had designed + it and resided here. I glanced about me and saw, amidst a grove of + neglected orange trees that were surrounded with palms of some age, the + ruins of a church. About this there was no doubt, for there, surmounted by + a stone cross, was a little pent-house in which still hung the bell that + once summoned the worshippers to prayer. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the English lord,” said Hassan to Sammy, “that these buildings were + a mission station of the Christians, who abandoned them more than twenty + years ago. When I came here I found them empty.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I answered, “and what were the names of those who dwelt in + them?” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard,” said Hassan; “they had been gone a long while when I + came.” + </p> + <p> + Then we went up to the house, and for the next hour and more were engaged + with our baggage which was piled in a heap in what had been the garden and + in unpacking and pitching two tents for the hunters which I caused to be + placed immediately in front of the rooms that were assigned to us. Those + rooms were remarkable in their way. Mine had evidently been a sitting + chamber, as I judged from some much broken articles of furniture, that + appeared to be of American make. That which Stephen occupied had once + served as a sleeping-place, for the bedstead of iron still remained there. + Also there were a hanging bookcase, now fallen, and some tattered remnants + of books. One of these, that oddly enough was well-preserved, perhaps + because the white ants or other creatures did not like the taste of its + morocco binding, was a Keble’s <i>Christian Year</i>, on the title-page of + which was written, “To my dearest Elizabeth on her birthday, from her + husband.” I took the liberty to put it in my pocket. On the wall, + moreover, still hung the small watercolour picture of a very pretty young + woman with fair hair and blue eyes, in the corner of which picture was + written in the same handwriting as that in the book, “Elizabeth, aged + twenty.” This also I annexed, thinking that it might come in useful as a + piece of evidence. + </p> + <p> + “Looks as if the owners of this place had left it in a hurry, Quatermain,” + said Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “That’s it, my boy. Or perhaps they didn’t leave; perhaps they stopped + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Murdered?” + </p> + <p> + I nodded and said, “I dare say friend Hassan could tell us something about + the matter. Meanwhile as supper isn’t ready yet, let us have a look at + that church while it is light.” + </p> + <p> + We walked through the palm and orange grove to where the building stood + finely placed upon a mound. It was well-constructed of a kind of coral + rock, and a glance showed us that it had been gutted by fire; the + discoloured walls told their own tale. The interior was now full of shrubs + and creepers, and an ugly, yellowish snake glided from what had been the + stone altar. Without, the graveyard was enclosed by a broken wall, only we + could see no trace of graves. Near the gateway, however, was a rough + mound. + </p> + <p> + “If we could dig into that,” I said, “I expect we should find the bones of + the people who inhabited this place. Does that suggest anything to you, + Stephen?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, except that they were probably killed.” + </p> + <p> + “You should learn to draw inferences. It is a useful art, especially in + Africa. It suggests to me that, if you are right, the deed was not done by + natives, who would never take the trouble to bury the dead. Arabs, on the + contrary, might do so, especially if there were any bastard Portuguese + among them who called themselves Christians. But whatever happened must + have been a long while ago,” and I pointed to a self-sown hardwood tree + growing from the mound which could scarcely have been less than twenty + years old. + </p> + <p> + We returned to the house to find that our meal was ready. Hassan had asked + us to dine with him, but for obvious reasons I preferred that Sammy should + cook our food and that he should dine with us. He appeared full of + compliments, though I could see hate and suspicion in his eye, and we fell + to on the kid that we had bought from him, for I did not wish to accept + any gifts from this fellow. Our drink was square-face gin, mixed with + water that I sent Hans to fetch with his own hands from the stream that + ran by the house, lest otherwise it should be drugged. + </p> + <p> + At first Hassan, like a good Mohammedan, refused to touch any spirits, but + as the meal went on he politely relented upon this point, and I poured him + out a liberal tot. The appetite comes in eating, as the Frenchman said, + and the same thing applies to drinking. So at least it was in Hassan’s + case, who probably thought that the quantity swallowed made no difference + to his sin. After the third dose of square-face he grew quite amiable and + talkative. Thinking the opportunity a good one, I sent for Sammy, and + through him told our host that we were anxious to hire twenty porters to + carry our packages. He declared that there was not such a thing as a + porter within a hundred miles, whereon I gave him some more gin. The end + of it was that we struck a bargain, I forget for how much, he promising to + find us twenty good men who were to stay with us for as long as we wanted + them. + </p> + <p> + Then I asked him about the destruction of the mission station, but + although he was half-drunk, on this point he remained very close. All he + would say was that he had heard that twenty years ago the people called + the Mazitu, who were very fierce, had raided right down to the coast and + killed those who dwelt there, except a white man and his wife who had fled + inland and never been seen again. + </p> + <p> + “How many of them were buried in that mound by the church?” I asked + quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you they were buried there?” he replied, with a start, but + seeing his mistake, went on, “I do not know what you mean. I never heard + of anyone being buried. Sleep well, honoured lords, I must go and see to + the loading of my goods upon the <i>Maria</i>.” Then rising, he salaamed + and walked, or rather rolled, away. + </p> + <p> + “So the <i>Maria</i> hasn’t sailed after all,” I said, and whistled in a + certain fashion. Instantly Hans crept into the room out of the darkness, + for this was my signal to him. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” I said, “I hear sounds upon that island. Slip down to the shore + and spy out what is happening. No one will see you if you are careful.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Baas,” he answered with a grin, “I do not think that anyone will see + Hans if he is careful, especially at night,” and he slid away as quietly + as he had come. + </p> + <p> + Now I went out and spoke to Mavovo, telling him to keep a good watch and + to be sure that every man had his gun ready, as I thought that these + people were slave-traders and might attack us in the night. + </p> + <p> + In that event, I said, they were to fall back upon the stoep, but not to + fire until I gave the word. + </p> + <p> + “Good, my father,” he answered. “This is a lucky journey; I never thought + there would be hope of war so soon. My Snake forgot to mention it the + other night. Sleep safe, Macumazana. Nothing that walks shall reach you + while we live.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be so sure,” I answered, and we lay down in the bedroom with our + clothes on and our rifles by our sides. + </p> + <p> + The next thing I remember was someone shaking me by the shoulder. I + thought it was Stephen, who had agreed to keep awake for the first part of + the night and to call me at one in the morning. Indeed, he was awake, for + I could see the glow from the pipe he smoked. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” whispered the voice of Hans, “I have found out everything. They + are loading the <i>Maria</i> with slaves, taking them in big boats from + the island.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” I answered. “But how did you get here? Are the hunters asleep + without?” + </p> + <p> + He chuckled. “No, they are not asleep; they look with all their eyes and + listen with all their ears, yet old Hans passed through them; even the + Baas Somers did not hear him.” + </p> + <p> + “That I didn’t,” said Stephen; “thought a rat was moving, no more.” + </p> + <p> + I stepped through the place where the door had been on to the stoep. By + the light of the fire which the hunters had lit without I could see Mavovo + sitting wide awake, his gun upon his knees, and beyond him two sentries. I + called him and pointed to Hans. + </p> + <p> + “See,” I said, “what good watchmen you are when one can step over your + heads and enter my room without your knowing it!” + </p> + <p> + Mavovo looked at the Hottentot and felt his clothes and boots to see + whether they were wet with the night dew. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Ow!</i>” he exclaimed in a surly voice, “I said that nothing which + walks could reach you, Macumazana, but this yellow snake has crawled + between us on his belly. Look at the new mud that stains his waistcoat.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet snakes can bite and kill,” answered Hans with a snigger. “Oh! you + Zulus think that you are very brave, and shout and flourish spears and + battleaxes. One poor Hottentot dog is worth a whole impi of you after all. + No, don’t try to strike me, Mavovo the warrior, since we both serve the + same master in our separate ways. When it comes to fighting I will leave + the matter to you, but when it is a case of watching or spying, do you + leave it to Hans. Look here, Mavovo,” and he opened his hand in which was + a horn snuff-box such as Zulus sometimes carry in their ears. “To whom + does this belong?” + </p> + <p> + “It is mine,” said Mavovo, “and you have stolen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” jeered Hans, “it is yours. Also I stole it from your ear as I + passed you in the dark. Don’t you remember that you thought a gnat had + tickled you and hit up at your face?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” growled Mavovo, “and you, snake of a Hottentot, are great in + your own low way. Yet next time anything tickles me, I shall strike, not + with my hand, but with a spear.” + </p> + <p> + Then I turned them both out, remarking to Stephen that this was a good + example of the eternal fight between courage and cunning. After this, as I + was sure that Hassan and his friends were too busy to interfere with us + that night, we went to bed and slept the sleep of the just. + </p> + <p> + When I got up the next morning I found that Stephen Somers had already + risen and gone out, nor did he appear until I was half through my + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “Where on earth have you been?” I asked, noting that his clothes were torn + and covered with wet moss. + </p> + <p> + “Up the tallest of those palm trees, Quatermain. Saw an Arab climbing one + of them with a rope and got another Arab to teach me the trick. It isn’t + really difficult, though it looks alarming.” + </p> + <p> + “What in the name of goodness——” I began. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he interrupted, “my ruling passion. Looking through the glasses I + thought I caught sight of an orchid growing near the crown, so went up. It + wasn’t an orchid after all, only a mass of yellow pollen. But I learned + something for my pains. Sitting in the top of that palm I saw the <i>Maria</i> + working out from under the lee of the island. Also, far away, I noted a + streak of smoke, and watching it through the glasses, made out what looked + to me uncommonly like a man-of-war steaming slowly along the coast. In + fact, I am sure it was, and English too. Then the mist came up and I lost + sight of them.” + </p> + <p> + “My word!” I said, “that will be the <i>Crocodile</i>. What I told our + host, Hassan, was not altogether bunkum. Mr. Cato, the port officer at + Durban, mentioned to me that the <i>Crocodile</i> was expected to call + there within the next fortnight to take in stores after a slave-hunting + cruise down the coast. Now it would be odd if she chanced to meet the <i>Maria</i> + and asked to have a look at her cargo, wouldn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Quatermain, for unless one or the other of them changes her + course that is just what she must do within the next hour or so, and I + jolly well hope she will. I haven’t forgiven that beast, Delgado, the + trick he tried to play on us by slipping away with our goods, to say + nothing of those poor devils of slaves. Pass the coffee, will you?” + </p> + <p> + For the next ten minutes we ate in silence, for Stephen had an excellent + appetite and was hungry after his morning climb. + </p> + <p> + Just as we finished our meal Hassan appeared, looking even more villainous + than he had done the previous day. I saw also that he was in a truculent + mood, induced perhaps by the headache from which he was evidently + suffering as a result of his potations. Or perhaps the fact that the <i>Maria</i> + had got safe away with the slaves, as he imagined unobserved by us, was + the cause of the change of his demeanour. A third alternative may have + been that he intended to murder us during the previous night and found no + safe opportunity of carrying out his amiable scheme. + </p> + <p> + We saluted him courteously, but without salaaming in reply he asked me + bluntly through Sammy when we intended to be gone, as such “Christian dogs + defiled his house,” which he wanted for himself. + </p> + <p> + I answered, as soon as the twenty bearers whom he had promised us + appeared, but not before. + </p> + <p> + “You lie,” he said. “I never promised you bearers; I have none here.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that you shipped them all away in the <i>Maria</i> with the + slaves last night?” I asked, sweetly. + </p> + <p> + My reader, have you ever taken note of the appearance and proceedings of a + tom-cat of established age and morose disposition when a little dog + suddenly disturbs it on the prowl? Have you observed how it contorts + itself into arched but unnatural shapes, how it swells visibly to almost + twice its normal size, how its hair stands up and its eyes flash, and the + stream of unmentionable language that proceeds from its open mouth? If so, + you will have a very good idea of the effect produced upon Hassan by this + remark of mine. The fellow looked as though he were going to burst with + rage. He rolled about, his bloodshot eyes seemed to protrude, he cursed us + horribly, he put his hand upon the hilt of the great knife he wore, and + finally he did what the tom-cat does, he spat. + </p> + <p> + Now, Stephen was standing with me, looking as cool as a cucumber and very + much amused, and being, as it chanced, a little nearer to Hassan than I + was, received the full benefit of this rude proceeding. My word! didn’t it + wake him up. He said something strong, and the next second flew at the + half-breed like a tiger, landing him a beauty straight upon the nose. Back + staggered Hassan, drawing his knife as he did so, but Stephen’s left in + the eye caused him to drop it, as he dropped himself. I pounced upon the + knife, and since it was too late to interfere, for the mischief had been + done, let things take their course and held back the Zulus who had rushed + up at the noise. + </p> + <p> + Hassan rose and, to do him credit, came on like a man, head down. His + great skull caught Stephen, who was the lighter of the two, in the chest + and knocked him over, but before the Arab could follow up the advantage, + he was on his feet again. Then ensued a really glorious mill. Hassan + fought with head and fists and feet, Stephen with fists alone. Dodging his + opponent’s rushes, he gave it to him as he passed, and soon his coolness + and silence began to tell. Once he was knocked over by a hooked one under + the jaw, but in the next round he sent the Arab literally flying head over + heels. Oh! how those Zulus cheered, and I, too, danced with delight. Up + Hassan came again, spitting out several teeth and, adopting new tactics, + grabbed Stephen round the middle. To and fro they swung, the Arab trying + to kick the Englishman with his knees and to bite him also, till the pain + reminded him of the absence of his front teeth. Once he nearly got him + down—nearly, but not quite, for the collar by which he had gripped + him (his object was to strangle) burst and, at that juncture, Hassan’s + turban fell over his face, blinding him for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Then Stephen gripped him round the middle with his left arm and with his + right pommelled him unmercifully till he sank in a sitting position to the + ground and held up his hand in token of surrender. + </p> + <p> + “The noble English lord has beaten me,” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Apologise!” yelled Stephen, picking up a handful of mud, “or I shove this + down your dirty throat.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to understand. At any rate, he bowed till his forehead touched + the ground, and apologised very thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + “Now that is over,” I said cheerfully to him, “so how about those + bearers?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no bearers,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “You dirty liar,” I exclaimed; “one of my people has been down to your + village there and says it is full of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go and take them for yourself,” he replied, viciously, for he knew + that the place was stockaded. + </p> + <p> + Now I was in a fix. It was all very well to give a slave-dealer the + thrashing he deserved, but if he chose to attack us with his Arabs we + should be in a poor way. Watching me with the eye that was not bunged up, + Hassan guessed my perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “I have been beaten like a dog,” he said, his rage returning to him with + his breath, “but God is compassionate and just, He will avenge in due + time.” + </p> + <p> + The words had not left his lips for one second when from somewhere out at + sea there floated the sullen boom of a great gun. At this moment, too, an + Arab rushed up from the shore, crying: + </p> + <p> + “Where is the Bey Hassan?” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” I said, pointing at him. + </p> + <p> + The Arab stared until I thought his eyes would drop out, for the Bey + Hassan was indeed a sight to see. Then he gabbled in a frightened voice: + </p> + <p> + “Captain, an English man-of-war is chasing the <i>Maria</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Boom went the great gun for the second time. Hassan said nothing, but his + jaw dropped, and I saw that he had lost exactly three teeth. + </p> + <p> + “That is the <i>Crocodile</i>,” I remarked slowly, causing Sammy to + translate, and as I spoke, produced from my inner pocket a Union Jack + which I had placed there after I heard that the ship was sighted. + “Stephen,” I went on as I shook it out, “if you have got your wind, would + you mind climbing up that palm tree again and signalling with this to the + <i>Crocodile</i> out at sea?” + </p> + <p> + “By George! that’s a good idea,” said Stephen, whose jovial face, although + swollen, was now again wreathed in smiles. “Hans, bring me a long stick + and a bit of string.” + </p> + <p> + But Hassan did not think it at all a good idea. + </p> + <p> + “English lord,” he gasped, “you shall have the bearers. I will go to fetch + them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won’t,” I said, “you will stop here as a hostage. Send that man.” + </p> + <p> + Hassan uttered some rapid orders and the messenger sped away, this time + towards the stockaded village on the right. + </p> + <p> + As he went another messenger arrived, who also stared amazedly at the + condition of his chief. + </p> + <p> + “Bey—if you are the Bey,” he said, in a doubtful voice, for by now + the amiable face of Hassan had begun to swell and colour, “with the + telescope we have seen that the English man-of-war has sent a boat and + boarded the <i>Maria</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “God is great!” muttered the discomfited Hassan, “and Delgado, who is a + thief and a traitor from his mother’s breast, will tell the truth. The + English sons of Satan will land here. All is finished; nothing is left but + flight. Bid the people fly into the bush and take the slaves—I mean + their servants. I will join them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won’t,” I interrupted, through Sammy; “at any rate, not at + present. You will come with us.” + </p> + <p> + The miserable Hassan reflected, then he asked: + </p> + <p> + “Lord Quatermain” (I remember the title, because it is the nearest I ever + got, or am likely to get, to the peerage), “if I furnish you with the + twenty bearers and accompany you for some days on your journey inland, + will you promise not to signal to your countrymen on the ship and bring + them ashore?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think?” I asked of Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he answered, “I think I’d agree. This scoundrel has had a pretty + good dusting, and if once the <i>Crocodile</i> people land, there’ll be an + end of our expedition. As sure as eggs are eggs they will carry us off to + Zanzibar or somewhere to give evidence before a slave court. Also nothing + will be gained, for by the time the sailors get here, all these rascals + will have bolted, except our friend, Hassan. You see it isn’t as though we + were sure he would be hung. He’d probably escape after all. International + law, subject of a foreign Power, no direct proof—that kind of thing, + you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a minute or two,” I said, and began to reflect very deeply. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was thus engaged several things happened. I saw twenty natives + being escorted towards us, doubtless the bearers who had been promised; + also I saw many others, accompanied by other natives, flying from the + village into the bush. Lastly, a third messenger arrived, who announced + that the <i>Maria</i> was sailing away, apparently in charge of a + prize-crew, and that the man-of-war was putting about as though to + accompany her. Evidently she had no intention of effecting a landing upon + what was, nominally at any rate, Portuguese territory. Therefore, if + anything was to be done, we must act at once. + </p> + <p> + Well, the end of it was that, like a fool, I accepted Stephen’s advice and + did nothing, always the easiest course and generally that which leads to + most trouble. Ten minutes afterwards I changed my mind, but then it was + too late; the <i>Crocodile</i> was out of signalling distance. This was + subsequent to a conversation with Hans. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” said that worthy, in his leery fashion, “I think you have made a + mistake. You forget that these yellow devils in white robes who have run + away will come back again, and that when you return from up country, they + may be waiting for you. Now if the English man-of-war had destroyed their + town, and their slave-sheds, they might have gone somewhere else. + However,” he added, as an afterthought, glancing at the disfigured Hassan, + “we have their captain, and of course you mean to hang him, Baas. Or if + you don’t like to, leave it to me. I can hang men very well. Once, when I + was young, I helped the executioner at Cape Town.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out,” I said, but, nevertheless, I knew that Hans was right. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI<br/> + THE SLAVE ROAD + </h2> + <p> + The twenty bearers having arrived, in charge of five or six Arabs armed + with guns, we went to inspect them, taking Hassan with us, also the + hunters. They were a likely lot of men, though rather thin and + scared-looking, and evidently, as I could see from their physical + appearance and varying methods of dressing the hair, members of different + tribes. Having delivered them, the Arabs, or rather one of them, entered + into excited conversation with Hassan. As Sammy was not at hand I do not + know what was said, although I gathered that they were contemplating his + rescue. If so, they gave up the idea and began to run away as their + companions had done. One of them, however, a bolder fellow than the rest, + turned and fired at me. He missed by some yards, as I could tell from the + sing of the bullet, for these Arabs are execrable shots. Still his attempt + at murder irritated me so much that I determined he should not go + scot-free. I was carrying the little rifle called “Intombi,” that with + which, as Hans had reminded me, I shot the vultures at Dingaan’s kraal + many years before. Of course, I could have killed the man, but this I did + not wish to do. Or I could have shot him through the leg, but then we + should have had to nurse him or leave him to die! So I selected his right + arm, which was outstretched as he fled, and at about fifty paces put a + bullet through it just above the elbow. + </p> + <p> + “There,” I said to the Zulus as I saw it double up, “that low fellow will + never shoot at anyone again.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty, Macumazana, very pretty!” said Mavovo, “but as you can aim so + well, why not have chosen his head? That bullet is half-wasted.” + </p> + <p> + Next I set to work to get into communication with the bearers, who + thought, poor devils, that they had been but sold to a new master. Here I + may explain that they were slaves not meant for exportation, but men kept + to cultivate Hassan’s gardens. Fortunately I found that two of them + belonged to the Mazitu people, who it may be remembered are of the same + blood as the Zulus, although they separated from the parent stock + generations ago. These men talked a dialect that I could understand, + though at first not very easily. The foundation of it was Zulu, but it had + become much mixed with the languages of other tribes whose women the + Mazitu had taken to wife. + </p> + <p> + Also there was a man who could speak some bastard Arabic, sufficiently + well for Sammy to converse with him. + </p> + <p> + I asked the Mazitus if they knew the way back to their country. They + answered yes, but it was far off, a full month’s journey. I told them that + if they would guide us thither, they should receive their freedom and good + pay, adding that if the other men served us well, they also should be set + free when we had done with them. On receiving this information the poor + wretches smiled in a sickly fashion and looked at Hassan-ben-Mohammed, who + glowered at them and us from the box on which he was seated in charge of + Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + How can we be free while that man lives, their look seemed to say. As + though to confirm their doubts Hassan, who understood or guessed what was + passing, asked by what right we were promising freedom to his slaves. + </p> + <p> + “By right of that,” I answered, pointing to the Union Jack which Stephen + still had in his hand. “Also we will pay you for them when we return, + according as they have served us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he muttered, “you will pay me for them when you return, or perhaps + before that, Englishman.” + </p> + <p> + It was three o’clock in the afternoon before we were able to make a start. + There was so much to be arranged that it might have been wiser to wait + till the morrow, had we not determined that if we could help it nothing + would induce us to spend another night in that place. Blankets were served + out to each of the bearers who, poor naked creatures, seemed quite touched + at the gift of them; the loads were apportioned, having already been + packed at Durban in cases such as one man could carry. The pack saddles + were put upon the four donkeys which proved to be none the worse for their + journey, and burdens to a weight of about 100 lbs. each fixed on them in + waterproof hide bags, besides cooking calabashes and sleeping mats which + Hans produced from somewhere. Probably he stole them out of the deserted + village, but as they were necessary to us I confess I asked no questions. + Lastly, six or eight goats which were wandering about were captured to + take with us for food till we could find game. For these I offered to pay + Hassan, but when I handed him the money he threw it down in a rage, so I + picked it up and put it in my pocket again with a clear conscience. + </p> + <p> + At length everything was more or less ready, and the question arose as to + what was to be done with Hassan. The Zulus, like Hans, wished to kill him, + as Sammy explained to him in his best Arabic. Then this murderous fellow + showed what a coward he was at heart. He flung himself upon his knees, he + wept, he invoked us in the name of the Compassionate Allah who, he + explained, was after all the same God that we worshipped, till Mavovo, + growing impatient of the noise, threatened him with his kerry, whereon he + became silent. The easy-natured Stephen was for letting him go, a plan + that seemed to have advantages, for then at least we should be rid of his + abominable company. After reflection, however, I decided that we had + better take him along with us, at any rate for a day or so, to hold as a + hostage in case the Arabs should follow and attack us. At first he refused + to stir, but the assegai of one of the Zulu hunters pressed gently against + what remained of his robe, furnished an argument that he could not resist. + </p> + <p> + At length we were off. I with the two guides went ahead. Then came the + bearers, then half of the hunters, then the four donkeys in charge of Hans + and Sammy, then Hassan and the rest of the hunters, except Mavovo, who + brought up the rear with Stephen. Needless to say, all our rifles were + loaded, and generally we were prepared for any emergency. The only path, + that which the guides said we must follow, ran by the seashore for a few + hundred yards and then turned inland through Hassan’s village where he + lived, for it seemed that the old mission house was not used by him. As we + marched along a little rocky cliff—it was not more than ten feet + high—where a deep-water channel perhaps fifty yards in breadth + separated the mainland from the island whence the slaves had been loaded + on to the <i>Maria</i>, some difficulty arose about the donkeys. One of + these slipped its load and another began to buck and evinced an + inclination to leap into the sea with its precious burden. The rearguard + of hunters ran to get hold of it, when suddenly there was a splash. + </p> + <p> + The brute’s in! I thought to myself, till a shout told me that not the + ass, but Hassan had departed over the cliff’s edge. Watching his + opportunity and being, it was clear, a first-rate swimmer, he had flung + himself backwards in the midst of the confusion and falling into deep + water, promptly dived. About twenty yards from the shore he came up for a + moment, then dived again heading for the island. I dare say I could have + potted him through the head with a snap shot, but somehow I did not like + to kill a man swimming for his life as though he were a hippopotamus or a + crocodile. Moreover, the boldness of the manoeuvre appealed to me. So I + refrained from firing and called to the others to do likewise. + </p> + <p> + As our late host approached the shore of the island I saw Arabs running + down the rocks to help him out of the water. Either they had not left the + place, or had re-occupied it as soon as H.M.S. <i>Crocodile</i> had + vanished with her prize. As it was clear that to recapture Hassan would + involve an attack upon the garrison of the island which we were in no + position to carry out, I gave orders for the march to be resumed. These, + the difficulty with the donkey having been overcome, were obeyed at once. + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate that we did not delay, for scarcely had the caravan got + into motion when the Arabs on the island began to fire at us. Luckily no + one was hit, and we were soon round a point and under cover; also their + shooting was as bad as usual. One missile, however, it was a pot-leg, + struck a donkey-load and smashed a bottle of good brandy and a tin of + preserved butter. This made me angry, so motioning to the others to + proceed I took shelter behind a tree and waited till a torn and dirty + turban, which I recognised as that of Hassan, poked up above a rock. Well, + I put a bullet through that turban, for I saw the thing fly, but + unfortunately, not through the head beneath it. Having left this P.P.C. + card on our host, I bolted from the rock and caught up the others. + </p> + <p> + Presently we passed round the village; through it I would not go for fear + of an ambuscade. It was quite a big place, enclosed with a strong fence, + but hidden from the sea by a rise in the intervening land. In the centre + was a large eastern-looking house, where doubtless Hassan dwelt with his + harem. After we had gone a little way further, to my astonishment I saw + flames breaking out from the palm-leaf roof of this house. At the time I + could not imagine how this happened, but when, a day or two later, I + observed Hans wearing a pair of large and very handsome gold pendants in + his ears and a gold bracelet on his wrist, and found that he and one of + the hunters were extremely well set up in the matter of British sovereigns—well, + I had my doubts. In due course the truth came out. He and the hunter, an + adventurous spirit, slipped through a gate in the fence without being + observed, ran across the deserted village to the house, stole the + ornaments and money from the women’s apartments and as they departed, + fired the place “in exchange for the bottle of good brandy,” as Hans + explained. + </p> + <p> + I was inclined to be angry, but after all, as we had been fired on, Hans’s + exploit became an act of war rather than a theft. So I made him and his + companion divide the gold equally with the rest of the hunters, who no + doubt had kept their eyes conveniently shut, not forgetting Sammy, and + said no more. They netted £8 apiece, which pleased them very much. In + addition to this I gave £1 each, or rather goods to that value, to the + bearers as their share of the loot. + </p> + <p> + Hassan, I remarked, was evidently a great agriculturist, for the gardens + which he worked by slave labour were beautiful, and must have brought him + in a large revenue. + </p> + <p> + Passing through these gardens we came to sloping land covered with bush. + Here the track was not too good, for the creepers hampered our progress. + Indeed, I was very glad when towards sunset we reached the crest of a hill + and emerged upon a tableland which was almost clear of trees and rose + gradually till it met the horizon. In that bush we might easily have been + attacked, but in this open country I was not so much afraid, since the + loss to the Arabs would have been great before we were overpowered. As a + matter of fact, although spies dogged us for days no assault was ever + attempted. + </p> + <p> + Finding a convenient place by a stream we camped for the night, but as it + was so fine, did not pitch the tents. Afterwards I was sorry that we had + not gone further from the water, since the mosquitoes bred by millions in + the marshes bordering the stream gave us a dreadful time. On poor Stephen, + fresh from England, they fell with peculiar ferocity, with the result that + in the morning what between the bruises left by Hassan and their bites, he + was a spectacle for men and angels. Another thing that broke our rest was + the necessity of keeping a strict watch in case the slave-traders should + elect to attack us in the hours of darkness; also to guard against the + possibility of our bearers running away and perhaps stealing the goods. It + is true that before they went to sleep I explained to them very clearly + that any of them who attempted to give us the slip would certainly be seen + and shot, whereas if they remained with us they would be treated with + every kindness. They answered through the two Mazitu that they had nowhere + to go, and did not wish to fall again into the power of Hassan, of whom + they spoke literally with shudders, pointing the while to their scarred + backs and the marks of the slave yokes upon their necks. Their + protestations seemed and indeed proved to be sincere, but of this of + course we could not then be sure. + </p> + <p> + As I was engaged at sunrise in making certain that the donkeys had not + strayed and generally that all was well, I noted through the thin mist a + little white object, which at first I thought was a small bird sitting on + an upright stick about fifty yards from the camp. I went towards it and + discovered that it was not a bird but a folded piece of paper stuck in a + cleft wand, such as natives often use for the carrying of letters. I + opened the paper and with great difficulty, for the writing within was bad + Portuguese, read as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “English Devils.—Do not think that you have escaped me. I know + where you are going, and if you live through the journey it will + be but to die at my hands after all. I tell you that I have at my + command three hundred brave men armed with guns who worship Allah + and thirst for the blood of Christian dogs. With these I will + follow, and if you fall into my hands alive, you shall learn what + it is to die by fire or pinned over ant-heaps in the sun. Let us + see if your English man-of-war will help you then, or your false + God either. Misfortune go with you, white-skinned robbers of + honest men!” + </pre> + <p> + This pleasing epistle was unsigned, but its anonymous author was not hard + to identify. I showed it to Stephen who was so infuriated at its contents + that he managed to dab some ammonia with which he was treating his + mosquito bites into his eye. When at length the pain was soothed by + bathing, we concocted this answer: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Murderer, known among men as Hassan-ben-Mohammed—Truly we sinned + in not hanging you when you were in our power. Oh! wolf who grows + fat upon the blood of the innocent, this is a fault that we shall + not commit again. Your death is near to you and we believe at our + hands. Come with all your villains whenever you will. The more + there are of them the better we shall be pleased, who would rather + rid the world of many fiends than of a few, + + “Till we meet again, Allan Quatermain, + Stephen Somers.” + </pre> + <p> + “Neat, if not Christian,” I said when I had read the letter over. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Stephen, “but perhaps just a little bombastic in tone. If + that gentleman did arrive with three hundred armed men—eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, my boy,” I answered, “in this way or in that we shall thrash him. I + don’t often have an inspiration, but I’ve got one now, and it is to the + effect that Mr. Hassan has not very long to live and that we shall be + intimately connected with his end. Wait till you have seen a slave caravan + and you will understand my feelings. Also I know these gentry. That little + prophecy of ours will get upon his nerves and give him a foretaste of + things. Hans, go and set this letter in that cleft stick. The postman will + call for it before long.” + </p> + <p> + As it happened, within a few days we did see a slave caravan, some of the + merchandise of the estimable Hassan. + </p> + <p> + We had been making good progress through a beautiful and healthy country, + steering almost due west, or rather a little to the north of west. The + land was undulating and rich, well-watered and only bush-clad in the + neighbourhood of the streams, the higher ground being open, of a park-like + character, and dotted here and there with trees. It was evident that once, + and not very long ago, the population had been dense, for we came to the + remains of many villages, or rather towns with large market-places. Now, + however, these were burned with fire, or deserted, or occupied only by a + few old bodies who got a living from the overgrown gardens. These poor + people, who sat desolate and crooning in the sun, or perhaps worked feebly + at the once fertile fields, would fly screaming at our approach, for to + them men armed with guns must of necessity be slave-traders. + </p> + <p> + Still from time to time we contrived to catch some of them, and through + one member of our party or the other to get at their stories. Really it + was all one story. The slaving Arabs, on this pretext or on that, had set + tribe against tribe. Then they sided with the stronger and conquered the + weaker by aid of their terrible guns, killing out the old folk and taking + the young men, women and children (except the infants whom they butchered) + to be sold as slaves. It seemed that the business had begun about twenty + years before, when Hassan-ben-Mohammed and his companions arrived at Kilwa + and drove away the missionary who had built a station there. + </p> + <p> + At first this trade was extremely easy and profitable, since the raw + material lay near at hand in plenty. By degrees, however, the neighbouring + communities had been worked out. Countless numbers of them were killed, + while the pick of the population passed under the slave yoke, and those of + them who survived, vanished in ships to unknown lands. Thus it came about + that the slavers were obliged to go further afield and even to conduct + their raids upon the borders of the territory of the great Mazitu people, + the inland race of Zulu origin of whom I have spoken. According to our + informants, it was even rumoured that they proposed shortly to attack + these Mazitus in force, relying on their guns to give them the victory and + open to them a new and almost inexhaustible store of splendid human + merchandise. Meanwhile they were cleaning out certain small tribes which + hitherto had escaped them, owing to the fact that they had their residence + in bush or among difficult hills. + </p> + <p> + The track we followed was the recognised slave road. Of this we soon + became aware by the numbers of skeletons which we found lying in the tall + grass at its side, some of them with heavy slave-sticks still upon their + wrists. These, I suppose, had died from exhaustion, but others, as their + split skulls showed had been disposed of by their captors. + </p> + <p> + On the eighth day of our march we struck the track of a slave caravan. It + had been travelling towards the coast, but for some reason or other had + turned back. This may have been because its leaders had been warned of the + approach of our party. Or perhaps they had heard that another caravan, + which was at work in a different district, was drawing near, bringing its + slaves with it, and wished to wait for its arrival in order that they + might join forces. + </p> + <p> + The spoor of these people was easy to follow. First we found the body of a + boy of about ten. Then vultures revealed to us the remains of two young + men, one of whom had been shot and the other killed by a blow from an axe. + Their corpses were roughly hidden beneath some grass, I know not why. A + mile or two further on we heard a child wailing and found it by following + its cries. It was a little girl of about four who had been pretty, though + now she was but a living skeleton. When she saw us she scrambled away on + all fours like a monkey. Stephen followed her, while I, sick at heart, + went to get a tin of preserved milk from our stores. Presently I heard him + call to me in a horrified voice. Rather reluctantly, for I knew that he + must have found something dreadful, I pushed my way through the bush to + where he was. There, bound to the trunk of a tree, sat a young woman, + evidently the mother of the child, for it clung to her leg. + </p> + <p> + Thank God she was still living, though she must have died before another + day dawned. We cut her loose, and the Zulu hunters, who are kind folk + enough when they are not at war, carried her to camp. In the end with much + trouble we saved the lives of that mother and child. I sent for the two + Mazitus, with whom I could by now talk fairly well, and asked them why the + slavers did these things. + </p> + <p> + They shrugged their shoulders and one of them answered with a rather + dreadful laugh: + </p> + <p> + “Because, Chief, these Arabs, being black-hearted, kill those who can walk + no more, or tie them up to die. If they let them go they might recover and + escape, and it makes the Arabs sad that those who have been their slaves + should live to be free and happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Does it? Does it indeed?” exclaimed Stephen with a snort of rage that + reminded me of his father. “Well, if ever I get a chance I’ll make them + sad with a vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + Stephen was a tender-hearted young man, and for all his soft and indolent + ways, an awkward customer when roused. + </p> + <p> + Within forty-eight hours he got his chance, thus: That day we camped early + for two reasons. The first was that the woman and child we had rescued were + so weak they could not walk without rest, and we had no men to spare to + carry them; the second that we came to an ideal spot to pass the night. It + was, as usual, a deserted village through which ran a beautiful stream of + water. Here we took possession of some outlying huts with a fence round + them, and as Mavovo had managed to shoot a fat eland cow and her + half-grown calf, we prepared to have a regular feast. Whilst Sammy was + making some broth for the rescued woman, and Stephen and I smoked our + pipes and watched him, Hans slipped through the broken gate of the thorn + fence, or <i>boma</i>, and announced that Arabs were coming, two lots of + them with many slaves. + </p> + <p> + We ran out to look and saw that, as he had said, two caravans were + approaching, or rather had reached the village, but at some distance from + us, and were now camping on what had once been the market-place. One of + these was that whose track we had followed, although during the last few + hours of our march we had struck away from it, chiefly because we could + not bear such sights as I have described. It seemed to comprise about two + hundred and fifty slaves and over forty guards, all black men carrying + guns, and most of them by their dress Arabs, or bastard Arabs. In the + second caravan, which approached from another direction, were not more + than one hundred slaves and about twenty or thirty captors. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said, “let us eat our dinner and then, if you like, we will go to + call upon those gentlemen, just to show that we are not afraid of them. + Hans, get the flag and tie it to the top of that tree; it will show them + to what country we belong.” + </p> + <p> + Up went the Union Jack duly, and presently through our glasses we saw the + slavers running about in a state of excitement; also we saw the poor + slaves turn and stare at the bit of flapping bunting and then begin to + talk to each other. It struck me as possible that someone among their + number had seen a Union Jack in the hands of an English traveller, or had + heard of it as flying upon ships or at points on the coast, and what it + meant to slaves. Or they may have understood some of the remarks of the + Arabs, which no doubt were pointed and explanatory. At any rate, they + turned and stared till the Arabs ran among them with sjambocks, that is, + whips of hippopotamus hide, and suppressed their animated conversation + with many blows. + </p> + <p> + At first I thought that they would break camp and march away; indeed, they + began to make preparations to do this, then abandoned the idea, probably + because the slaves were exhausted and there was no other water they could + reach before nightfall. In the end they settled down and lit cooking + fires. Also, as I observed, they took precautions against attack by + stationing sentries and forcing the slaves to construct a <i>boma</i> of + thorns about their camp. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Stephen, when we had finished our dinner, “are you ready for + that call?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” I answered, “I do not think that I am. I have been considering + things, and concluded that we had better leave well alone. By this time + those Arabs will know all the story of our dealings with their worthy + master, Hassan, for no doubt he has sent messengers to them. Therefore, if + we go to their camp, they may shoot us at sight. Or, if they receive us + well, they may offer hospitality and poison us, or cut our throats + suddenly. Our position might be better, still it is one that I believe + they would find difficult to take. So, in my opinion, we had better stop + still and await developments.” + </p> + <p> + Stephen grumbled something about my being over-cautious, but I took no + heed of him. One thing I did do, however. Sending for Hans, I told him to + take one of the Mazitu—I dared not risk them both for they were our + guides—and another of the natives whom we had borrowed from Hassan, + a bold fellow who knew all the local languages, and creep down to the + slavers’ camp as soon as it was quite dark. There I ordered him to find + out what he could, and if possible to mix with the slaves and explain that + we were their friends. Hans nodded, for this was exactly the kind of task + that appealed to him, and went off to make his preparations. + </p> + <p> + Stephen and I also made some preparations in the way of strengthening our + defences, building large watch-fires and setting sentries. + </p> + <p> + The night fell, and Hans with his companions departed stealthily as + snakes. The silence was intense, save for the occasional wailings of the + slaves, which now and again broke out in bursts of melancholy sound, “<i>La-lu-La-lua!</i>” + and then died away, to be followed by horrid screams as the Arabs laid + their lashes upon some poor wretch. Once too, a shot was fired. + </p> + <p> + “They have seen Hans,” said Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” I answered, “for if so there would have been more than one + shot. Either it was an accident or they were murdering a slave.” + </p> + <p> + After this nothing more happened for a long while, till at length Hans + seemed to rise out of the ground in front of me, and behind him I saw the + figures of the Mazitu and the other man. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your story,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Baas, it is this. Between us we have learned everything. The Arabs know + all about you and what men you have. Hassan has sent them orders to kill + you. It is well that you did not go to visit them, for certainly you would + have been murdered. We crept near and overheard their talk. They purpose + to attack us at dawn to-morrow morning unless we leave this place before, + which they will know of as we are being watched.” + </p> + <p> + “And if so, what then?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Then, Baas, they will attack as we are making up the caravan, or + immediately afterwards as we begin to march.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. Anything more, Hans?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baas. These two men crept among the slaves and spoke with them. They + are very sad, those slaves, and many of them have died of heart-pain + because they have been taken from their homes and do not know where they + are going. I saw one die just now; a young woman. She was talking to + another woman and seemed quite well, only tired, till suddenly she said in + a loud voice, ‘I am going to die, that I may come back as a spirit and + bewitch these devils till they are spirits too.’ Then she called upon the + fetish of her tribe, put her hands to her breast and fell down dead. At + least,” added Hans, spitting reflectively, “she did not fall quite down + because the slave-stick held her head off the ground. The Arabs were very + angry, both because she had cursed them and was dead. One of them came and + kicked her body and afterwards shot her little boy who was sick, because + the mother had cursed them. But fortunately he did not see us, because we + were in the dark far from the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Anything more, Hans?” + </p> + <p> + “One thing, Baas. These two men lent the knives you gave them to two of + the boldest among the slaves that they might cut the cords of the + slave-sticks and the other cords with which they were tied, and then pass + them down the lines, that their brothers might do the same. But perhaps + the Arabs will find it out, and then the Mazitu and the other must lose + their knives. That is all. Has the Baas a little tobacco?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Stephen,” I said when Hans had gone and I had explained everything, + “there are two courses open to us. Either we can try to give these + gentlemen the slip at once, in which case we must leave the woman and + child to their fate, or we can stop where we are and wait to be attacked.” + </p> + <p> + “I won’t run,” said Stephen sullenly; “it would be cowardly to desert that + poor creature. Also we should have a worse chance marching. Remember Hans + said that they are watching us.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you would wait to be attacked?” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t there a third alternative, Quatermain? To attack them?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the idea,” I said. “Let us send for Mavovo.” + </p> + <p> + Presently he came and sat down in front of us, while I set out the case to + him. + </p> + <p> + “It is the fashion of my people to attack rather than to be attacked, and + yet, my father, in this case my heart is against it. Hans” (he called him + <i>Inblatu</i>, a Zulu word which means Spotted Snake, that was the + Hottentot’s Kaffir name) “says that there are quite sixty of the yellow + dogs, all armed with guns, whereas we have not more than fifteen, for we + cannot trust the slave men. Also he says that they are within a strong + fence and awake, with spies out, so that it will be difficult to surprise + them. But here, father, we are in a strong fence and cannot be surprised. + Also men who torture and kill women and children, except in war must, I + think, be cowards, and will come on faintly against good shooting, if + indeed they come at all. Therefore, I say, ‘Wait till the buffalo shall + either charge or run.’ But the word is with you, Macumazana, wise + Watcher-by-Night, not with me, your hunter. Speak, you who are old in war, + and I will obey.” + </p> + <p> + “You argue well,” I answered; “also another reason comes to my mind. Those + Arab brutes may get behind the slaves, of whom we should butcher a lot + without hurting them. Stephen, I think we had better see the thing through + here.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Quatermain. Only I hope that Mavovo is wrong in thinking that + those blackguards may change their minds and run away.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, young man, you are becoming very blood-thirsty—for an + orchid grower,” I remarked, looking at him. “Now, for my part, I devoutly + hope that Mavovo is right, for let me tell you, if he isn’t it may be a + nasty job.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve always been peaceful enough up to the present,” replied Stephen. + “But the sight of those unhappy wretches of slaves with their heads cut + open, and of the woman tied to a tree to starve——” + </p> + <p> + “Make you wish to usurp the functions of God Almighty,” I said. “Well, it + is a natural impulse and perhaps, in the circumstances, one that will not + displease Him. And now, as we have made up our minds what we are going to + do, let’s get to business so that these Arab gentlemen may find their + breakfast ready when they come to call.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII<br/> + THE RUSH OF THE SLAVES + </h2> + <p> + Well, we did all that we could in the way of making ready. After we had + strengthened the thorn fence of our <i>boma</i> as much as possible and + lit several large fires outside of it to give us light, I allotted his + place to each of the hunters and saw that their rifles were in order and + that they had plenty of ammunition. Then I made Stephen lie down to sleep, + telling him that I would wake him to watch later on. This, however, I had + no intention of doing as I wanted him to rise fresh and with a steady + nerve on the occasion of his first fight. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I saw that his eyes were shut I sat down on a box to think. To + tell the truth, I was not altogether happy in my mind. To begin with I did + not know how the twenty bearers would behave under fire. They might be + seized with panic and rush about, in which case I determined to let them + out of the <i>boma</i> to take their chance, for panic is a catching + thing. + </p> + <p> + A worse matter was our rather awkward position. There were a good many + trees round the camp among which an attacking force could take cover. But + what I feared much more than this, or even than the reedy banks of the + stream along which they could creep out of reach of our bullets, was a + sloping stretch of land behind us, covered with thick grass and scrub and + rising to a crest about two hundred yards away. Now if the Arabs got round + to this crest they would fire straight into our <i>boma</i> and make it + untenable. Also if the wind were in their favour, they might burn us out + or attack under the clouds of smoke. As a matter of fact, by the special + mercy of Providence, none of these things happened, for a reason which I + will explain presently. + </p> + <p> + In the case of a night, or rather a dawn attack, I have always found that + hour before the sky begins to lighten very trying indeed. As a rule + everything that can be done is done, so that one must sit idle. Also it is + then that both the physical and the moral qualities are at their lowest + ebb, as is the mercury in the thermometer. The night is dying, the day is + not yet born. All nature feels the influence of that hour. Then bad dreams + come, then infants wake and call, then memories of those who are lost to + us arise, then the hesitating soul often takes its plunge into the depths + of the Unknown. It is not wonderful, therefore, that on this occasion the + wheels of Time drave heavily for me. I knew that the morning was at hand + by many signs. The sleeping bearers turned and muttered in their sleep, a + distant lion ceased its roaring and departed to its own place, an + alert-minded cock crew somewhere, and our donkeys rose and began to pull + at their tether-ropes. As yet, however, it was quite dark. Hans crept up + to me; I saw his wrinkled, yellow face in the light of the watch-fire. + </p> + <p> + “I smell the dawn,” he said and vanished again. + </p> + <p> + Mavovo appeared, his massive frame silhouetted against the blackness. + </p> + <p> + “Watcher-by-Night, the night is done,” he said. “If they come at all, the + enemy should soon be here.” + </p> + <p> + Saluting, he too passed away into the dark, and presently I heard the + sounds of spear-blades striking together and of rifles being cocked. + </p> + <p> + I went to Stephen and woke him. He sat up yawning, muttered something + about greenhouses; then remembering, said: + </p> + <p> + “Are those Arabs coming? We are in for a fight at last. Jolly, old fellow, + isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “You are a jolly old fool!” I answered inconsequently; and marched off in + a rage. + </p> + <p> + My mind was uneasy about this inexperienced young man. If anything should + happen to him, what should I say to his father? Well, in that event, it + was probable that something would happen to me too. Very possibly we + should both be dead in an hour. Certainly I had no intention of allowing + myself to be taken alive by those slaving devils. Hassan’s remarks about + fires and ant-heaps and the sun were too vividly impressed upon my memory. + </p> + <p> + In another five minutes everybody was up, though it required kicks to + rouse most of the bearers from their slumbers. They, poor men, were + accustomed to the presence of Death and did not suffer him to disturb + their sleep. Still I noted that they muttered together and seemed alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “If they show signs of treachery, you must kill them,” I said to Mavovo, + who nodded in his grave, silent fashion. + </p> + <p> + Only we left the rescued slave-woman and her child plunged in the stupor + of exhaustion in a corner of the camp. What was the use of disturbing her? + </p> + <p> + Sammy, who seemed far from comfortable, brought two pannikins of coffee to + Stephen and myself. + </p> + <p> + “This is a momentous occasion, Messrs. Quatermain and Somers,” he said as + he gave us the coffee, and I noted that his hand shook and his teeth + chattered. “The cold is extreme,” he went on in his copybook English by + way of explaining these physical symptoms which he saw I had observed. + “Mr. Quatermain, it is all very well for you to paw the ground and smell + the battle from afar, as is written in the Book of Job. But I was not + brought up to the trade and take it otherwise. Indeed I wish I was back at + the Cape, yes, even within the whitewashed walls of the Place of + Detention.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” I muttered, keeping my right foot on the ground with + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + But Stephen laughed outright and asked: + </p> + <p> + “What will you do, Sammy, when the fighting begins?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Somers,” he answered, “I have employed some wakeful hours in making a + hole behind that tree-trunk, through which I hope bullets will not pass. + There, being a man of peace, I shall pray for our success.” + </p> + <p> + “And if the Arabs get in, Sammy?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir, under Heaven, I shall trust to the fleetness of my legs.” + </p> + <p> + I could stand it no longer, my right foot flew up and caught Sammy in the + place at which I had aimed. He vanished, casting a reproachful look behind + him. + </p> + <p> + Just then a terrible clamour arose in the slavers’ camp which hitherto had + been very silent, and just then also the first light of dawn glinted on + the barrels of our guns. + </p> + <p> + “Look out!” I cried, as I gulped down the last of my coffee, “there’s + something going on there.” + </p> + <p> + The clamour grew louder and louder till it seemed to fill the skies with a + concentrated noise of curses and shrieking. Distinct from it, as it were, + I heard shouts of alarm and rage, and then came the sounds of gunshots, + yells of agony and the thud of many running feet. By now the light was + growing fast, as it does when once it comes in these latitudes. Three more + minutes, and through the grey mist of the dawn we saw dozens of black + figures struggling up the slope towards us. Some seemed to have logs of + wood tied behind them, others crawled along on all fours, others dragged + children by the hand, and all yelled at the top of their voices. + </p> + <p> + “The slaves are attacking us,” said Stephen, lifting his rifle. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t shoot,” I cried. “I think they have broken loose and are taking + refuge with us.” + </p> + <p> + I was right. These unfortunates had used the two knives which our men + smuggled to them to good purpose. Having cut their bonds during the night + they were running to seek the protection of the Englishmen and their flag. + On they surged, a hideous mob, the slave-sticks still fast to the necks of + many of them, for they had not found time or opportunity to loose them + all, while behind came the Arabs firing. The position was clearly very + serious, for if they burst into our camp, we should be overwhelmed by + their rush and fall victims to the bullets of their captors. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” I cried, “take the men who were with you last night and try to + lead those slaves round behind us. Quick! Quick now before we are stamped + flat.” + </p> + <p> + Hans darted away, and presently I saw him and the two other men running + towards the approaching crowd, Hans waving a shirt or some other white + object to attract their attention. At the time the foremost of them had + halted and were screaming, “Mercy, English! Save us, English!” having + caught sight of the muzzles of our guns. + </p> + <p> + This was a fortunate occurrence indeed, for otherwise Hans and his + companions could never have stopped them. The next thing I saw was the + white shirt bearing away to the left on a line which led past the fence of + our <i>boma</i> into the scrub and high grass behind the camp. After it + struggled and scrambled the crowd of slaves like a flock of sheep after + the bell-wether. To them Hans’s shirt was a kind of “white helmet of + Navarre.” + </p> + <p> + So that danger passed by. Some of the slaves had been struck by the Arab + bullets or trodden down in the rush or collapsed from weakness, and at + those of them who still lived the pursuers were firing. One woman, who had + fallen under the weight of the great slave-stick which was fastened about + her throat, was crawling forward on her hands and knees. An Arab fired at + her and the bullet struck the ground under her stomach but without hurting + her, for she wriggled forward more quickly. I was sure that he would shoot + again, and watched. Presently, for by now the light was good, I saw him, a + tall fellow in a white robe, step from behind the shelter of a banana-tree + about a hundred and fifty yards away, and take a careful aim at the woman. + But I too took aim and—well, I am not bad at this kind of + snap-shooting when I try. That Arab’s gun never went off. Only he went up + two feet or more into the air and fell backwards, shot through the head + which was the part of his person that I had covered. + </p> + <p> + The hunters uttered a low “<i>Ow!</i>” of approval, while Stephen, in a + sort of ecstasy, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what a heavenly shot!” + </p> + <p> + “Not bad, but I shouldn’t have fired it,” I answered, “for they haven’t + attacked us yet. It is a kind of declaration of war, and,” I added, as + Stephen’s sun-helmet leapt from his head, “there’s the answer. Down, all + of you, and fire through the loopholes.” + </p> + <p> + Then the fight began. Except for its grand finale it wasn’t really much of + a fight when compared with one or two we had afterwards on this + expedition. But, on the other hand, its character was extremely awkward + for us. The Arabs made one rush at the beginning, shouting on Allah as + they came. But though they were plucky villains they did not repeat that + experiment. Either by good luck or good management Stephen knocked over + two of them with his double-barrelled rifle, and I also emptied my + large-bore breech-loader—the first I ever owned—among them, + not without results, while the hunters made a hit or two. + </p> + <p> + After this the Arabs took cover, getting behind trees and, as I had + feared, hiding in the reeds on the banks of the stream. Thence they + harassed us a great deal, for amongst them were some very decent shots. + Indeed, had we not taken the precaution of lining the thorn fence with a + thick bank of earth and sods, we should have fared badly. As it was, one + of the hunters was killed, the bullet passing through the loophole and + striking him in the throat as he was about to fire, while the unfortunate + bearers who were on rather higher ground, suffered a good deal, two of + them being dispatched outright and four wounded. After this I made the + rest of them lie flat on the ground close against the fence, in such a + fashion that we could fire over their bodies. + </p> + <p> + Soon it became evident that there were more of these Arabs than we had + thought, for quite fifty of them were firing from different places. + Moreover, by slow degrees they were advancing with the evident object of + outflanking us and gaining the high ground behind. Some of them, of + course, we stopped as they rushed from cover to cover, but this kind of + shooting was as difficult as that at bolting rabbits across a woodland + ride, and to be honest, I must say that I alone was much good at the game, + for here my quick eye and long practice told. + </p> + <p> + Within an hour the position had grown very serious indeed, so much so that + we found it necessary to consider what should be done. I pointed out that + with our small number a charge against the scattered riflemen, who were + gradually surrounding us, would be worse than useless, while it was almost + hopeless to expect to hold the <i>boma</i> till nightfall. Once the Arabs + got behind us, they could rake us from the higher ground. Indeed, for the + last half-hour we had directed all our efforts to preventing them from + passing this <i>boma</i>, which, fortunately, the stream on the one side + and a stretch of quite open land on the other made it very difficult for + them to do without more loss than they cared to face. + </p> + <p> + “I fear there is only one thing for it,” I said at length, during a pause + in the attack while the Arabs were either taking counsel or waiting for + more ammunition, “to abandon the camp and everything and bolt up the hill. + As those fellows must be tired and we are all good runners, we may save + our lives in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “How about the wounded,” asked Stephen, “and the slave-woman and child?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” I answered, looking down. + </p> + <p> + Of course I did know very well, but here, in an acute form, arose the + ancient question: Were we to perish for the sake of certain individuals in + whom we had no great interest and whom we could not save by remaining with + them? If we stayed where we were our end seemed fairly certain, whereas if + we ran for it, we had a good chance of escape. But this involved the + desertion of several injured bearers and a woman and child whom we had + picked up starving, all of whom would certainly be massacred, save perhaps + the woman and child. + </p> + <p> + As these reflections flitted through my brain I remembered that a drunken + Frenchman named Leblanc, whom I had known in my youth and who had been a + friend of Napoleon, or so he said, told me that the great emperor when he + was besieging Acre in the Holy Land, was forced to retreat. Being unable + to carry off his wounded men, he left them in a monastery on Mount Carmel, + each with a dose of poison by his side. Apparently they did not take the + poison, for according to Leblanc, who said he was present there (not as a + wounded man), the Turks came and butchered them. So Napoleon chose to save + his own life and that of his army at the expense of his wounded. But, + after all, I reflected, he was no shining example to Christian men and I + hadn’t time to find any poison. In a few words I explained the situation + to Mavovo, leaving out the story of Napoleon, and asked his advice. + </p> + <p> + “We must run,” he answered. “Although I do not like running, life is more + than stores, and he who lives may one day pay his debts.” + </p> + <p> + “But the wounded, Mavovo; we cannot carry them.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see to them, Macumazana; it is the fortune of war. Or if they + prefer it, we can leave them—to be nursed by the Arabs,” which of + course was just Napoleon and his poison over again. + </p> + <p> + I confess that I was about to assent, not wishing that I and Stephen, + especially Stephen, should be potted in an obscure engagement with some + miserable slave-traders, when something happened. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that shortly after dawn Hans, using a shirt for a + flag, had led the fugitive slaves past the camp up to the hill behind. + There he and they had vanished, and from that moment to this we had seen + nothing of him or them. Now of a sudden he reappeared still waving the + shirt. After him rushed a great mob of naked men, two hundred of them + perhaps, brandishing slave-sticks, stones and the boughs of trees. When + they had almost reached the <i>boma</i> whence we watched them amazed, + they split into two bodies, half of them passing to our left, apparently + under the command of the Mazitu who had accompanied Hans to the + slave-camp, and the other half to the right following the old Hottentot + himself. I stared at Mavovo, for I was too thunderstruck to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mavovo, “that Spotted Snake of yours” (he referred to Hans), + “is great in his own way, for he has even been able to put courage into + the hearts of slaves. Do you not understand, my father, that they are + about to attack those Arabs, yes, and to pull them down, as wild dogs do a + buffalo calf?” + </p> + <p> + It was true: this was the Hottentot’s superb design. Moreover, it + succeeded. Up on the hillside he had watched the progress of the fight and + seen how it must end. Then, through the interpreter who was with him, he + harangued those slaves, pointing out to them that we, their white friends, + were about to be overwhelmed, and that they must either strike for + themselves, or return to the yoke. Among them were some who had been + warriors in their own tribes, and through these he stirred the others. + They seized the slave-sticks from which they had been freed, pieces of + rock, anything that came to their hands, and at a given signal charged, + leaving only the women and children behind them. + </p> + <p> + Seeing them come the scattered Arabs began to fire at them, killing some, + but thereby revealing their own hiding-places. At these the slaves rushed. + They hurled themselves upon the Arabs; they tore them, they dashed out + their brains in such fashion that within another five minutes quite + two-thirds of them were dead; and the rest, of whom we took some toll with + our rifles as they bolted from cover, were in full flight. + </p> + <p> + It was a terrible vengeance. Never did I witness a more savage scene than + that of these outraged men wreaking their wrongs upon their tormentors. I + remember that when most of the Arabs had been killed and a few were + escaped, the slaves found one, I think it was the captain of the gang, who + had hidden himself in a little patch of dead reeds washed up by the + stream. Somehow they managed to fire these; I expect that Hans, who had + remained discreetly in the background after the fighting began, emerged + when it was over and gave them a match. In due course out came the + wretched Arab. Then they flung themselves on him as marching ants do upon + a caterpillar, and despite his cries for mercy, tore him to fragments, + literally to fragments. Being what they were, it was hard to blame them. + If we had seen our parents shot, our infants pitilessly butchered, our + homes destroyed and our women and children marched off in the slave-sticks + to be sold into bondage, should we not have done the same? I think so, + although we are not ignorant savages. + </p> + <p> + Thus our lives were saved by those whom we had tried to save, and for once + justice was done even in those dark parts of Africa, for in that time they + were dark indeed. Had it not been for Hans and the courage which he + managed to inspire into the hearts of these crushed blacks, I have little + doubt but that before nightfall we should have been dead, for I do not + think that any attempt at retreat would have proved successful. And if it + had, what would have happened to us in that wild country surrounded by + enemies and with only the few rounds of ammunition that we could have + carried in our flight? + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Baas,” said the Hottentot a little while later, squinting at me with + his bead-like eyes, “after all you did well to listen to my prayer and + bring me with you. Old Hans is a drunkard, yes, or at least he used to be, + and old Hans gambles, yes, and perhaps old Hans will go to hell. But + meanwhile old Hans can think, as he thought one day before the attack on + Maraisfontein, as he thought one day on the Hill of Slaughter by Dingaan’s + kraal, and as he thought this morning up there among the bushes. Oh! he + knew how it must end. He saw that those dogs of Arabs were cutting down a + tree to make a bridge across that deep stream and get round to the high + ground at the back of you, whence they would have shot you all in five + minutes. And now, Baas, my stomach feels very queer. There was no + breakfast on the hillside and the sun was very hot. I think that just one + tot of brandy—oh! I know, I promised not to drink, but if <i>you</i> + give it me the sin is yours, not mine.” + </p> + <p> + Well, I gave him the tot, a stiff one, which he drank quite neat, although + it was against my principles, and locked up the bottle afterwards. Also I + shook the old fellow’s hand and thanked him, which seemed to please him + very much, for he muttered something to the effect that it was nothing, + since if I had died he would have died too, and therefore he was thinking + of himself, not of me. Also two big tears trickled down his snub nose, but + these may have been produced by the brandy. + </p> + <p> + Well, we were the victors and elated as may be imagined, for we knew that + the few slavers who had escaped would not attack us again. Our first + thought was for food, for it was now past midday and we were starving. But + dinner presupposed a cook, which reminded us of Sammy. Stephen, who was in + such a state of jubilation that he danced rather than walked, the helmet + with a bullet-hole through it stuck ludicrously upon the back of his head, + started to look for him, and presently called to me in an alarmed voice. I + went to the back of the camp and, staring into a hole like a small grave, + that had been hollowed behind a solitary thorn tree, at the bottom of + which lay a huddled heap, I found him. It was Sammy to all appearance. We + got hold of him, and up he came, limp, senseless, but still holding in his + hand a large, thick Bible, bound in boards. Moreover, in the exact centre + of this Bible was a bullet-hole, or rather a bullet which had passed + through the stout cover and buried itself in the paper behind. I remember + that the point of it reached to the First Book of Samuel. + </p> + <p> + As for Sammy himself, he seemed to be quite uninjured, and indeed after we + had poured some water on him—he was never fond of water—he + revived quickly enough. Then we found out what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” he said, “I was seated in my place of refuge, being as I have + told you a man of peace, enjoying the consolation of religion”—he + was very pious in times of trouble. “At length the firing slackened, and I + ventured to peep out, thinking that perhaps the foe had fled, holding the + Book in front of my face in case of accidents. After that I remember no + more.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Stephen, “for the bullet hit the Bible and the Bible hit your + head and knocked you silly.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Sammy, “how true is what I was taught that the Book shall be a + shield of defence to the righteous. Now I understand why I was moved to + bring the thick old Bible that belonged to my mother in heaven, and not + the little thin one given to me by the Sunday school teacher, through + which the ball of the enemy would have passed.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went off to cook the dinner. + </p> + <p> + Certainly it was a wonderful escape, though whether this was a direct + reward of his piety, as he thought, is another matter. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we had eaten, we set to work to consider our position, of which + the crux was what to do with the slaves. There they sat in groups outside + the fence, many of them showing traces of the recent conflict, and stared + at us stupidly. Then of a sudden, as though with one voice, they began to + clamour for food. + </p> + <p> + “How are we to feed several hundred people?” asked Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “The slavers must have done it somehow,” I answered. “Let’s go and search + their camp.” + </p> + <p> + So we went, followed by our hungry clients, and, in addition to many more + things, to our delight found a great store of rice, mealies and other + grain, some of which was ground into meal. Of this we served out an ample + supply together with salt, and soon the cooking pots were full of + porridge. My word! how those poor creatures did eat, nor, although it was + necessary to be careful, could we find it in our hearts to stint them of + the first full meal that had passed their lips after weeks of starvation. + When at length they were satisfied we addressed them, thanking them for + their bravery, telling them that they were free and asking what they meant + to do. + </p> + <p> + Upon this point they seemed to have but one idea. They said that they + would come with us who were their protectors. Then followed a great <i>indaba</i>, + or consultation, which really I have not time to set out. The end of it + was that we agreed that so many of them as wished should accompany us till + they reached country that they knew, when they would be at liberty to + depart to their own homes. Meanwhile we divided up the blankets and other + stores of the Arabs, such as trade goods and beads, among them, and then + left them to their own devices, after placing a guard over the foodstuffs. + For my part I hoped devoutly that in the morning we should find them gone. + </p> + <p> + After this we returned to our <i>boma</i> just in time to assist at a sad + ceremony, that of the burial of my hunter who had been shot through the + head. His companions had dug a deep hole outside the fence and within a + few yards of where he fell. In this they placed him in a sitting position + with his face turned towards Zululand, setting by his side two gourds that + belonged to him, one filled with water and the other with grain. Also they + gave him a blanket and his two assegais, tearing the blanket and breaking + the handles of the spears, to “kill” them as they said. Then quietly + enough they threw in the earth about him and filled the top of the hole + with large stones to prevent the hyenas from digging him up. This done, + one by one, they walked past the grave, each man stopping to bid him + farewell by name. Mavovo, who came last, made a little speech, telling the + deceased to <i>namba kachle</i>, that is, go comfortably to the land of + ghosts, as, he added, no doubt he would do who had died as a man should. + He requested him, moreover, if he returned as a spirit, to bring good and + not ill-fortune on us, since otherwise when he, Mavovo, became a spirit in + his turn, he would have words to say to him on the matter. In conclusion, + he remarked that as his, Mavovo’s Snake, had foretold this event at + Durban, a fact with which the deceased would now be acquainted he, the + said deceased, could never complain of not having received value for the + shilling he had paid as a divining fee. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” exclaimed one of the hunters with a note of anxiety in his voice, + “but your Snake mentioned six of us to you, O doctor!” + </p> + <p> + “It did,” replied Mavovo, drawing a pinch of snuff up his uninjured + nostril, “and our brother there was the first of the six. Be not afraid, + the other five will certainly join him in due course, for my Snake must + speak the truth. Still, if anyone is in a hurry,” and he glared round the + little circle, “let him stop and talk with me alone. Perhaps I could + arrange that his turn——” here he stopped, for they were all + gone. + </p> + <p> + “Glad <i>I</i> didn’t pay a shilling to have my fortune told by Mavovo,” + said Stephen, when we were back in the <i>boma</i>, “but why did they bury + his pots and spears with him?” + </p> + <p> + “To be used by the spirit on its journey,” I answered. “Although they do + not quite know it, these Zulus believe, like all the rest of the world, + that man lives on elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII<br/> + THE MAGIC MIRROR + </h2> + <p> + I did not sleep very well that night, for now that the danger was over I + found that the long strain of it had told upon my nerves. Also there were + many noises. Thus, the bearers who were shot had been handed over to their + companions, who disposed of them in a simple fashion, namely by throwing + them into the bush where they attracted the notice of hyenas. Then the + four wounded men who lay near to me groaned a good deal, or when they were + not groaning uttered loud prayers to their local gods. We had done the + best we could for these unlucky fellows. Indeed, that kind-hearted little + coward, Sammy, who at some time in his career served as a dresser in a + hospital, had tended their wounds, none of which were mortal, very well + indeed, and from time to time rose to minister to them. + </p> + <p> + But what disturbed me most was the fearful hubbub which came from the camp + below. Many of the tropical African tribes are really semi-nocturnal in + their habits, I suppose because there the night is cooler than the day, + and on any great occasion this tendency asserts itself. + </p> + <p> + Thus every one of these freed slaves seemed to be howling his loudest to + an accompaniment of clashing iron pots or stones, which, lacking their + native drums, they beat with sticks. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, they had lit large fires, about which they flitted in an ominous + and unpleasant fashion, that reminded me of some mediaeval pictures of + hell, which I had seen in an old book. + </p> + <p> + At last I could stand it no longer, and kicking Hans who, curled up like a + dog, slept at my feet, asked him what was going on. His answer caused me + to regret the question. + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of those slaves cannibal men, Baas. Think they eat the Arabs and + like them very much,” he said with a yawn, then went to sleep again. + </p> + <p> + I did not continue the conversation. + </p> + <p> + When at length we made a start on the following morning the sun was high + over us. Indeed, there was a great deal to do. The guns and ammunition of + the dead Arabs had to be collected; the ivory, of which they carried a + good store, must be buried, for to take it with us was impossible, and the + loads apportioned.[*] Also it was necessary to make litters for the + wounded, and to stir up the slaves from their debauch, into the nature of + which I made no further inquiries, was no easy task. On mustering them I + found that a good number had vanished during the night, where to I do not + know. Still a mob of well over two hundred people, a considerable portion + of whom were women and children, remained, whose one idea seemed to be to + accompany us wherever we might wander. So with this miscellaneous + following at length we started. + </p> + <p> + [*] To my sorrow we never saw this ivory again.—A.Q. + </p> + <p> + To describe our adventures during the next month would be too long if not + impossible, for to tell the truth, after the lapse of so many years, these + have become somewhat entangled in my mind. Our great difficulty was to + feed such a multitude, for the store of rice and grain, upon which we were + quite unable to keep a strict supervision, they soon devoured. Fortunately + the country through which we passed, at this time of the year (the end of + the wet season) was full of game, of which, travelling as we did very + slowly, we were able to shoot a great deal. But this game killing, + delightful as it may be to the sportsman, soon palled on us as a business. + To say nothing of the expenditure of ammunition, it meant incessant work. + </p> + <p> + Against this the Zulu hunters soon began to murmur, for, as Stephen and I + could rarely leave the camp, the burden of it fell on them. Ultimately I + hit upon this scheme. Picking out thirty or forty of the likeliest men + among the slaves, I served out to each of them ammunition and one of the + Arab guns, in the use of which we drilled them as best we could. Then I + told them that they must provide themselves and their companions with + meat. Of course accidents happened. One man was accidentally shot and + three others were killed by a cow elephant and a wounded buffalo. But in + the end they learned to handle their rifles sufficiently well to supply + the camp. Moreover, day by day little parties of the slaves disappeared, I + presume to seek their own homes, so that when at last we entered the + borders of the Mazitu country there were not more than fifty of them left, + including seventeen of those whom we had taught to shoot. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that our real adventures began. + </p> + <p> + One evening, after three days’ march through some difficult bush in which + lions carried off a slave woman, killed one of the donkeys and mauled + another so badly that it had to be shot, we found ourselves upon the edge + of a great grassy plateau that, according to my aneroid, was 1,640 feet + above sea level. + </p> + <p> + “What place is this?” I asked of the two Mazitu guides, those same men + whom we had borrowed from Hassan. + </p> + <p> + “The land of our people, Chief,” they answered, “which is bordered on one + side by the bush and on the other by the great lake where live the Pongo + wizards.” + </p> + <p> + I looked about me at the bare uplands that already were beginning to turn + brown, on which nothing was visible save vast herds of buck such as were + common further south. A dreary prospect it was, for a slight rain was + falling, accompanied by mist and a cold wind. + </p> + <p> + “I do not see your people or their kraals,” I said; “I only see grass and + wild game.” + </p> + <p> + “Our people will come,” they replied, rather nervously. “No doubt even now + their spies watch us from among the tall grass or out of some hole.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce they do,” I said, or something like it, and thought no more of + the matter. When one is in conditions in which anything <i>may</i> happen, + such as, so far as I am concerned, have prevailed through most of my life, + one grows a little careless as to what <i>will</i> happen. For my part I + have long been a fatalist, to a certain extent. I mean I believe that the + individual, or rather the identity which animates him, came out from the + Source of all life a long while, perhaps hundreds of thousands or millions + of years ago, and when his career is finished, perhaps hundreds of + thousands or millions of years hence, or perhaps to-morrow, will return + perfected, but still as an individual, to dwell in or with that Source of + Life. I believe also that his various existences, here or elsewhere, are + fore-known and fore-ordained, although in a sense he may shape them by the + action of his free will, and that nothing which he can do will lengthen or + shorten one of them by a single hour. Therefore, so far as I am concerned, + I have always acted up to the great injunction of our Master and taken no + thought for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + However, in this instance, as in many others of my experience, the morrow + took plenty of thought for itself. Indeed, before the dawn, Hans, who + never seemed really to sleep any more than a dog does, woke me up with the + ominous information that he heard a sound which he thought was caused by + the tramp of hundreds of marching men. + </p> + <p> + “Where?” I asked, after listening without avail—to look was useless, + for the night was dark as pitch. + </p> + <p> + He put his ear to the ground and said: + </p> + <p> + “There.” + </p> + <p> + I put <i>my</i> ear to the ground, but although my senses are fairly + acute, could hear nothing. + </p> + <p> + Then I sent for the sentries, but these, too, could hear nothing. After + this I gave the business up and went to sleep again. + </p> + <p> + However, as it proved, Hans was quite right; in such matters he generally + was right, for his senses were as keen as those of any wild beast. At dawn + I was once more awakened, this time by Mavovo, who reported that we were + being surrounded by a regiment, or regiments. I rose and looked out + through the mist. There, sure enough, in dim and solemn outline, though + still far off, I perceived rank upon rank of men, armed men, for the light + glimmered faintly upon their spears. + </p> + <p> + “What is to be done, Macumazana?” asked Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + “Have breakfast, I think,” I answered. “If we are going to be killed it + may as well be after breakfast as before,” and calling the trembling + Sammy, I instructed him to make the coffee. Also I awoke Stephen and + explained the situation to him. + </p> + <p> + “Capital!” he answered. “No doubt these are the Mazitu, and we have found + them much more easily than we expected. People generally take such a lot + of hunting for in this confounded great country.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not such a bad way of looking at things,” I answered, “but would + you be good enough to go round the camp and make it clear that not on any + account is anyone to fire without orders. Stay, collect all the guns from + those slaves, for heaven knows what they will do with them if they are + frightened!” + </p> + <p> + Stephen nodded and sauntered off with three or four of the hunters. While + he was gone, in consultation with Mavovo, I made certain little + arrangements of my own, which need not be detailed. They were designed to + enable us to sell our lives as dearly as possible, should things come to + the worst. One should always try to make an impression upon the enemy in + Africa, for the sake of future travellers if for no other reason. + </p> + <p> + In due course Stephen and the hunters returned with the guns, or most of + them, and reported that the slave people were in a great state of terror, + and showed a disposition to bolt. + </p> + <p> + “Let them bolt,” I answered. “They would be of no use to us in a row and + might even complicate matters. Call in the Zulus who are watching at + once.” + </p> + <p> + He nodded, and a few minutes later I heard—for the mist which hung + about the bush to the east of the camp was still too dense to allow of my + seeing anything—a clamour of voices, followed by the sound of + scuttling feet. The slave people, including our bearers, had gone, every + one of them. They even carried away the wounded. Just as the soldiers who + surrounded us were completing their circle they bolted between the two + ends of it and vanished into the bush out of which we had marched on the + previous evening. Often since then I have wondered what became of them. + Doubtless some perished, and the rest worked their way back to their homes + or found new ones among other tribes. The experiences of those who escaped + must be interesting to them if they still live. I can well imagine the + legends in which these will be embodied two or three generations hence. + </p> + <p> + Deducting the slave people and the bearers whom we had wrung out of + Hassan, we were now a party of seventeen, namely eleven Zulu hunters + including Mavovo, two white men, Hans and Sammy, and the two Mazitus who + had elected to remain with us, while round us was a great circle of + savages which closed in slowly. + </p> + <p> + As the light grew—it was long in coming on that dull morning—and + the mist lifted, I examined these people, without seeming to take any + particular notice of them. They were tall, much taller than the average + Zulu, and slighter in their build, also lighter in colour. Like the Zulus + they carried large hide shields and one very broad-bladed spear. Throwing + assegais seemed to be wanting, but in place of them I saw that they were + armed with short bows, which, together with a quiver of arrows, were slung + upon their backs. The officers wore a short skin cloak or kaross, and the + men also had cloaks, which I found out afterwards were made from the inner + bark of trees. + </p> + <p> + They advanced in the most perfect silence and very slowly. Nobody said + anything, and if orders were given this must have been done by signs. I + could not see that any of them had firearms. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said to Stephen, “perhaps if we shot and killed some of those + fellows, they might be frightened and run away. Or they might not; or if + they did they might return.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever happened,” he remarked sagely, “we should scarcely be welcome in + their country afterwards, so I think we had better do nothing unless we + are obliged.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded, for it was obvious that we could not fight hundreds of men, and + told Sammy, who was perfectly livid with fear, to bring the breakfast. No + wonder he was afraid, poor fellow, for we were in great danger. These + Mazitu had a bad name, and if they chose to attack us we should all be + dead in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + The coffee and some cold buck’s flesh were put upon our little camp-table + in front of the tent which we had pitched because of the rain, and we + began to eat. The Zulu hunters also ate from a bowl of mealie porridge + which they had cooked on the previous night, each of them with his loaded + rifle upon his knees. Our proceedings appeared to puzzle the Mazitu very + much indeed. They drew quite near to us, to within about forty yards, and + halted there in a dead circle, staring at us with their great round eyes. + It was like a scene in a dream; I shall never forget it. + </p> + <p> + Everything about us appeared to astonish them, our indifference, the + colour of Stephen and myself (as a matter of fact at that date Brother + John was the only white man they had ever seen), our tent and our two + remaining donkeys. Indeed, when one of these beasts broke into a bray, + they showed signs of fright, looking at each other and even retreating a + few paces. + </p> + <p> + At length the position got upon my nerves, especially as I saw that some + of them were beginning to fiddle with their bows, and that their General, + a tall, one-eyed old fellow, was making up his mind to do something. I + called to one of the two Mazitus, whom I forgot to say we had named Tom + and Jerry, and gave him a pannikin of coffee. + </p> + <p> + “Take that to the captain there with my good wishes, Jerry, and ask him if + he will drink with us,” I said. + </p> + <p> + Jerry, who was a plucky fellow, obeyed. Advancing with the steaming + coffee, he held it under the Captain’s nose. Evidently he knew the man’s + name, for I heard him say: + </p> + <p> + “O Babemba, the white lords, Macumazana and Wazela, ask if you will share + their holy drink with them?” + </p> + <p> + I could perfectly understand the words, for these people spoke a dialect + so akin to Zulu that by now it had no difficulty for me. + </p> + <p> + “Their holy drink!” exclaimed the old fellow, starting back. “Man, it is + hot red-water. Would these white wizards poison me with <i>mwavi</i>?” + </p> + <p> + Here I should explain that <i>mwavi</i> or <i>mkasa</i>, as it is + sometimes called, is the liquor distilled from the inner bark of a sort of + mimosa tree or sometimes from a root of the strychnos tribe, which is + administered by the witch-doctors to persons accused of crime. If it makes + them sick they are declared innocent. If they are thrown into convulsions + or stupor they are clearly guilty and die, either from the effects of the + poison or afterwards by other means. + </p> + <p> + “This is no <i>mwavi</i>, O Babemba,” said Jerry. “It is the divine liquor + that makes the white lords shoot straight with their wonderful guns which + kill at a thousand paces. See, I will swallow some of it,” and he did, + though it must have burnt his tongue. + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, old Babemba sniffed at the coffee and found it fragrant. + Then he called a man, who from his peculiar dress I took to be a doctor, + made him drink some, and watched the results, which were that the doctor + tried to finish the pannikin. Snatching it away indignantly Babemba drank + himself, and as I had half-filled the cup with sugar, found the mixture + good. + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed a holy drink,” he said, smacking his lips. “Have you any + more of it?” + </p> + <p> + “The white lords have more,” said Jerry. “They invite you to eat with + them.” + </p> + <p> + Babemba stuck his finger into the tin, and covering it with the sediment + of sugar, sucked and reflected. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all right,” I whispered to Stephen. “I don’t think he’ll kill us + after drinking our coffee, and what’s more, I believe he is coming to + breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “This may be a snare,” said Babemba, who now began to lick the sugar out + of the pannikin. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Jerry with creditable resource; “though they could easily + kill you all, the white lords do not hurt those who have partaken of their + holy drink, that is unless anyone tries to harm them.” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot you bring some more of the holy drink here?” he asked, giving a + final polish to the pannikin with his tongue. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jerry, “if you want it you must go there. Fear nothing. Would + I, one of your own people, betray you?” + </p> + <p> + “True!” exclaimed Babemba. “By your talk and your face you are a Mazitu. + How came you—well, we will speak of that afterwards. I am very + thirsty. I will come. Soldiers, sit down and watch, and if any harm + happens to me, avenge it and report to the king.” + </p> + <p> + Now, while all this was going on, I had made Hans and Sammy open one of + the boxes and extract therefrom a good-sized mirror in a wooden frame with + a support at the back so that it could be stood anywhere. Fortunately it + was unbroken; indeed, our packing had been so careful that none of the + looking-glasses or other fragile things were injured. To this mirror I + gave a hasty polish, then set it upright upon the table. + </p> + <p> + Old Babemba came along rather suspiciously, his one eye rolling over us + and everything that belonged to us. When he was quite close it fell upon + the mirror. He stopped, he stared, he retreated, then drawn by his + overmastering curiosity, came on again and again stood still. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” called his second in command from the ranks. + </p> + <p> + “The matter is,” he answered, “that here is great magic. Here I see myself + walking towards myself. There can be no mistake, for one eye is gone in my + other self.” + </p> + <p> + “Advance, O Babemba,” cried the doctor who had tried to drink all the + coffee, “and see what happens. Keep your spear ready, and if your + witch-self attempts to harm you, kill it.” + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, Babemba lifted his spear and dropped it again in a great + hurry. + </p> + <p> + “That won’t do, fool of a doctor,” he shouted back. “My other self lifts a + spear also, and what is more all of you who should be behind are in front + of me. The holy drink has made me drunk; I am bewitched. Save me!” + </p> + <p> + Now I saw that the joke had gone too far, for the soldiers were beginning + to string their bows in confusion. Luckily at this moment, the sun at + length came out almost opposite to us. + </p> + <p> + “O Babemba,” I said in a solemn voice, “it is true that this magic shield, + which we have brought as a gift to you, gives you another self. Henceforth + your labours will be halved, and your pleasures doubled, for when you look + into this shield you will be not one but two. Also it has other properties—see,” + and lifting the mirror I used it as a heliograph, flashing the reflected + sunlight into the eyes of the long half-circle of men in front of us. My + word! didn’t they run. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” exclaimed old Babemba, “and can I learn to do that also, + white lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” I answered, “come and try. Now, hold it so while I say the + spell,” and I muttered some hocus-pocus, then directed it towards certain + of the Mazitu who were gathering again. “There! Look! Look! You have hit + them in the eye. You are a master of magic. They run, they run!” and run + they did indeed. “Is there anyone yonder whom you dislike?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, plenty,” answered Babemba with emphasis, “especially that + witch-doctor who drank nearly all the holy drink.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; by-and-by I will show you how you can burn a hole in him with + this magic. No, not now, not now. For a while this mocker of the sun is + dead. Look,” and dipping the glass beneath the table I produced it back + first. “You cannot see anything, can you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing except wood,” replied Babemba, staring at the deal slip with + which it was lined. + </p> + <p> + Then I threw a dish-cloth over it and, to change the subject, offered him + another pannikin of the “holy drink” and a stool to sit on. + </p> + <p> + The old fellow perched himself very gingerly upon the stool, which was of + the folding variety, stuck the iron-tipped end of his great spear in the + ground between his knees and took hold of the pannikin. Or rather he took + hold of a pannikin and not the right one. So ridiculous was his appearance + that the light-minded Stephen, who, forgetting the perils of the + situation, had for the last minute or two been struggling with inward + laughter, clapped down his coffee on the table and retired into the tent, + where I heard him gurgling in unseemly merriment. It was this coffee that + in the confusion of the moment Sammy gave to old Babemba. Presently + Stephen reappeared, and to cover his confusion seized the pannikin meant + for Babemba and drank it, or most of it. Then Sammy, seeing his mistake, + said: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Somers, I regret that there is an error. You are drinking from the + cup which that stinking savage has just licked clean.” + </p> + <p> + The effect was dreadful and instantaneous, for then and there Stephen was + violently sick. + </p> + <p> + “Why does the white lord do that?” asked Babemba. “Now I see that you are + truly deceiving me, and that what you are giving me to swallow is nothing + but hot <i>mwavi</i>, which in the innocent causes vomiting, but that in + those who mean evil, death.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop that foolery, you idiot,” I muttered to Stephen, kicking him on the + shins, “or you’ll get our throats cut.” Then, collecting myself with an + effort, I said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! not at all, General. This white lord is the priest of the holy drink + and—what you see is a religious rite.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so,” said Babemba. “Then I hope that the rite is not catching.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” I replied, proffering him a biscuit. “And now, General Babemba, + tell me, why do you come against us with about five hundred armed men?” + </p> + <p> + “To kill you, white lords—oh! how hot is this holy drink, yet + pleasant. You said that it was not catching, did you not? For I feel——” + </p> + <p> + “Eat the cake,” I answered. “And why do you wish to kill us? Be so good as + to tell me the truth now, or I shall read it in the magic shield which + portrays the inside as well as the out,” and lifting the cloth I stared at + the glass. + </p> + <p> + “If you can read my thoughts, white lord, why trouble me to tell them?” + asked Babemba sensibly enough, his mouth full of biscuit. “Still, as that + bright thing may lie, I will set them out. Bausi, king of our people, has + sent me to kill you, because news has reached him that you are great slave + dealers who come hither with guns to capture the Mazitus and take them + away to the Black Water to be sold and sent across it in big canoes that + move of themselves. Of this he has been warned by messengers from the Arab + men. Moreover, we know that it is true, for last night you had with you + many slaves who, seeing our spears, ran away not an hour ago.” + </p> + <p> + Now I stared hard at the looking-glass and answered coolly: + </p> + <p> + “This magic shield tells a somewhat different story. It says that your + king, Bausi, for whom by the way we have many things as presents, told you + to lead us to him with honour, that we might talk over matters with him.” + </p> + <p> + The shot was a good one. Babemba grew confused. + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” he stammered, “that—I mean, the king left it to my + judgment. I will consult the witch-doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “If he left it to your judgment, the matter is settled,” I said, “since + certainly, being so great a noble, you would never try to murder those of + whose holy drink you have just partaken. Indeed, if you did so,” I added in + a cold voice, “you would not live long yourself. One secret word and that + drink will turn to <i>mwavi</i> of the worst sort inside of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, white lord, it is settled,” exclaimed Babemba, “it is settled. + Do not trouble the secret word. I will lead you to the king and you shall + talk with him. By my head and my father’s spirit you are safe from me. + Still, with your leave, I will call the great doctor, Imbozwi, and ratify + the agreement in his presence, and also show him the magic shield.” + </p> + <p> + So Imbozwi was sent for, Jerry taking the message. Presently he arrived. + He was a villainous-looking person of uncertain age, humpbacked like the + picture of Punch, wizened and squint-eyed. His costume was of the ordinary + witch-doctor type being set off with snake skins, fish bladders, baboon’s + teeth and little bags of medicine. To add to his charms a broad strip of + pigment, red ochre probably, ran down his forehead and the nose beneath, + across the lips and chin, ending in a red mark the size of a penny where + the throat joins the chest. His woolly hair also, in which was twisted a + small ring of black gum, was soaked with grease and powdered blue. It was + arranged in a kind of horn, coming to a sharp point about five inches + above the top of the skull. Altogether he looked extremely like the devil. + What was more, he was a devil in a bad temper, for the first words he said + embodied a reproach to us for not having asked him to partake of our “holy + drink” with Babemba. + </p> + <p> + We offered to make him some more, but he refused, saying that we should + poison him. + </p> + <p> + Then Babemba set the matter out, rather nervously I thought, for evidently + he was afraid of this old wizard, who listened in complete silence. When + Babemba explained that without the king’s direct order it would be foolish + and unjustifiable to put to death such magicians as we were, Imbozwi spoke + for the first time, asking why he called us magicians. + </p> + <p> + Babemba instanced the wonders of the shining shield that showed pictures. + </p> + <p> + “Pooh!” said Imbozwi, “does not calm water or polished iron show + pictures?” + </p> + <p> + “But this shield will make fire,” said Babemba. “The white lords say it + can burn a man up.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let it burn me up,” replied Imbozwi with ineffable contempt, “and I + will believe that these white men are magicians worthy to be kept alive, + and not common slave-traders such as we have often heard of.” + </p> + <p> + “Burn him, white lords, and show him that I am right,” exclaimed the + exasperated Babemba, after which they fell to wrangling. Evidently they + were rivals, and by this time both of them had lost their tempers. + </p> + <p> + The sun was now very hot, quite sufficiently so to enable us to give Mr. + Imbozwi a taste of our magic, which I determined he should have. Not being + certain whether an ordinary mirror would really reflect enough heat to + scorch, I drew from my pocket a very powerful burning-glass which I + sometimes used for the lighting of fires in order to save matches, and + holding the mirror in one hand and the burning-glass in the other, I + worked myself into a suitable position for the experiment. Babemba and the + witch-doctor were arguing so fiercely that neither of them seemed to + notice what I was doing. Getting the focus right, I directed the + concentrated spark straight on to Imbozwi’s greased top-knot, where I knew + he would feel nothing, my plan being to char a hole in it. But as it + happened this top-knot was built up round something of a highly + inflammable nature, reed or camphor-wood, I expect. At any rate, about + thirty seconds later the top-knot was burning like a beautiful torch. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Ow!</i>” said the Kaffirs who were watching. “My Aunt!” exclaimed + Stephen. “Look, look!” shouted Babemba in tones of delight. “Now will you + believe, O blown-out bladder of a man, that there are greater magicians + than yourself in the world?” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, son of a dog, that you make a mock of me?” screeched + the unfuriated Imbozwi, who alone was unaware of anything unusual. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke some suspicion rose in his mind which caused him to put his + hand to his top-knot, and withdraw it with a howl. Then he sprang up and + began to dance about, which of course only fanned the fire that had now + got hold of the grease and gum. The Zulus applauded; Babemba clapped his + hands; Stephen burst into one of his idiotic fits of laughter. For my part + I grew frightened. Near at hand stood a large wooden pot such as the + Kaffirs make, from which the coffee kettle had been filled, that + fortunately was still half-full of water. I seized it and ran to him. + </p> + <p> + “Save me, white lord!” he howled. “You are the greatest of magicians and I + am your slave.” + </p> + <p> + Here I cut him short by clapping the pot bottom upwards on his burning + head, into which it vanished as a candle does into an extinguisher. Smoke + and a bad smell issued from beneath the pot, the water from which ran all + over Imbozwi, who stood quite still. When I was sure the fire was out, I + lifted the pot and revealed the discomfited wizard, but without his + elaborate head-dress. Beyond a little scorching he was not in the least + hurt, for I had acted in time; only he was bald, for when touched the + charred hair fell off at the roots. + </p> + <p> + “It is gone,” he said in an amazed voice after feeling at his scalp. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “quite. The magic shield worked very well, did it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Can you put it back again, white lord?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That will depend upon how you behave,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + Then without another word he turned and walked back to the soldiers, who + received him with shouts of laughter. Evidently Imbozwi was not a popular + character, and his discomfiture delighted them. + </p> + <p> + Babemba also was delighted. Indeed, he could not praise our magic enough, + and at once began to make arrangements to escort us to the king at his + head town, which was called Beza, vowing that we need fear no harm at his + hands or those of his soldiers. In fact, the only person who did not + appreciate our black arts was Imbozwi himself. I caught a look in his eye + as he marched off which told me that he hated us bitterly, and reflected + to myself that perhaps I had been foolish to use that burning-glass, + although in truth I had not intended to set his head on fire. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” said Mavovo to me afterwards, “it would have been better to + let that snake burn to death, for then you would have killed his poison. I + am something of a doctor myself, and I tell you there is nothing our + brotherhood hates so much as being laughed at. You have made a fool of him + before all his people and he will not forget it, Macumazana.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX<br/> + BAUSI THE KING + </h2> + <p> + About midday we made a start for Beza Town where King Bausi lived, which + we understood we ought to reach on the following evening. For some hours + the regiment marched in front, or rather round us, but as we complained to + Babemba of the noise and dust, with a confidence that was quite touching, + he sent it on ahead. First, however, he asked us to pass our word “by our + mothers,” which was the most sacred of oaths among many African peoples, + that we would not attempt to escape. I confess that I hesitated before + giving an answer, not being entirely enamoured of the Mazitu and of our + prospects among them, especially as I had discovered through Jerry that + the discomfited Imbozwi had departed from the soldiers on some business of + his own. Had the matter been left to me, indeed, I should have tried to + slip back into the bush over the border, and there put in a few months + shooting during the dry season, while working my way southwards. This, + too, was the wish of the Zulu hunters, of Hans, and I need not add of + Sammy. But when I mentioned the matter to Stephen, he implored me to + abandon the idea. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Quatermain,” he said, “I have come to this God-forsaken + country to get that great Cypripedium, and get it I will or die in the + attempt. Still,” he added after surveying our rather blank faces, “I have + no right to play with your lives, so if you think the thing too dangerous + I will go on alone with this old boy, Babemba. Putting everything else + aside, I think that one of us ought to visit Bausi’s kraal in case the + gentleman you call Brother John should turn up there. In short, I have + made up my mind, so it is no use talking.” + </p> + <p> + I lit my pipe, and for quite a time contemplated this obstinate young man + while considering the matter from every point of view. Finally, I came to + the conclusion that he was right and I was wrong. It was true that by + bribing Babemba, or otherwise, there was still an excellent prospect of + effecting a masterly retreat and of avoiding many perils. On the other + hand, we had not come to this wild place in order to retreat. Further, at + whose expense had we come here? At that of Stephen Somers who wished to + proceed. Lastly, to say nothing of the chance of meeting Brother John, to + whom I felt no obligation since he had given us the slip at Durban, I did + not like the idea of being beaten. We had started out to visit some + mysterious savages who worshipped a monkey and a flower, and we might as + well go on till circumstances were too much for us. After all, dangers are + everywhere; those who turn back because of dangers will never succeed in + any life that we can imagine. + </p> + <p> + “Mavovo,” I said presently, pointing to Stephen with my pipe, “the <i>inkoosi</i> + Wazela does not wish to try to escape. He wishes to go on to the country + of the Pongo people if we can get there. And, Mavovo, remember that he has + paid for everything; we are his hired servants. Also that he says that if + we run back he will walk forward alone with these Mazitus. Still, if any + of you hunters desire to slip off, he will not look your way, nor shall I. + What say you?” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Macumazana, that, though young, Wazela is a chief with a great + heart, and that where you and he go, I shall go also, as I think will the + rest of us. I do not like these Mazitu, for if their fathers were Zulus + their mothers were low people. They are bastards, and of the Pongo I hear + nothing but what is evil. Still, no good ox ever turns in the yoke because + of a mud-hole. Let us go on, for if we sink in the swamp what does it + matter? Moreover, my Snake tells me that we shall not sink, at least not + all of us.” + </p> + <p> + So it was arranged that no effort should be made to return. Sammy, it is + true, wished to do so, but when it came to the point and he was offered + one of the remaining donkeys and as much food and ammunition as he could + carry, he changed his mind. + </p> + <p> + “I think it better, Mr. Quatermain,” he said, “to meet my end in the + company of high-born, lofty souls than to pursue a lonely career towards + the inevitable in unknown circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well put, Sammy,” I answered; “so while waiting for the inevitable, + please go and cook the dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Having laid aside our doubts, we proceeded on the journey comfortably + enough, being well provided with bearers to take the place of those who + had run away. Babemba, accompanied by a single orderly, travelled with us, + and from him we collected much information. It seemed that the Mazitu were + a large people who could muster from five to seven thousand spears. Their + tradition was that they came from the south and were of the same stock as + the Zulus, of whom they had heard vaguely. Indeed, many of their customs, + to say nothing of their language, resembled those of that country. Their + military organisation, however, was not so thorough, and in other ways + they struck me as a lower race. In one particular, it is true, that of + their houses, they were more advanced, for these, as we saw in the many + kraals that we passed, were better built, with doorways through which one + could walk upright, instead of the Kaffir bee-holes. + </p> + <p> + We slept in one of these houses on our march, and should have found it + very comfortable had it not been for the innumerable fleas which at length + drove us out into the courtyard. For the rest, these Mazitu much resembled + the Zulus. They had kraals and were breeders of cattle; they were ruled by + headmen under the command of a supreme chief or king; they believed in + witchcraft and offered sacrifice to the spirits of their ancestors, also + in some kind of a vague and mighty god who dominated the affairs of the + world and declared his will through the doctors. Lastly, they were, and I + dare say still are, a race of fighting men who loved war and raided the + neighbouring peoples upon any and every pretext, killing their men and + stealing their women and cattle. They had their virtues, too, being kindly + and hospitable by nature, though cruel enough to their enemies. Moreover, + they detested dealing in slaves and those who practised it, saying that it + was better to kill a man than to deprive him of his freedom. Also they had + a horror of the cannibalism which is so common in the dark regions of + Africa, and for this reason, more than any other, loathed the Pongo folk + who were supposed to be eaters of men. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the second day of our march, during which we had passed + through a beautiful and fertile upland country, very well watered, and + except in the valleys, free from bush, we arrived at Beza. This town was + situated on a wide plain surrounded by low hills and encircled by a belt + of cultivated land made beautiful by the crops of maize and other cereals + which were then ripe to harvest. It was fortified in a way. That is, a + tall, unclimbable palisade of timber surrounded the entire town, which + fence was strengthened by prickly pears and cacti planted on its either + side. + </p> + <p> + Within this palisade the town was divided into quarters more or less + devoted to various trades. Thus one part of it was called the Ironsmiths’ + Quarter; another the Soldiers’ Quarter; another the Quarter of the + Land-tillers; another that of the Skin-dressers, and so on. The king’s + dwelling and those of his women and dependents were near the North gate, + and in front of these, surrounded by semi-circles of huts, was a wide + space into which cattle could be driven if necessary. This, however, at + the time of our visit, was used as a market and a drilling ground. + </p> + <p> + We entered the town, that must in all have contained a great number of + inhabitants, by the South gate, a strong log structure facing a wooded + slope through which ran a road. Just as the sun was setting we marched to + the guest-huts up a central street lined with the population of the place + who had gathered to stare at us. These huts were situated in the Soldiers’ + Quarter, not far from the king’s house and surrounded by an inner fence to + keep them private. + </p> + <p> + None of the people spoke as we passed them, for the Mazitu are polite by + nature; also it seemed to me that they regarded us with awe tempered by + curiosity. They only stared, and occasionally those of them who were + soldiers saluted us by lifting their spears. The huts into which we were + introduced by Babemba, with whom we had grown very friendly, were good and + clean. + </p> + <p> + Here all our belongings, including the guns which we had collected just + before the slaves ran away, were placed in one of the huts over which a + Mazitu mounted guard, the donkeys being tied to the fence at a little + distance. Outside this fence stood another armed Mazitu, also on guard. + </p> + <p> + “Are we prisoners here?” I asked of Babemba. + </p> + <p> + “The king watches over his guests,” he answered enigmatically. “Have the + white lords any message for the king whom I am summoned to see this + night?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered. “Tell the king that we are the brethren of him who more + than a year ago cut a swelling from his body, whom we have arranged to + meet here. I mean the white lord with a long beard who among you black + people is called Dogeetah.” + </p> + <p> + Babemba started. “You are the brethren of Dogeetah! How comes it then that + you never mentioned his name before, and when is he going to meet you + here? Know that Dogeetah is a great man among us, for with him alone of + all men the king has made blood-brotherhood. As the king is, so is + Dogeetah among the Mazitu.” + </p> + <p> + “We never mentioned him because we do not talk about everything at once, + Babemba. As to when Dogeetah will meet us I am not sure; I am only sure + that he is coming.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, lord Macumazana, but when, when? That is what the king will want to + know and that is what you must tell him. Lord,” he added, dropping his + voice, “you are in danger here where you have many enemies, since it is + not lawful for white men to enter this land. If you would save your lives, + be advised by me and be ready to tell the king to-morrow when Dogeetah, + whom he loves, will appear here to vouch for you, and see that he does + appear very soon and by the day you name. Since otherwise when he comes, + if come he does, he may not find you able to talk to him. Now I, your + friend, have spoken and the rest is with you.” + </p> + <p> + Then without another word he rose, slipped through the door of the hut and + out by the gateway of the fence from which the sentry moved aside to let + him pass. I, too, rose from the stool on which I sat and danced about the + hut in a perfect fury. + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand what that infernal (I am afraid I used a stronger word) + old fool told me?” I exclaimed to Stephen. “He says that we must be + prepared to state exactly when that other infernal old fool, Brother John, + will turn up at Beza Town, and that if we don’t we shall have our throats + cut as indeed has already been arranged.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather awkward,” replied Stephen. “There are no express trains to Beza, + and if there were we couldn’t be sure that Brother John would take one of + them. I suppose there <i>is</i> a Brother John?” he added reflectively. + “To me he seems to be—intimately connected with Mrs. Harris.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there is, or there was,” I explained. “Why couldn’t the confounded + ass wait quietly for us at Durban instead of fooling off butterfly hunting + to the north of Zululand and breaking his leg or his neck there if he has + done anything of the sort?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t know, I am sure. It’s hard enough to understand one’s own motives, + let alone Brother John’s.” + </p> + <p> + Then we sat down on our stools again and stared at each other. At this + moment Hans crept into the hut and squatted down in front of us. He might + have walked in as there was a doorway, but he preferred to creep on his + hands and knees, I don’t know why. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, you ugly little toad?” I asked viciously, for that was just + what he looked like; even the skin under his jaw moved like a toad’s. + </p> + <p> + “The Baas is in trouble?” remarked Hans. + </p> + <p> + “I should think he was,” I answered, “and so will you be presently when + you are wriggling on the point of a Mazitu spear.” + </p> + <p> + “They are broad spears that would make a big hole,” remarked Hans again, + whereupon I rose to kick him out, for his ideas were, as usual, + unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” he went on, “I have been listening—there is a very good hole + in this hut for listening if one lies against the wall and pretends to be + asleep. I have heard all and understood most of your talk with that + one-eyed savage and the Baas Stephen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you little sneak, what of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Only, Baas, that if we do not want to be killed in this place from which + there is no escape, it is necessary that you should find out exactly on + what day and at what hour Dogeetah is going to arrive.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, you yellow idiot,” I exclaimed, “if you are beginning that + game too, I’ll——” then I stopped, reflecting that my temper + was getting the better of me and that I had better hear what Hans had to + say before I vented it on him. + </p> + <p> + “Baas, Mavovo is a great doctor; it is said that his Snake is the + straightest and the strongest in all Zululand save that of his master, + Zikali, the old slave. He told you that Dogeetah was laid up somewhere + with a hurt leg and that he was coming to meet you here; no doubt + therefore he can tell you also <i>when</i> he is coming. I would ask him, + but he won’t set his Snake to work for me. So you must ask him, Baas, and + perhaps he will forget that you laughed at his magic and that he swore you + would never see it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! blind one,” I answered, “how do I know that Mavovo’s story about + Dogeetah was not all nonsense?” + </p> + <p> + Hans stared at me amazed. + </p> + <p> + “Mavovo’s story nonsense! Mavovo’s Snake a liar! Oh! Baas, that is what + comes of being too much a Christian. Now, thanks to your father the + Predikant, I am a Christian too, but not so much that I have forgotten how + to know good magic from bad. Mavovo’s Snake a liar, and after he whom we + buried yonder was the first of the hunters whom the feathers named to him + at Durban!” and he began to chuckle in intense amusement, then added, + “Well, Baas, there it is. You must either ask Mavovo, and very nicely, or + we shall all be killed. <i>I</i> don’t mind much, for I should rather like + to begin again a little younger somewhere else, but just think what a + noise Sammy will make!” and turning he crept out as he had crept in. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a nice position,” I groaned to Stephen when he had gone. “I, a + white man, who, in spite of some coincidences with which I am acquainted, + know that all this Kaffir magic is bosh am to beg a savage to tell me + something of which he <i>must</i> be ignorant. That is, unless we educated + people have got hold of the wrong end of the stick altogether. It is + humiliating; it isn’t Christian, and I’m hanged if I’ll do it!” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you will be—hanged I mean—whether you do it or + whether you don’t,” replied Stephen with his sweet smile. “But I say, old + fellow, how do you know it is all bosh? We are told about lots of miracles + which weren’t bosh, and if miracles ever existed, why can’t they exist + now? But there, I know what you mean and it is no use arguing. Still, if + you’re proud, I ain’t. I’ll try to soften the stony heart of Mavovo—we + are rather pals, you know—and get him to unroll the book of his + occult wisdom,” and he went. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later I was called out to receive a sheep which, with milk, + native beer, some corn, and other things, including green forage for the + donkeys, Bausi had sent for us to eat. Here I may remark that while we + were among the Mazitu we lived like fighting cocks. There was none of that + starvation which is, or was, so common in East Africa where the traveller + often cannot get food for love or money—generally because there is + none. + </p> + <p> + When this business was settled by my sending a message of thanks to the + king with an intimation that we hoped to wait upon him on the morrow with + a few presents, I went to seek Sammy in order to tell him to kill and cook + the sheep. After some search I found, or rather heard him beyond a reed + fence which divided two of the huts. He was acting as interpreter between + Stephen Somers and Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + “This Zulu man declares, Mr. Somers,” he said, “that he quite understands + everything you have been explaining, and that it is probable that we shall + all be butchered by this savage Bausi, if we cannot tell him when the + white man, Dogeetah, whom he loves, will arrive here. He says also that he + thinks that by his magic he could learn when this will happen—if it + is to happen at all—(which of course, Mr. Somers, for your private + information only, is a mighty lie of the ignorant heathen). He adds, + however, that he does not care one brass farthing—his actual + expression, Mr. Somers, is ‘one grain of corn on a mealie-cob’—about + his or anybody else’s life, which from all I have heard of his proceedings + I can well believe to be true. He says in his vulgar language that there + is no difference between the belly of a Mazitu-land hyena and that of any + other hyena, and that the earth of Mazitu-land is as welcome to his bones + as any other earth, since the earth is the wickedest of all hyenas, in + that he has observed that soon or late it devours everlastingly everything + which once it bore. You must forgive me for reproducing his empty and + childish talk, Mr. Somers, but you bade me to render the words of this + savage with exactitude. In fact, Mr. Somers, this reckless person + intimates, in short that some power with which he is not acquainted—he + calls it the ‘Strength that makes the Sun to shine and broiders the + blanket of the night with stars’ (forgive me for repeating his silly + words), caused him ‘to be born into this world, and, at an hour already + appointed, will draw him from this world back into its dark, eternal + bosom, there to be rocked in sleep, or nursed to life again, according to + its unknown will’—I translate exactly, Mr. Somers, although I do not + know what it all means—and that he does not care a curse when this + happens. Still, he says that whereas he is growing old and has known many + sorrows—he alludes here, I gather, to some nigger wives of his whom + another savage knocked on the head; also to a child to whom he appears to + have been attached—you are young with all your days and, he hopes, + joys, before you. Therefore he would gladly do anything in his power to + save your life, because although you are white and he is black he has + conceived an affection for you and looks on you as his child. Yes, Mr. + Somers, although I blush to repeat it, this black fellow says he looks + upon you as his child. He adds, indeed, that if the opportunity arises, he + will gladly give his life to save your life, and that it cuts his heart in + two to refuse you anything. Still he must refuse this request of yours, + that he will ask the creature he calls his Snake—what he means by + that, I don’t know, Mr. Somers—to declare when the white man, named + Dogeetah, will arrive in this place. For this reason, that he told Mr. + Quatermain when he laughed at him about his divinations that he would make + no more magic for him or any of you, and that he will die rather than + break his word. That’s all, Mr. Somers, and I dare say you will think—quite + enough, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” replied Stephen. “Tell the chief, Mavovo” (I observed he + laid an emphasis on the word, <i>chief</i>) “that I <i>quite</i> + understand, and that I thank him very much for explaining things to me so + fully. Then ask him whether, as the matter is so important, there is no + way out of this trouble?” + </p> + <p> + Sammy translated into Zulu, which he spoke perfectly, as I noted without + interpolations or additions. + </p> + <p> + “Only one way,” answered Mavovo in the intervals of taking snuff. “It is + that Macumazana himself shall ask me to do this thing, Macumazana is my + old chief and friend, and for his sake I will forget what in the case of + others I should always remember. If he will come and ask me, without + mockery, to exercise my skill on behalf of all of us, I will try to + exercise it, although I know very well that he believes it to be but as an + idle little whirlwind that stirs the dust, that raises the dust and lets + it fall again without purpose or meaning, forgetting, as the wise white + men forget, that even the wind which blows the dust is the same that + breathes in our nostrils, and that to it, we also are as is the dust.” + </p> + <p> + Now I, the listener, thought for a moment or two. The words of this + fighting savage, Mavovo, even those of them of which I had heard only the + translation, garbled and beslavered by the mean comments of the + unutterable Sammy, stirred my imagination. Who was I that I should dare to + judge of him and his wild, unknown gifts? Who was I that I should mock at + him and by my mockery intimate that I believed him to be a fraud? + </p> + <p> + Stepping through the gateway of the fence, I confronted him. + </p> + <p> + “Mavovo,” I said, “I have overheard your talk. I am sorry if I laughed at + you in Durban. I do not understand what you call your magic. It is beyond + me and may be true or may be false. Still, I shall be grateful to you if + you will use your power to discover, if you can, whether Dogeetah is + coming here, and if so, when. Now, do as it may please you; I have + spoken.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have heard, Macumazana, my father. To-night I will call upon my + Snake. Whether it will answer or what it will answer, I cannot say.” + </p> + <p> + Well, he did call upon his Snake with due and portentous ceremony and, + according to Stephen, who was present, which I declined to be, that mystic + reptile declared that Dogeetah, alias Brother John, would arrive in Beza + Town precisely at sunset on the third day from that night. Now as he had + divined on Friday, according to our almanac, this meant that we might hope + to see him—hope exactly described my state of mind on the matter—on + the Monday evening in time for supper. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I said briefly. “Please do not talk to me any more about this + impious rubbish, for I want to go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning early we unpacked our boxes and made a handsome selection of + gifts for the king, Bausi, hoping thus to soften his royal heart. It + included a bale of calico, several knives, a musical box, a cheap American + revolver, and a bundle of tooth-picks; also several pounds of the best and + most fashionable beads for his wives. This truly noble present we sent to + the king by our two Mazitu servants, Tom and Jerry, who were marched off + in the charge of several sentries, for I hoped that these men would talk + to their compatriots and tell them what good fellows we were. Indeed I + instructed them to do so. + </p> + <p> + Imagine our horror, therefore, when about an hour later, just as we were + tidying ourselves up after breakfast, there appeared through the gate, not + Tom and Jerry, for they had vanished, but a long line of Mazitu soldiers + each of whom carried one of the articles that we had sent. Indeed the last + of them held the bundle of toothpicks on his fuzzy head as though it were + a huge faggot of wood. One by one they set them down upon the lime + flooring of the verandah of the largest hut. Then their captain said + solemnly: + </p> + <p> + “Bausi, the Great Black One, has no need of the white men’s gifts.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I replied, for my dander was up. “Then he won’t get another + chance at them.” + </p> + <p> + The men turned away without more words, and presently Babemba turned up + with a company of about fifty soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “The king is waiting to see you, white lords,” he said in a voice of very + forced jollity, “and I have come to conduct you to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why would he not accept our presents?” I asked, pointing to the row of + them. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that is because of Imbozwi’s story of the magic shield. He said he + wanted no gifts to burn his hair off. But, come, come. He will explain for + himself. If the Elephant is kept waiting he grows angry and trumpets.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he?” I said. “And how many of us are to come?” + </p> + <p> + “All, all, white lord. He wishes to see every one of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not me, I suppose?” said Sammy, who was standing close by. “I must stop + to make ready the food.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you too,” replied Babemba. “The king would look on the mixer of the + holy drink.” + </p> + <p> + Well, there was no way out of it, so off we marched, all well armed as I + need not say, and were instantly surrounded by the soldiers. To give an + unusual note to the proceedings I made Hans walk first, carrying on his + head the rejected musical box from which flowed the touching melody of + “Home, Sweet Home.” Then came Stephen bearing the Union Jack on a pole, + then I in the midst of the hunters and accompanied by Babemba, then the + reluctant Sammy, and last of all the two donkeys led by Mazitus, for it + seemed that the king had especially ordered that these should be brought + also. + </p> + <p> + It was a truly striking cavalcade, the sight of which under any other + circumstances would have made me laugh. Nor did it fail in its effect, for + even the silent Mazitu people through whom we wended our way, were moved + to something like enthusiasm. “Home, Sweet Home” they evidently thought + heavenly, though perhaps the two donkeys attracted them most, especially + when these brayed. + </p> + <p> + “Where are Tom and Jerry?” I asked of Babemba. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” he answered; “I think they have been given leave to go to + see their friends.” + </p> + <p> + Imbozwi is suppressing evidence in our favour, I thought to myself, and + said no more. + </p> + <p> + Presently we reached the gate of the royal enclosure. Here to my dismay + the soldiers insisted on disarming us, taking away our rifles, our + revolvers, and even our sheath knives. In vain did I remonstrate, saying + that we were not accustomed to part with these weapons. The answer was + that it was not lawful for any man to appear before the king armed even + with so much as a dancing-stick. Mavovo and the Zulus showed signs of + resisting and for a minute I thought there was going to be a row, which of + course would have ended in our massacre, for although the Mazitus feared + guns very much, what could we have done against hundreds of them? I + ordered him to give way, but for once he was on the point of disobeying + me. Then by a happy thought I reminded him that, according to his Snake, + Dogeetah was coming, and that therefore all would be well. So he submitted + with an ill grace, and we saw our precious guns borne off we knew not + where. + </p> + <p> + Then the Mazitu soldiers piled their spears and bows at the gate of the + kraal and we proceeded with only the Union Jack and the musical box, which + was now discoursing “Britannia rules the waves.” + </p> + <p> + Across the open space we marched to where several broad-leaved trees grew + in front of a large native house. Not far from the door of this house a + fat, middle-aged and angry-looking man was seated on a stool, naked except + for a moocha of catskins about his loins and a string of large blue beads + round his neck. + </p> + <p> + “Bausi, the King,” whispered Babemba. + </p> + <p> + At his side squatted a little hunchbacked figure, in whom I had no + difficulty in recognising Imbozwi, although he had painted his scorched + scalp white with vermillion spots and adorned his snub nose with a purple + tip, his dress of ceremony I presume. Round and behind there were a number + of silent councillors. At some signal or on reaching a given spot, all the + soldiers, including old Babemba, fell upon their hands and knees and began + to crawl. They wanted us to do the same, but here I drew the line, feeling + that if once we crawled we must always crawl. + </p> + <p> + So at my word we advanced upright, but with slow steps, in the midst of + all this wriggling humanity and at length found ourselves in the august + presence of Bausi, “the Beautiful Black One,” King of the Mazitu. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X<br/> + THE SENTENCE + </h2> + <p> + We stared at Bausi and Bausi stared at us. + </p> + <p> + “I am the Black Elephant Bausi,” he exclaimed at last, worn out by our + solid silence, “and I trumpet! I trumpet! I trumpet!” (It appeared that + this was the ancient and hallowed formula with which a Mazitu king was + wont to open a conversation with strangers.) + </p> + <p> + After a suitable pause I replied in a cold voice: + </p> + <p> + “We are the white lions, Macumazana and Wazela, and we roar! we roar! we + roar!” + </p> + <p> + “I can trample,” said Bausi. + </p> + <p> + “And we can bite,” I said haughtily, though how we were to bite or do + anything else effectual with nothing but a Union Jack, I did not in the + least know. + </p> + <p> + “What is that thing?” asked Bausi, pointing to the flag. + </p> + <p> + “That which shadows the whole earth,” I answered proudly, a remark that + seemed to impress him, although he did not at all understand it, for he + ordered a soldier to hold a palm leaf umbrella over him to prevent it from + shadowing <i>him</i>. + </p> + <p> + “And that,” he asked again, pointing to the music box, “which is not alive + and yet makes a noise?” + </p> + <p> + “That sings the war-song of our people,” I said. “We sent it to you as a + present and you returned it. Why do you return our presents, O Bausi?” + </p> + <p> + Then of a sudden this potentate grew furious. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you come here, white men,” he asked, “uninvited and against the + law of my land, where only one white man is welcome, my brother Dogeetah, + who cured me of sickness with a knife? I know who you are. You are dealers + in men. You come here to steal my people and sell them into slavery. You + had many slaves with you on the borders of my country, but you sent them + away. You shall die, you shall die, you who call yourselves lions, and the + painted rag which you say shadows the world, shall rot with your bones. As + for that box which sings a war-song, I will smash it; it shall not bewitch + me as your magic shield bewitched my great doctor, Imbozwi, burning off + his hair.” + </p> + <p> + Then springing up with wonderful agility for one so fat, he knocked the + musical box from Hans’s head, so that it fell to the ground and after a + little whirring grew silent. + </p> + <p> + “That is right,” squeaked Imbozwi. “Trample on their magic, O Elephant. + Kill them, O Black One; burn them as they burned my hair.” + </p> + <p> + Now things were, I felt, very serious, for already Bausi was looking about + him as though to order his soldiers to make an end of us. So I said in + desperation: + </p> + <p> + “O King, you mentioned a certain white man, Dogeetah, a doctor of doctors, + who cured you of sickness with a knife, and called him your brother. Well, + he is our brother also, and it was by his invitation that we have come to + visit you here, where he will meet us presently.” + </p> + <p> + “If Dogeetah is your friend, then you are my friends,” answered Bausi, + “for in this land he rules as I rule, he whose blood flows in my veins, as + my blood flows in his veins. But you lie. Dogeetah is no brother of + slave-dealers, his heart is good and yours are evil. You say that he will + meet you here. When will he meet you? Tell me, and if it is soon, I will + hold my hand and wait to hear his report of you before I put you to death, + for if he speaks well of you, you shall not die.” + </p> + <p> + Now I hesitated, as well I might, for I felt that looking at our case from + his point of view, Bausi, believing us to be slave-traders, was not angry + without cause. While I was racking my brains for a reply that might be + acceptable to him and would not commit us too deeply, to my astonishment + Mavovo stepped forward and confronted the king. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, fellow?” shouted Bausi. + </p> + <p> + “I am a warrior, O King, as my scars show,” and he pointed to the assegai + wounds upon his breast and to his cut nostril. “I am a chief of a people + from whom your people sprang and my name is Mavovo, Mavovo who is ready to + fight you or any man whom you may name, and to kill him or you if you + will. Is there one here who wishes to be killed?” + </p> + <p> + No one answered, for the mighty-chested Zulu looked very formidable. + </p> + <p> + “I am a doctor also,” went on Mavovo, “one of the greatest of doctors who + can open the ‘Gates of Distance’ and read that which is hid in the womb of + the Future. Therefore I will answer your questions which you put to the + lord Macumazana, the great and wise white man whom I serve, because we + have fought together in many battles. Yes, I will be his Mouth, I will + answer. The white man Dogeetah, who is your blood-brother and whose word + is your word among the Mazitu, will arrive here at sunset on the second + day from now. I have spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Bausi looked at me in question. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I exclaimed, feeling that I must say something and that it did not + much matter what I said, “Dogeetah will arrive here on the second day from + now within half an hour after sunset.” + </p> + <p> + Something, I know not what, prompted me to allow that extra half-hour, + which in the event, saved all our lives. Now Bausi consulted a while with + the execrable Imbozwi and also with the old one-eyed General Babemba while + we watched, knowing that our fate hung upon the issue. + </p> + <p> + At length he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “White men,” he said, “Imbozwi, the head of the witch-finders here, whose + hair you burnt off by your evil magic, says that it would be better to + kill you at once as your hearts are bad and you are planning mischief + against my people. So I think also. But Babemba my General, with whom I am + angry because he did not obey my orders and put you to death on the + borders of my country when he met you there with your caravan of slaves, + thinks otherwise. He prays me to hold my hand, first because you have + bewitched him into liking you and secondly because if you should happen to + be speaking the truth—which we do not believe—and to have come + here at the invitation of my brother Dogeetah, he, Dogeetah, would be + pained if he arrived and found you dead, nor could even he bring you to + life again. This being so, since it matters little whether you die now or + later, my command is that you be kept prisoners till sunset of the second + day from this, and that then you will be led out and tied to stakes in the + market-place, there to wait till the approach of darkness, by when you say + Dogeetah will be here. If he arrives and owns you as his brethren, well + and good; if he does not arrive, or disowns you—better still, for + then you shall be shot to death with arrows as a warning to all other + stealers of men not to cross the borders of the Mazitu.” + </p> + <p> + I listened to this atrocious sentence with horror, then gasped out: + </p> + <p> + “We are not stealers of men, O King, we are freers of men, as Tom and + Jerry of your own people could tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are Tom and Jerry?” he asked, indifferently. “Well, it does not + matter, for doubtless they are liars like the rest of you. I have spoken. + Take them away, feed them well and keep them safe till within an hour of + sunset on the second day from this.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without giving us any further opportunity of speaking, Bausi rose, + and followed by Imbozwi and his councillors, marched off into his big hut. + We too, were marched off, this time under a double guard commanded by + someone whom I had not seen before. At the gate of the kraal we halted and + asked for the arms that had been taken from us. No answer was given; only + the soldiers put their hands upon our shoulders and thrust us along. + </p> + <p> + “This is a nice business,” I whispered to Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it doesn’t matter,” he answered. “There are lots more guns in the + huts. I am told that these Mazitus are dreadfully afraid of bullets. So + all we have to do is just to break out and shoot our way through them, for + of course they will run when we begin to fire.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him but did not answer, for to tell the truth I felt in no + mood for argument. + </p> + <p> + Presently we arrived at our quarters, where the soldiers left us, to camp + outside. Full of his warlike plan, Stephen went at once to the hut in + which the slavers’ guns had been stored with our own spare rifles and all + the ammunition. I saw him emerge looking very blank indeed and asked him + what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Matter!” he answered in a voice that for once really was full of dismay. + “The matter is that those Mazitu have stolen all the guns and all the + ammunition. There’s not enough powder left to make a blue devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I replied, with the kind of joke one perpetrates under such + circumstances, “we shall have plenty of blue devils without making any + more.” + </p> + <p> + Truly ours was a dreadful situation. Let the reader imagine it. Within a + little more than forty-eight hours we were to be shot to death with arrows + if an erratic old gentleman who, for aught I knew might be dead, did not + turn up at what was then one of the remotest and most inaccessible spots + in Central Africa. Moreover, our only hope that such a thing would happen, + if hope it could be called, was the prophecy of a Kaffir witch-doctor. + </p> + <p> + To rely on this in any way was so absurd that I gave up thinking of it and + set my mind to considering if there were any possible means of escape. + After hours of reflection I could find none. Even Hans, with all his + experience and nearly superhuman cunning, could suggest none. We were + unarmed and surrounded by thousands of savages, all of whom save perhaps + Babemba, believed us to be slave-traders, a race that very properly they + held in abhorrence, who had visited the country with the object of + stealing their women and children. The king, Bausi, a very prejudiced + fellow, was dead against us. Also by a piece of foolishness which I now + bitterly regretted, as indeed I regretted the whole expedition, or at any + rate entering on it in the absence of Brother John, we had made an + implacable enemy of the head medicine-man, who to these folk was a sort of + Archbishop of Canterbury. Short of a miracle, there was no hope for us. + All that we could do was to say our prayers and prepare for the end. + </p> + <p> + Mavovo, it is true, remained cheerful. His faith in his “Snake” was really + touching. He offered to go through that divination process again in our + presence and demonstrate that there was no mistake. I declined because I + had no faith in divinations, and Stephen also declined, for another + reason, namely that the result might prove to be different, which, he + held, would be depressing. The other Zulus oscillated between belief and + scepticism, as do the unstable who set to work to study the evidences of + Christianity. But Sammy did not oscillate, he literally howled, and + prepared the food which poured in upon us so badly that I had to turn on + Hans to do the cooking, for however little appetite we might have, it was + necessary that we should keep up our strength by eating. + </p> + <p> + “What, Mr. Quatermain,” asked Sammy between his tears, “is the use of + dressing viands that our systems will never have time to thoroughly + assimilate?” + </p> + <p> + The first night passed somehow, and so did the next day and the next night + which heralded our last morning. I got up quite early and watched the + sunrise. Never, I think, had I realised before what a beautiful thing the + sunrise is, at least not to the extent I did now when I was saying + good-bye to it for ever. Unless indeed there should prove to be still + lovelier sunrises beyond the dark of death! Then I went into our hut, and + as Stephen, who had the nerves of a rhinoceros, was still sleeping like a + tortoise in winter, I said my prayers earnestly enough, mourned over my + sins which proved to be so many that at last I gave up the job in despair, + and then tried to occupy myself by reading the Old Testament, a book to + which I have always been extremely attached. + </p> + <p> + As a passage that I lit on described how the prophet Samuel for whom I + could not help reading “Imbozwi,” hewed Agag in pieces after Bausi—I + mean Saul—had relented and spared his life, I cannot say that it + consoled me very much. Doubtless, I reflected, these people believe that + I, like Agag, had “made women childless” by my sword, so there remained + nothing save to follow the example of that unhappy king and walk + “delicately” to doom. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Stephen was still sleeping—how <i>could</i> he do it, I + wondered—I set to work to make up the accounts of the expedition to + date. It had already cost £1,423. Just fancy expending £1,423 in order to + be tied to a post and shot to death with arrows. And all to get a rare + orchid! Oh! I reflected to myself, if by some marvel I should escape, or + if I should live again in any land where these particular flowers + flourish, I would never even look at them. And as a matter of fact I never + have. + </p> + <p> + At length Stephen did wake up and, as criminals are reported to do in the + papers before execution, made an excellent breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the good of worrying?” he said presently. “I shouldn’t if it + weren’t for my poor old father. It must have come to this one day, and the + sooner it is over the sooner to sleep, as the song says. When one comes to + think of it there are enormous advantages in sleep, for that’s the only + time one is quite happy. Still, I should have liked to see that + Cypripedium first.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! drat the Cypripedium!” I exclaimed, and blundered from the hut to + tell Sammy that if he didn’t stop his groaning I would punch his head. + </p> + <p> + “Jumps! Regular jumps! Who’d have thought it of Quatermain?” I heard + Stephen mutter in the intervals of lighting his pipe. + </p> + <p> + The morning went “like lightning that is greased,” as Sammy remarked. + Three o’clock came and Mavovo and his following sacrificed a kid to the + spirits of their ancestors, which, as Sammy remarked again, was “a + horrible, heathen ceremony much calculated to prejudice our cause with + Powers Above.” + </p> + <p> + When it was over, to my delight, Babemba appeared. He looked so pleasant + that I jumped to the conclusion that he brought the best of news with him. + Perhaps that the king had pardoned us, or perhaps—blessed thought—that + Brother John had really arrived before his time. + </p> + <p> + But not a bit of it! All he had to say was that he had caused inquiries to + be made along the route that ran to the coast and that certainly for a + hundred miles there was at present no sign of Dogeetah. So as the Black + Elephant was growing more and more enraged under the stirrings up of + Imbozwi, it was obvious that that evening’s ceremony must be performed. + Indeed, as it was part of his duty to superintend the erection of the + posts to which we were to be tied and the digging of our graves at their + bases, he had just come to count us again to be sure that he had not made + any mistake as to the number. Also, if there were any articles that we + would like buried with us, would we be so kind as to point them out and he + would be sure to see to the matter. It would be soon over, and not + painful, he added, as he had selected the very best archers in Beza Town + who rarely missed and could, most of them, send an arrow up to the feather + into a buffalo. + </p> + <p> + Then he chatted a little about other matters, as to where he should find + the magic shield I had given him, which he would always value as a + souvenir, etc., took a pinch of snuff with Mavovo and departed, saying + that he would be sure to return again at the proper time. + </p> + <p> + It was now four o’clock, and as Sammy was quite beyond it, Stephen made + himself some tea. It was very good tea, especially as we had milk to put + in it, although I did not remember what it tasted like till afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Now, having abandoned hope, I went into a hut alone to compose myself to + meet my end like a gentleman, and seated there in silence and + semi-darkness my spirit grew much calmer. After all, I reflected, why + should I cling to life? In the country whither I travelled, as the reader + who has followed my adventures will know, were some whom I clearly longed + to see again, notably my father and my mother, and two noble women who + were even more to me. My boy, it is true, remained (he was alive then), + but I knew that he would find friends, and as I was not so badly off at + that time, I had been able to make a proper provision for him. Perhaps it + was better that I should go, seeing that if I lived on it would only mean + more troubles and more partings. + </p> + <p> + What was about to befall me of course I could not tell, but I knew then as + I know now, that it was not extinction or even that sleep of which Stephen + had spoken. Perhaps I was passing to some place where at length the clouds + would roll away and I should understand; whence, too, I should see all the + landscape of the past and future, as an eagle does watching from the + skies, and be no longer like one struggling through dense bush, wild-beast + and serpent haunted, beat upon by the storms of heaven and terrified with + its lightnings, nor knowing whither I hewed my path. Perhaps in that place + there would be no longer what St. Paul describes as another law in my + members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity + to the law of sin. Perhaps there the past would be forgiven by the Power + which knows whereof we are made, and I should become what I have always + longed to be—good in every sense and even find open to me new and + better roads of service. I take these thoughts from a note that I made in + my pocket-book at the time. + </p> + <p> + Thus I reflected and then wrote a few lines of farewell in the fond and + foolish hope that somehow they might find those to whom they were + addressed (I have those letters still and very oddly they read to-day). + This done, I tried to throw out my mind towards Brother John if he still + lived, as indeed I had done for days past, so that I might inform him of + our plight and, I am afraid, reproach him for having brought us to such an + end by his insane carelessness or want of faith. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was still engaged thus Babemba arrived with his soldiers to lead + us off to execution. It was Hans who came to tell me that he was there. + The poor old Hottentot shook me by the hand and wiped his eyes with his + ragged coat-sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas, this is our last journey,” he said, “and you are going to be + killed, Baas, and it is all my fault, Baas, because I ought to have found + a way out of the trouble which is what I was hired to do. But I can’t, my + head grows so stupid. Oh! if only I could come even with Imbozwi I + shouldn’t mind, and I will, I <i>will</i>, if I have to return as a ghost + to do it. Well, Baas, you know the Predikant, your father, told us that we + don’t go out like a fire, but burn again for always elsewhere——” + </p> + <p> + (“I hope not,” I thought to myself.) + </p> + <p> + “And that quite easily without anything to pay for the wood. So I hope + that we shall always burn together, Baas. And meanwhile, I have brought + you a little something,” and he produced what looked like a peculiarly + obnoxious horseball. “You swallow this now and you will never feel + anything; it is a very good medicine that my grandfather’s grandfather got + from the Spirit of his tribe. You will just go to sleep as nicely as + though you were very drunk, and wake up in the beautiful fire which burns + without any wood and never goes out for ever and ever, Amen.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Hans,” I said, “I prefer to die with my eyes open.” + </p> + <p> + “And so would I, Baas, if I thought there was any good in keeping them + open, but I don’t, for I can’t believe any more in the Snake of that black + fool, Mavovo. If it had been a good Snake, it would have told him to keep + clear of Beza Town, so I will swallow one of these pills and give the + other to the Baas Stephen,” and he crammed the filthy mess into his mouth + and with an effort got it down, as a young turkey does a ball of meal that + is too big for its throat. + </p> + <p> + Then, as I heard Stephen calling me, I left him invoking a most + comprehensive and polyglot curse upon the head of Imbozwi, to whom he + rightly attributed all our woes. + </p> + <p> + “Our friend here says it is time to start,” said Stephen, rather shakily, + for the situation seemed to have got a hold of him at last, and nodding + towards old Babemba, who stood there with a cheerful smile looking as + though he were going to conduct us to a wedding. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, white lord,” said Babemba, “it is time, and I have hurried so as not + to keep you waiting. It will be a very fine show, for the ‘Black Elephant’ + himself is going to do you the honour to be present, as will all the + people of Beza Town and those for many miles round.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, you old idiot,” I said, “and stop your grinning. If you + had been a man and not a false friend you would have got us out of this + trouble, knowing as you do very well that we are no sellers of men, but + rather the enemy of those who do such things.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! white lord,” said Babemba, in a changed voice, “believe me I only + smile to make you happy up to the end. My lips smile, but I am crying + inside. I know that you are good and have told Bausi so, but he will not + believe me, who thinks that I have been bribed by you. What can I do + against that evil-hearted Imbozwi, the head of the witch-doctors, who + hates you because he thinks you have better magic than he has and who + whispers day and night into the king’s ear, telling him that if he does + not kill you, all our people will be slain or sold for slaves, as you are + only the scouts of a big army that is coming. Only last night Imbozwi held + a great divination <i>indaba</i>, and read this and a great deal more in + the enchanted water, making the king think he saw it in pictures, whereas + I, looking over his shoulder, could see nothing at all, except the ugly + face of Imbozwi reflected in the water. Also he swore that his spirit told + me that Dogeetah, the king’s blood-brother, being dead, would never come + to Beza Town again. I have done my best. Keep your heart white towards me, + O Macumazana, and do not haunt me, for I tell you I have done my best, and + if ever I should get a chance against Imbozwi, which I am afraid I shan’t, + as he will poison me first, I will pay him back. Oh! he shall not die + quickly as you will.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could get a chance at him,” I muttered, for even in this solemn + moment I could cultivate no Christian spirit towards Imbozwi. + </p> + <p> + Feeling that he was honest after all, I shook old Babemba’s hand and gave + him the letters I had written, asking him to try and get them to the + coast. Then we started on our last walk. + </p> + <p> + The Zulu hunters were already outside the fence, seated on the ground, + chatting and taking snuff. I wondered if this was because they really + believed in Mavovo’s confounded Snake, or from bravado, inspired by the + innate courage of their race. When they saw me they sprang to their feet + and, lifting their right hands, gave me a loud and hearty salute of + “Inkoosi! Baba! Inkoosi! Macumazana!” Then, at a signal from Mavovo, they + broke into some Zulu war-chant, which they kept up till we reached the + stakes. Sammy, too, broke into a chant, but one of quite a different + nature. + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet!” I said to him. “Can’t you die like a man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed I cannot, Mr. Quatermain,” he answered, and went on howling + for pity in about twenty different languages. + </p> + <p> + Stephen and I walked together, he still carrying the Union Jack, of which + no one tried to deprive him. I think the Mazitu believed it was his + fetish. We didn’t talk much, though once he said: + </p> + <p> + “Well, the love of orchids has brought many a man to a bad end. I wonder + whether the Governor will keep my collection or sell it.” + </p> + <p> + After this he relapsed into silence, and not knowing and indeed not caring + what would happen to his collection, I made no answer. + </p> + <p> + We had not far to go; personally I could have preferred a longer walk. + Passing with our guards down a kind of by-street, we emerged suddenly at + the head of the market-place, to find that it was packed with thousands of + people gathered there to see our execution. I noticed that they were + arranged in orderly companies and that a broad open roadway was left + between them, running to the southern gate of the market, I suppose to + facilitate the movements of so large a crowd. + </p> + <p> + All this multitude received us in respectful silence, though Sammy’s howls + caused some of them to smile, while the Zulu war-chant appeared to excite + their wonder, or admiration. At the head of the market-place, not far from + the king’s enclosure, fifteen stout posts had been planted on as many + mounds. These mounds were provided so that everyone might see the show + and, in part at any rate, were made of soil hollowed from fifteen deep + graves dug almost at the foot of the mounds. Or rather there were + seventeen posts, an extra large one being set at each end of the line in + order to accommodate the two donkeys, which it appeared were also to be + shot to death. A great number of soldiers kept a space clear in front of + the posts. On this space were gathered Bausi, his councillors, some of his + head wives, Imbozwi more hideously painted than usual, and perhaps fifty + or sixty picked archers with strung bows and an ample supply of arrows, + whose part in the ceremony it was not difficult for us to guess. + </p> + <p> + “King Bausi,” I said as I was led past that potentate, “you are a murderer + and Heaven Above will be avenged upon you for this crime. If our blood is + shed, soon you shall die and come to meet us where <i>we</i> have power, + and your people shall be destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + My words seemed to frighten the man, for he answered: + </p> + <p> + “I am no murderer. I kill you because you are robbers of men. Moreover, it + is not I who have passed sentence on you. It is Imbozwi here, the chief of + the doctors, who has told me all about you, and whose spirit says you must + die unless my brother Dogeetah appears to save you. If Dogeetah comes, + which he cannot do because he is dead, and vouches for you, then I shall + know that Imbozwi is a wicked liar, and as you were to die, so he shall + die.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” screeched Imbozwi. “If Dogeetah comes, as that false wizard + prophesies,” and he pointed to Mavovo, “then I shall be ready to die in + your place, white slave-dealers. Yes, yes, then you may shoot <i>me</i> + with arrows.” + </p> + <p> + “King, take note of those words, and people, take note of those words, + that they may be fulfilled if Dogeetah comes,” said Mavovo in a great, + deep voice. + </p> + <p> + “I take note of them,” answered Bausi, “and I swear by my mother on behalf + of all the people, that they shall be fulfilled—if Dogeetah comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” exclaimed Mavovo, and stalked on to the stake which had been + pointed out to him. + </p> + <p> + As he went he whispered something into Imbozwi’s ear that seemed to + frighten that limb of Satan, for I saw him start and shiver. However, he + soon recovered, for in another minute he was engaged in superintending + those whose business it was to lash us to the posts. + </p> + <p> + This was done simply and effectively by tying our wrists with a grass rope + behind these posts, each of which was fitted with two projecting pieces of + wood that passed under our arms and practically prevented us from moving. + Stephen and I were given the places of honour in the middle, the Union + Jack being fixed, by his own request, to the top of Stephen’s stake. + Mavovo was on my right, and the other Zulus were ranged on either side of + us. Hans and Sammy occupied the end posts respectively (except those to + which the poor jackasses were bound). I noted that Hans was already very + sleepy and that shortly after he was fixed up, his head dropped forward on + his breast. Evidently his medicine was working, and almost I regretted + that I had not taken some while I had the chance. + </p> + <p> + When we were all fastened, Imbozwi came round to inspect. Moreover, with a + piece of white chalk he made a round mark on the breast of each of us; a + kind of bull’s eye for the archers to aim at. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! white man,” he said to me as he chalked away at my shooting coat, + “you will never burn anyone’s hair again with your magic shield. Never, + never, for presently I shall be treading down the earth upon you in that + hole, and your goods will belong to me.” + </p> + <p> + I did not answer, for what was the use of talking to this vile brute when + my time was so short. So he passed on to Stephen and began to chalk him. + Stephen, however, in whom the natural man still prevailed, shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Take your filthy hands off me,” and lifting his leg, which was + unfettered, gave the painted witch-doctor such an awful kick in the + stomach, that he vanished backwards into the grave beneath him. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Ow!</i> Well done, Wazela!” said the Zulus, “we hope that you have + killed him.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so too,” said Stephen, and the multitude of spectators gasped to + see the sacred person of the head witch-doctor, of whom they evidently + went in much fear, treated in such a way. Only Babemba grinned, and even + the king Bausi did not seem displeased. + </p> + <p> + But Imbozwi was not to be disposed of so easily, for presently, with the + help of sundry myrmidons, minor witch-doctors, he scrambled out of the + grave, cursing and covered with mud, for it was wet down there. After that + I took no more heed of him or of much else. Seeing that I had only half an + hour to live, as may be imagined, I was otherwise engaged. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI<br/> + THE COMING OF DOGEETAH + </h2> + <p> + The sunset that day was like the sunrise, particularly fine, although as + in the case of the tea, I remembered little of it till afterwards. In + fact, thunder was about, which always produces grand cloud effects in + Africa. + </p> + <p> + The sun went down like a great red eye, over which there dropped suddenly + a black eyelid of cloud with a fringe of purple lashes. + </p> + <p> + There’s the last I shall see of you, my old friend, thought I to myself, + unless I catch you up presently. + </p> + <p> + The gloom began to gather. The king looked about him, also at the sky + overhead, as though he feared rain, then whispered something to Babemba, + who nodded and strolled up to my post. + </p> + <p> + “White lord,” he said, “the Elephant wishes to know if you are ready, as + presently the light will be very bad for shooting?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered with decision, “not till half an hour after sundown as + was agreed.” + </p> + <p> + Babemba went to the king and returned to me. + </p> + <p> + “White lord, the king says that a bargain is a bargain, and he will keep + to his word. Only you must not then blame him if the shooting is bad, + since of course he did not know that the night would be so cloudy, which + is not usual at this time of year.” + </p> + <p> + It grew darker and darker, till at length we might have been lost in a + London fog. The dense masses of the people looked like banks, and the + archers, flitting to and fro as they made ready, might have been shadows + in Hades. Once or twice lightning flashed and was followed after a pause + by the distant growling of thunder. The air, too, grew very oppressive. + Dense silence reigned. In all those multitudes no one spoke or stirred; + even Sammy ceased his howling, I suppose because he had become exhausted + and fainted away, as people often do just before they are hanged. It was a + most solemn time. Nature seemed to be adapting herself to the mood of + sacrifice and making ready for us a mighty pall. + </p> + <p> + At length I heard the sound of arrows being drawn from their quivers, and + then the squeaky voice of Imbozwi, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Wait a little, the cloud will lift. There is light behind it, and it will + be nicer if they can see the arrows coming.” + </p> + <p> + The cloud did begin to lift, very slowly, and from beneath it flowed a + green light like that in a cat’s eye. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we shoot, Imbozwi?” asked the voice of the captain of the archers. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, not yet. Not till the people can watch them die.” + </p> + <p> + The edge of cloud lifted a little more; the green light turned to a fiery + red thrown by the sunk sun and reflected back upon the earth from the + dense black cloud above. It was as though all the landscape had burst into + flames, while the heaven over us remained of the hue of ink. Again the + lightning flashed, showing the faces and staring eyes of the thousands who + watched, and even the white teeth of a great bat that flittered past. That + flash seemed to burn off an edge of the lowering cloud and the light grew + stronger and stronger, and redder and redder. + </p> + <p> + Imbozwi uttered a hiss like a snake. I heard a bow-string twang, and + almost at the same moment the thud of an arrow striking my post just above + my head. Indeed, by lifting myself I could touch it. I shut my eyes and + began to see all sorts of queer things that I had forgotten for years and + years. My brain swam and seemed to melt into a kind of confusion. Through + the intense silence I thought I heard the sound of some animal running + heavily, much as a fat bull eland does when it is suddenly disturbed. + Someone uttered a startled exclamation, which caused me to open my eyes + again. The first thing I saw was the squad of savage archers lifting their + bows—evidently that first arrow had been a kind of trial shot. The + next, looking absolutely unearthly in that terrible and ominous light, was + a tall figure seated on a white ox shambling rapidly towards us along the + open roadway that ran from the southern gate of the market-place. + </p> + <p> + Of course, I knew that I dreamed, for this figure exactly resembled + Brother John. There was his long, snowy beard. There in his hand was his + butterfly net, with the handle of which he seemed to be prodding the ox. + Only he was wound about with wreaths of flowers as were the great horns of + the ox, and on either side of him and before and behind him ran girls, + also wreathed with flowers. It was a vision, nothing else, and I shut my + eyes again awaiting the fatal arrow. + </p> + <p> + “Shoot!” screamed Imbozwi. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, shoot not!” shouted Babemba. “<i>Dogeetah is come!</i>” + </p> + <p> + A moment’s pause, during which I heard arrows falling to the ground; then + from all those thousands of throats a roar that shaped itself to the + words: + </p> + <p> + “Dogeetah! Dogeetah is come to save the white lords.” + </p> + <p> + I must confess that after this my nerve, which is generally pretty good, + gave out to such an extent that I think I fainted for a few minutes. + During that faint I seemed to be carrying on a conversation with Mavovo, + though whether it ever took place or I only imagined it I am not sure, + since I always forgot to ask him. + </p> + <p> + He said, or I thought he said, to me: + </p> + <p> + “And now, Macumazana, my father, what have you to say? Does my Snake stand + upon its tail or does it not? Answer, I am listening.” + </p> + <p> + To which I replied, or seemed to reply: + </p> + <p> + “Mavovo, my child, certainly it appears as though your Snake <i>does</i> + stand upon its tail. Still, I hold that all this is a phantasy; that we + live in a land of dream in which nothing is real except those things which + we cannot see or touch or hear. That there is no me and no you and no + Snake at all, nothing but a Power in which we move, that shows us pictures + and laughs when we think them real.” + </p> + <p> + Whereon Mavovo said, or seemed to say: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! at last you touch the truth, O Macumazana, my father. All things are + a shadow and we are shadows in a shadow. But what throws the shadow, O + Macumazana, my father? Why does Dogeetah appear to come hither riding on a + white ox and why do all these thousands think that my Snake stands so very + stiff upon its tail?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m hanged if I know,” I replied and woke up. + </p> + <p> + There, without doubt, <i>was</i> old Brother John with a wreath of flowers—I + noted in disgust that they were orchids—hanging in a bacchanalian + fashion from his dinted sun-helmet over his left eye. He was in a furious + rage and reviling Bausi, who literally crouched before him, and I was in a + furious rage and reviling him. What I said I do not remember, but he said, + his white beard bristling with indignation while he threatened Bausi with + the handle of the butterfly net: + </p> + <p> + “You dog! You savage, whom I saved from death and called Brother. What + were you doing to these white men who are in truth my brothers, and to + their followers? Were you about to kill them? Oh! if so, I will forget my + vow, I will forget the bond that binds us and——” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, pray don’t,” said Bausi. “It is all a horrible mistake; I am not + to be blamed at all. It is that witch-doctor, Imbozwi, whom by the ancient + law of the land I must obey in such matters. He consulted his Spirit and + declared that you were dead; also that these white lords were the most + wicked of men, slave-traders with spotted hearts, who came hither to spy + out the Mazitu people and to destroy them with magic and bullets.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he lied,” thundered Brother John, “and he knew that he lied.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, it is evident that he lied,” answered Bausi. “Bring him here, + and with him those who serve him.” + </p> + <p> + Now by the light of the moon which was shining brightly in the heavens, + for the thunder-clouds had departed with the last glow of sunset, soldiers + began an active search for Imbozwi and his confederates. Of these they + caught eight or ten, all wicked-looking fellows hideously painted and + adorned like their master, but Imbozwi himself they could not find. + </p> + <p> + I began to think that in the confusion he had given us the slip, when + presently from the far end of the line, for we were still all tied to our + stakes, I heard the voice of Sammy, hoarse, it is true, but quite cheerful + now, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Quatermain, in the interests of justice, will you inform his Majesty + that the treacherous wizard for whom he is seeking, is now peeping and + muttering at the bottom of the grave which was dug to receive my mortal + remains.” + </p> + <p> + I did inform his Majesty, and in double-quick time our friend Imbozwi was + once more fished out of a grave by the strong arms of Babemba and his + soldiers, and dragged into the presence of the irate Bausi. + </p> + <p> + “Loose the white lords and their followers,” said Bausi, “and let them + come here.” + </p> + <p> + So our bonds were undone and we walked to where the king and Brother John + stood, the miserable Imbozwi and his attendant doctors huddled in a heap + before them. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this?” said Bausi to him, pointing at Brother John. “Is it not he + whom you vowed was dead?” + </p> + <p> + Imbozwi did not seem to think that the question required an answer, so + Bausi continued: + </p> + <p> + “What was the song that you sang in our ears just now—that if + Dogeetah came you would be ready to be shot to death with arrows in the + place of these white lords whose lives you swore away, was it not?” + </p> + <p> + Again Imbozwi made no answer, although Babemba called his attention to the + king’s query with a vigorous kick. Then Bausi shouted: + </p> + <p> + “By your own mouth are you condemned, O liar, and that shall be done to + you which you have yourself decreed,” adding almost in the words of Elijah + after he had triumphed over the priests of Baal, “Take away these false + prophets. Let none of them escape. Say you not so, O people?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” roared the multitude fiercely, “take them away.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a popular character, Imbozwi,” Stephen remarked to me in a reflective + voice. “Well, he is going to be served hot on his own toast now, and serve + the brute right.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the false doctor now?” mocked Mavovo in the silence that followed. + “Who is about to sup on arrow-heads, O Painter-of-white-spots?” and he + pointed to the mark that Imbozwi had so gleefully chalked over his heart + as a guide to the arrows of the archers. + </p> + <p> + Now, seeing that all was lost, the little humpbacked villain with a sudden + twist caught me by the legs and began to plead for mercy. So piteously did + he plead, that being already softened by the fact of our wonderful escape + from those black graves, my heart was melted in me. I turned to ask the + king to spare his life, though with little hope that the prayer would be + granted, for I saw that Bausi feared and hated the man and was only too + glad of the opportunity to be rid of him. Imbozwi, however, interpreted my + movement differently, since among savages the turning of the back always + means that a petition is refused. Then, in his rage and despair, the venom + of his wicked heart boiled over. He leapt to his feet, and drawing a big, + carved knife from among his witch-doctor’s trappings, sprang at me like a + wild cat, shouting: + </p> + <p> + “At least you shall come too, white dog!” + </p> + <p> + Most mercifully Mavovo was watching him, for that is a good Zulu saying + which declares that “Wizard is Wizard’s fate.” With one bound he was on + him. Just as the knife touched me—it actually pricked my skin though + without drawing blood, which was fortunate as probably it was poisoned—he + gripped Imbozwi’s arm in his grasp of iron and hurled him to the ground as + though he were but a child. + </p> + <p> + After this of course all was over. + </p> + <p> + “Come away,” I said to Stephen and Brother John; “this is no place for + us.” + </p> + <p> + So we went and gained our huts without molestation and indeed quite + unobserved, for the attention of everyone in Beza Town was fully occupied + elsewhere. From the market-place behind us rose so hideous a clamour that + we rushed into my hut and shut the door to escape or lessen the sound. It + was dark in the hut, for which I was really thankful, for the darkness + seemed to soothe my nerves. Especially was this so when Brother John said: + </p> + <p> + “Friend, Allan Quatermain, and you, young gentleman, whose name I don’t + know, I will tell you what I think I never mentioned to you before, that, + in addition to being a doctor, I am a clergyman of the American + Episcopalian Church. Well, as a clergyman, I will ask your leave to return + thanks for your very remarkable deliverance from a cruel death.” + </p> + <p> + “By all means,” I muttered for both of us, and he did so in a most earnest + and beautiful prayer. Brother John may or may not have been a little + touched in the head at this time of his life, but he was certainly an able + and a good man. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards, as the shrieks and shouting had now died down to a confused + murmur of many voices, we went and sat outside under the projecting eaves + of the hut, where I introduced Stephen Somers to Brother John. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” I said, “in the name of goodness, where do you come from tied + up in flowers like a Roman priest at sacrifice, and riding on a bull like + the lady called Europa? And what on earth do you mean by playing us such a + scurvy trick down there in Durban, leaving us without a word after you had + agreed to guide us to this hellish hole?” + </p> + <p> + Brother John stroked his long beard and looked at me reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “I guess, Allan,” he said in his American fashion, “there is a mistake + somewhere. To answer the last part of your question first, I did not leave + you without a word; I gave a letter to that lame old Griqua gardener of + yours, Jack, to be handed to you when you arrived.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the idiot either lost it and lied to me, as Griquas will, or he + forgot all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is likely. I ought to have thought of that, Allan, but I didn’t. + Well, in that letter I said that I would meet you here, where I should + have been six weeks ago awaiting you. Also I sent a message to Bausi to + warn him of your coming in case I should be delayed, but I suppose that + something happened to it on the road.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not wait and come with us like a sensible man?” + </p> + <p> + “Allan, as you ask me straight out, I will tell you, although the subject + is one of which I do not care to speak. I knew that you were going to + journey by Kilwa; indeed it was your only route with a lot of people and + so much baggage, and I did not wish to visit Kilwa.” He paused, then went + on: “A long while ago, nearly twenty-three years to be accurate, I went to + live at Kilwa as a missionary with my young wife. I built a mission + station and a church there, and we were happy and fairly successful in our + work. Then on one evil day the Swahili and other Arabs came in dhows to + establish a slave-dealing station. I resisted them, and the end of it was + that they attacked us, killed most of my people and enslaved the rest. In + that attack I received a cut from a sword on the head—look, here is + the mark of it,” and drawing his white hair apart he showed us a long scar + that was plainly visible in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + “The blow knocked me senseless just about sunset one evening. When I came + to myself again it was broad daylight and everybody was gone, except one + old woman who was tending me. She was half-crazed with grief because her + husband and two sons had been killed, and another son, a boy, and a + daughter had been taken away. I asked her where my young wife was. She + answered that she, too, had been taken away eight or ten hours before, + because the Arabs had seen the lights of a ship out at sea, and thought + they might be those of a British man-of-war that was known to be cruising + on the coast. On seeing these they had fled inland in a hurry, leaving me + for dead, but killing the wounded before they went. The old woman herself + had escaped by hiding among some rocks on the seashore, and after the + Arabs had gone had crept back to the house and found me still alive. + </p> + <p> + “I asked her where my wife had been taken. She said she did not know, but + some others of our people told her that they had heard the Arabs say they + were going to some place a hundred miles inland, to join their leader, a + half-bred villain named Hassan-ben-Mohammed, to whom they were carrying my + wife as a present. + </p> + <p> + “Now we knew this wretch, for after the Arabs landed at Kilwa, but before + actual hostilities broke out between us, he had fallen sick of smallpox + and my wife had helped to nurse him. Had it not been for her, indeed, he + would have died. However, although the leader of the band, he was not + present at the attack, being engaged in some slave-raiding business in the + interior. + </p> + <p> + “When I learned this terrible news, the shock of it, or the loss of blood, + brought on a return of insensibility, from which I only awoke two days + later to find myself on board a Dutch trading vessel that was sailing for + Zanzibar. It was the lights of this ship that the Arabs had seen and + mistaken for those of an English man-of-war. She had put into Kilwa for + water, and the sailors, finding me on the verandah of the house and still + living, in the goodness of their hearts carried me on board. Of the old + woman they had seen nothing; I suppose that at their approach she ran + away. + </p> + <p> + “At Zanzibar, in an almost dying condition, I was handed over to a + clergyman of our mission, in whose house I lay desperately ill for a long + while. Indeed six months went by before I fully recovered my right mind. + Some people say that I have never recovered it; perhaps you are one of + them, Allan. + </p> + <p> + “At last the wound in my skull healed, after a clever English naval + surgeon had removed some bits of splintered bone, and my strength came + back to me. I was and still am an American subject, and in those days we + had no consul at Zanzibar, if there is one there now, of which I am not + sure, and of course no warship. The English made what inquiries they could + for me, but could find out little or nothing, since all the country about + Kilwa was in possession of Arab slave-traders who were supported by a + ruffian who called himself the Sultan of Zanzibar.” + </p> + <p> + Again he paused, as though overcome by the sadness of his recollections. + </p> + <p> + “Did you never hear any more of your wife?” asked Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Somers; I heard at Zanzibar from a slave whom our mission bought + and freed, that he had seen a white woman who answered to her description + alive and apparently well, at some place I was unable to identify. He + could only tell me that it was fifteen days’ journey from the coast. She + was then in charge of some black people, he did not know of what tribe, + who, he believed, had found her wandering in the bush. He noted that the + black people seemed to treat her with the greatest reverence, although + they could not understand what she said. On the following day, whilst + searching for six lost goats, he was captured by Arabs who, he heard + afterwards, were out looking for this white woman. The day after the man + had told me this, he was seized with inflammation of the lungs, of which, + being in a weak state from his sufferings in the slave gang, he quickly + died. Now you will understand why I was not particularly anxious to + revisit Kilwa.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said, “we understand that, and a good deal more of which we will + talk later. But, to change the subject, where do you come from now, and + how did you happen to turn up just in the nick of time?” + </p> + <p> + “I was journeying here across country by a route I will show you on my + map,” he answered, “when I met with an accident to my leg” (here Stephen + and I looked at each other) “which kept me laid up in a Kaffir hut for six + weeks. When I got better, as I could not walk very well I rode upon oxen + that I had trained. That white beast you saw is the last of them; the + others died of the bite of the tsetse fly. A fear which I could not define + caused me to press forward as fast as possible; for the last twenty-four + hours I have scarcely stopped to eat or sleep. When I got into the Mazitu + country this morning I found the kraals empty, except for some women and + girls, who knew me again, and threw these flowers over me. They told me + that all the men had gone to Beza Town for a great feast, but what the + feast was they either did not know or would not reveal. So I hurried on + and arrived in time—thank God in time! It is a long story; I will + tell you the details afterwards. Now we are all too tired. What’s that + noise?” + </p> + <p> + I listened and recognised the triumphant song of the Zulu hunters, who + were returning from the savage scene in the market-place. Presently they + arrived, headed by Sammy, a very different Sammy from the wailing creature + who had gone out to execution an hour or two before. Now he was the gayest + of the gay, and about his neck were strung certain weird ornaments which I + identified as the personal property of Imbozwi. + </p> + <p> + “Virtue is victorious and justice has been done, Mr. Quatermain. These are + the spoils of war,” he said, pointing to the trappings of the late + witch-doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! get out, you little cur! We want to know nothing more,” I said. “Go, + cook us some supper,” and he went, not in the least abashed. + </p> + <p> + The hunters were carrying between them what appeared to be the body of + Hans. At first I was frightened, thinking that he must be dead, but + examination showed that he was only in a state of insensibility such as + might be induced by laudanum. Brother John ordered him to be wrapped up in + a blanket and laid by the fire, and this was done. + </p> + <p> + Presently Mavovo approached and squatted down in front of us. + </p> + <p> + “Macumazana, my father,” he said quietly, “what words have you for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Words of thanks, Mavovo. If you had not been so quick, Imbozwi would have + finished me. As it is, the knife only touched my skin without breaking it, + for Dogeetah has looked to see.” + </p> + <p> + Mavovo waved his hand as though to sweep this little matter aside, and + asked, looking me straight in the eyes: + </p> + <p> + “And what other words, Macumazana? As to my Snake I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Only that you were right and I was wrong,” I answered shamefacedly. + “Things have happened as you foretold, how or why I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my father, because you white men are so vain” (“blown out” was his + word), “that you think you have all wisdom. Now you have learned that this + is not so. I am content. The false doctors are all dead, my father, and I + think that Imbozwi——” + </p> + <p> + I held up my hand, not wishing to hear details. Mavovo rose, and with a + little smile, went about his business. + </p> + <p> + “What does he mean about his Snake?” inquired Brother John curiously. + </p> + <p> + I told him as briefly as I could, and asked him if he could explain the + matter. He shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “The strangest example of native vision that I have ever heard of,” he + answered, “and the most useful. Explain! There is no explanation, except + the old one that there are more things in heaven and earth, etc., and that + God gives different gifts to different men.” + </p> + <p> + Then we ate our supper; I think one of the most joyful meals of which I + have ever partaken. It is wonderful how good food tastes when one never + expected to swallow another mouthful. After it was finished the others + went to bed but, with the still unconscious Hans for my only companion, I + sat for a while smoking by the fire, for on this high tableland the air + was chilly. I felt that as yet I could not sleep; if for no other reason + because of the noise that the Mazitu were making in the town, I suppose in + celebration of the execution of the terrible witch-doctors and the return + of Dogeetah. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Hans awoke, and sitting up, stared at me through the bright flame + which I had recently fed with dry wood. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” he said in a hollow voice, “there you are, here I am, and there is + the fire which never goes out, a very good fire. But, Baas, why are we not + inside of it as your father the Predikant promised, instead of outside + here in the cold?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are still in the world, you old fool, and not where you + deserve to be,” I answered. “Because Mavovo’s Snake was a snake with a + true tongue after all, and Dogeetah came as it foretold. Because we are + all alive and well, and it is Imbozwi with his spawn who are dead upon the + posts. That is why, Hans, as you would have seen for yourself if you had + kept awake, instead of swallowing filthy medicine like a frightened woman, + just because you were afraid of death, which at your age you ought to have + welcomed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas,” broke in Hans, “don’t tell me that things are so and that we + are really alive in what your honoured father used to call this gourd full + of tears. Don’t tell me, Baas, that I made a coward of myself and + swallowed that beastliness—if you knew what it was made of you would + understand, Baas—for nothing but a bad headache. Don’t tell me that + Dogeetah came when my eyes were not open to see him, and worst of all, + that Imbozwi and his children were tied to those poles when I was not able + to help them out of the bottle of tears into the fire that burns for ever + and ever. Oh! it is too much, and I swear, Baas, that however often I have + to die, henceforward it shall always be with my eyes open,” and holding + his aching head between his hands he rocked himself to and fro in bitter + grief. + </p> + <p> + Well might Hans be sad, seeing that he never heard the last of the + incident. The hunters invented a new and gigantic name for him, which + meant “The little-yellow-mouse-who-feeds-on-sleep-while-the-black-rats + eat-up-their-enemies.” Even Sammy made a mock of him, showing him the + spoils which he declared he had wrenched unaided from the mighty master of + magic, Imbozwi. As indeed he had—after the said Imbozwi was stone + dead at the stake. + </p> + <p> + It was very amusing until things grew so bad that I feared Hans would kill + Sammy, and had to put a stop to the joke. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII<br/> + BROTHER JOHN’S STORY + </h2> + <p> + Although I went to bed late I was up before sunrise. Chiefly because I + wished to have some private conversation with Brother John, whom I knew to + be a very early riser. Indeed, he slept less than any man I ever met. + </p> + <p> + As I expected, I found him astir in his hut; he was engaged in pressing + flowers by candlelight. + </p> + <p> + “John,” I said, “I have brought you some property which I think you have + lost,” and I handed him the morocco-bound <i>Christian Year</i> and the + water-colour drawing which we had found in the sacked mission house at + Kilwa. + </p> + <p> + He looked first at the picture and then at the book; at least, I suppose + he did, for I went outside the hut for a while—to observe the + sunrise. In a few minutes he called me, and when the door was shut, said + in an unsteady voice: + </p> + <p> + “How did you come by these relics, Allan?” + </p> + <p> + I told him the story from beginning to end. He listened without a word, + and when I had finished said: + </p> + <p> + “I may as well tell what perhaps you have guessed, that the picture is + that of my wife, and the book is her book.” + </p> + <p> + “Is!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Allan. I say <i>is</i> because I do not believe that she is dead. I + cannot explain why, any more than I could explain last night how that + great Zulu savage was able to prophesy my coming. But sometimes we can + wring secrets from the Unknown, and I believe that I have won this truth + in answer to my prayers, that my wife still lives.” + </p> + <p> + “After twenty years, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, after twenty years. Why do you suppose,” he asked almost fiercely, + “that for two-thirds of a generation I have wandered about among African + savages, pretending to be crazy because these wild people revere the mad + and always let them pass unharmed?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought it was to collect butterflies and botanical specimens.” + </p> + <p> + “Butterflies and botanical specimens! These were the pretext. I have been + and am searching for my wife. You may think it a folly, especially + considering what was her condition when we separated—she was + expecting a child, Allan—but I do not. I believe that she is hidden + away among some of these wild peoples.” + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps it would be as well not to find her,” I answered, bethinking + me of the fate which had overtaken sundry white women in the old days, who + had escaped from shipwrecks on the coast and become the wives of Kaffirs. + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Allan. On that point I fear nothing. If God has preserved my + wife, He has also protected her from every harm. And now,” he went on, + “you will understand why I wish to visit these Pongo—the Pongo who + worship a white goddess!” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” I said and left him, for having learned all there was to + know, I thought it best not to prolong a painful conversation. To me it + seemed incredible that this lady should still live, and I feared the + effect upon him of the discovery that she was no more. How full of romance + is this poor little world of ours! Think of Brother John (Eversley was his + real name as I discovered afterwards), and what his life had been. A + high-minded educated man trying to serve his Faith in the dark places of + the earth, and taking his young wife with him, which for my part I have + never considered a right thing to do. Neither tradition nor Holy Writ + record that the Apostles dragged their wives and families into the heathen + lands where they went to preach, although I believe that some of them were + married. But this is by the way. + </p> + <p> + Then falls the blow; the mission house is sacked, the husband escapes by a + miracle and the poor young lady is torn away to be the prey of a vile + slave-trader. Lastly, according to the quite unreliable evidence of some + savage already in the shadow of death, she is seen in the charge of other + unknown savages. On the strength of this the husband, playing the part of + a mad botanist, hunts for her for a score of years, enduring incredible + hardships and yet buoyed up by a high and holy trust. To my mind it was a + beautiful and pathetic story. Still, for reasons which I have suggested, I + confess that I hoped that long ago she had returned into the hands of the + Power which made her, for what would be the state of a young white lady + who for two decades had been at the mercy of these black brutes? + </p> + <p> + And yet, and yet, after my experience of Mavovo and his Snake, I did not + feel inclined to dogmatise about anything. Who and what was I, that I + should venture not only to form opinions, but to thrust them down the + throats of others? After all, how narrow are the limits of the knowledge + upon which we base our judgments. Perhaps the great sea of intuition that + surrounds us is safer to float on than are these little islets of + individual experience, whereon we are so wont to take our stand. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile my duty was not to speculate on the dreams and mental attitudes + of others, but like a practical hunter and trader, to carry to a + successful issue an expedition that I was well paid to manage, and to dig + up a certain rare flower root, if I could find it, in the marketable value + of which I had an interest. I have always prided myself upon my entire + lack of imagination and all such mental phantasies, and upon an aptitude + for hard business and an appreciation of the facts of life, that after all + are the things with which we have to do. This is the truth; at least, I + hope it is. For if I were to be <i>quite</i> honest, which no one ever has + been, except a gentleman named Mr. Pepys, who, I think, lived in the reign + of Charles II, and who, to judge from his memoirs, which I have read + lately, did not write for publication, I should have to admit that there + is another side to my nature. I sternly suppress it, however, at any rate + for the present. + </p> + <p> + While we were at breakfast Hans who, still suffering from headache and + remorse, was lurking outside the gateway far from the madding crowd of + critics, crept in like a beaten dog and announced that Babemba was + approaching followed by a number of laden soldiers. I was about to advance + to receive him. Then I remembered that, owing to a queer native custom, + such as that which caused Sir Theophilus Shepstone, whom I used to know + very well, to be recognised as the holder of the spirit of the great Chaka + and therefore as the equal of the Zulu monarchs, Brother John was the + really important man in our company. So I gave way and asked him to be + good enough to take my place and to live up to that station in savage life + to which it had pleased God to call him. + </p> + <p> + I am bound to say he rose to the occasion very well, being by nature and + appearance a dignified old man. Swallowing his coffee in a hurry, he took + his place at a little distance from us, and stood there in a statuesque + pose. To him entered Babemba crawling on his hands and knees, and other + native gentlemen likewise crawling, also the burdened soldiers in as + obsequious an attitude as their loads would allow. + </p> + <p> + “O King Dogeetah,” said Babemba, “your brother king, Bausi, returns the + guns and fire-goods of the white men, your children, and sends certain + gifts.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to hear it, General Babemba,” said Brother John, “although it would + be better if he had never taken them away. Put them down and get on to + your feet. I do not like to see men wriggling on their stomachs like + monkeys.” + </p> + <p> + The order was obeyed, and we checked the guns and ammunition; also our + revolvers and the other articles that had been taken away from us. Nothing + was missing or damaged; and in addition there were four fine elephant’s + tusks, an offering to Stephen and myself, which, as a business man, I + promptly accepted; some karosses and Mazitu weapons, presents to Mavovo + and the hunters, a beautiful native bedstead with ivory legs and mats of + finely-woven grass, a gift to Hans in testimony to his powers of sleep + under trying circumstances (the Zulus roared when they heard this, and + Hans vanished cursing behind the huts), and for Sammy a weird musical + instrument with a request that in future he would use it in public instead + of his voice. + </p> + <p> + Sammy, I may add, did not see the joke any more than Hans had done, but + the rest of us appreciated the Mazitu sense of humour very much. + </p> + <p> + “It is very well, Mr. Quatermain,” he said, “for these black babes and + sucklings to sit in the seat of the scornful. On such an occasion silent + prayers would have been of little use, but I am certain that my loud + crying to Heaven delivered you all from the bites of the heathen arrows.” + </p> + <p> + “O Dogeetah and white lords,” said Babemba, “the king invites your + presence that he may ask your forgiveness for what has happened, and this + time there will be no need for you to bring arms, since henceforward no + hurt can come to you from the Mazitu people.” + </p> + <p> + So presently we set out once more, taking with us the gifts that had been + refused. Our march to the royal quarters was a veritable triumphal + progress. The people prostrated themselves and clapped their hands slowly + in salutation as we passed, while the girls and children pelted us with + flowers as though we were brides going to be married. Our road ran by the + place of execution where the stakes, at which I confess I looked with a + shiver, were still standing, though the graves had been filled in. + </p> + <p> + On our arrival Bausi and his councillors rose and bowed to us. Indeed, the + king did more, for coming forward he seized Brother John by the hand, and + insisted upon rubbing his ugly black nose against that of this revered + guest. This, it appeared, was the Mazitu method of embracing, an honour + which Brother John did not seem at all to appreciate. Then followed long + speeches, washed down with draughts of thick native beer. Bausi explained + that his evil proceedings were entirely due to the wickedness of the + deceased Imbozwi and his disciples, under whose tyranny the land had + groaned for long, since the people believed them to speak “with the voice + of ‘Heaven Above.’” + </p> + <p> + Brother John, on our behalf, accepted the apology, and then read a + lecture, or rather preached a sermon, that took exactly twenty-five + minutes to deliver (he is rather long in the wind), in which he + demonstrated the evils of superstition and pointed to a higher and a + better path. Bausi replied that he would like to hear more of that path + another time which, as he presumed that we were going to spend the rest of + our lives in his company, could easily be found—say during the next + spring when the crops had been sown and the people had leisure on their + hands. + </p> + <p> + After this we presented our gifts, which now were eagerly accepted. Then I + took up my parable and explained to Bausi that so far from stopping in + Beza Town for the rest of our lives, we were anxious to press forward at + once to Pongo-land. The king’s face fell, as did those of his councillors. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, O lord Macumazana, and all of you,” he said. “These Pongo are + horrible wizards, a great and powerful people who live by themselves + amidst the swamps and mix with none. If the Pongo catch Mazitu or folk of + any other tribe, either they kill them or take them as prisoners to their + own land where they enslave them, or sometimes sacrifice them to the + devils they worship.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so,” broke in Babemba, “for when I was a lad I was a slave to the + Pongo and doomed to be sacrificed to the White Devil. It was in escaping + from them that I lost this eye.” + </p> + <p> + Needless to say, I made a note of this remark, though I did not think the + moment opportune to follow the matter up. If Babemba has once been to + Pongo-land, I reflected to myself, Babemba can go again or show us the way + there. + </p> + <p> + “And if we catch any of the Pongo,” went on Bausi, “as sometimes we do + when they come to hunt for slaves, we kill them. Ever since the Mazitu + have been in this place there has been hate and war between them and the + Pongo, and if I could wipe out those evil ones, then I should die + happily.” + </p> + <p> + “That you will never do, O King, while the White Devil lives,” said + Babemba. “Have you not heard the Pongo prophecy, that while the White + Devil lives and the Holy Flower blooms, they will live. But when the White + Devil dies and the Holy Flower ceases to bloom, then their women will + become barren and their end will be upon them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose that this White Devil will die some day,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Macumazana. It will never die of itself. Like its wicked Priest, + it has been there from the beginning and will always be there unless it is + killed. But who is there that can kill the White Devil?” + </p> + <p> + I thought to myself that I would not mind trying, but again I did not + pursue the point. + </p> + <p> + “My brother Dogeetah and lords,” exclaimed Bausi, “it is not possible that + you should visit these wizards except at the head of an army. But how can + I send an army with you, seeing that the Mazitu are a land people and have + no canoes in which to cross the great lake, and no trees whereof to make + them?” + </p> + <p> + We answered that we did not know but would think the matter over, as we + had come from our own place for this purpose and meant to carry it out. + </p> + <p> + Then the audience came to an end, and we returned to our huts, leaving + Dogeetah to converse with his “brother Bausi” on matters connected with + the latter’s health. As I passed Babemba I told him that I should like to + see him alone, and he said that he would visit me that evening after + supper. The rest of the day passed quietly, for we had asked that people + might be kept away from our encampment. + </p> + <p> + We found Hans, who had not accompanied us, being a little shy of appearing + in public just then, engaged in cleaning the rifles, and this reminded me + of something. Taking the double-barrelled gun of which I have spoken, I + called Mavovo and handed it to him, saying: + </p> + <p> + “It is yours, O true prophet.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my father,” he answered, “it is mine for a little while, then + perhaps it will be yours again.” + </p> + <p> + The words struck me, but I did not care to ask their meaning. Somehow I + wanted to hear no more of Mavovo’s prophecies. + </p> + <p> + Then we dined, and for the rest of that afternoon slept, for all of us, + including Brother John, needed rest badly. In the evening Babemba came, + and we three white men saw him alone. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us about the Pongo and this white devil they worship,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Macumazana,” he answered, “fifty years have gone by since I was in that + land and I see things that happened to me there as through a mist. I went + to fish amongst the reeds when I was a boy of twelve, and tall men robed + in white came in a canoe and seized me. They led me to a town where there + were many other such men, and treated me very well, giving me sweet things + to eat till I grew fat and my skin shone. Then in the evening I was taken + away, and we marched all night to the mouth of a great cave. In this cave + sat a horrible old man about whom danced robed people, performing the + rites of the White Devil. + </p> + <p> + “The old man told me that on the following morning I was to be cooked and + eaten, for which reason I had been made so fat. There was a canoe at the + mouth of the cave, beyond which lay water. While all were asleep I crept + to the canoe. As I loosed the rope one of the priests woke up and ran at + me. But I hit him on the head with the paddle, for though only a boy I was + bold and strong, and he fell into the water. He came up again and gripped + the edge of the canoe, but I struck his fingers with the paddle till he + let go. A great wind was blowing that night, tearing off boughs from the + trees which grew upon the other shore of the water. It whirled the canoe + round and round and one of the boughs struck me in the eye. I scarcely + felt it at the time, but afterwards the eye withered. Or perhaps it was a + spear or a knife that struck me in the eye, I do not know. I paddled till + I lost my senses and always that wind blew. The last thing that I remember + was the sound of the canoe being driven by the gale through reeds. When I + woke up again I found myself near a shore, to which I waded through the + mud, scaring great crocodiles. But this must have been some days later, + for now I was quite thin. I fell down upon the shore, and there some of + our people found me and nursed me till I recovered. That is all.” + </p> + <p> + “And quite enough too,” I said. “Now answer me. How far was the town from + the place where you were captured in Mazitu-land?” + </p> + <p> + “A whole day’s journey in the canoe, Macumazana. I was captured in the + morning early and we reached the harbour in the evening at a place where + many canoes were tied up, perhaps fifty of them, some of which would hold + forty men.” + </p> + <p> + “And how far was the town from this harbour?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite close, Macumazana.” + </p> + <p> + Now Brother John asked a question. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear anything about the land beyond the water by the cave?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Dogeetah. I heard then, or afterwards—for from time to time + rumours reach us concerning these Pongo—that it is an island where + grows the Holy Flower, of which you know, for when last you were here you + had one of its blooms. I heard, too, that this Holy Flower was tended by a + priestess named Mother of the Flower, and her servants, all of whom were + virgins.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was the priestess?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, but I heave heard that she was one of those people who, + although their parents are black, are born white, and that if any females + among the Pongo are born white, or with pink eyes, or deaf and dumb, they + are set apart to be the servants of the priestess. But this priestess must + now be dead, seeing that when I was a boy she was already old, very, very + old, and the Pongo were much concerned because there was no one of white + skin who could be appointed to succeed her. Indeed she <i>is</i> dead, + since many years ago there was a great feast in Pongo-land and numbers of + slaves were eaten, because the priests had found a beautiful new princess + who was white with yellow hair and had finger-nails of the right shape.” + </p> + <p> + Now I bethought me that this finding of the priestess named “Mother of the + Flower,” who must be distinguished by certain personal peculiarities, + resembled not a little that of the finding of the Apis bull-god, which + also must have certain prescribed and holy markings, by the old Egyptians, + as narrated by Herodotus. However, I said nothing about it at the time, + because Brother John asked sharply: + </p> + <p> + “And is this priestess also dead?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, Dogeetah, but I think not. If she were dead I think that + we should have heard some rumour of the Feast of the eating of the dead + Mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Eating the dead mother!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Macumazana. It is the law among the Pongo that, for a certain sacred + reason, the body of the Mother of the Flower, when she dies, must be + partaken of by those who are privileged to the holy food.” + </p> + <p> + “But the White Devil neither dies nor is eaten?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “No, as I have told you, he never dies. It is he who causes others to die, + as if you go to Pongo-land doubtless you will find out,” Babemba added + grimly. + </p> + <p> + Upon my word, thought I to myself, as the meeting broke up because Babemba + had nothing more to say, if I had my way I would leave Pongo-land and its + white devil alone. Then I remembered how Brother John stood in reference + to this matter, and with a sigh resigned myself to fate. As it proved it, + I mean Fate, was quite equal to the occasion. The very next morning, + early, Babemba turned up again. + </p> + <p> + “Lords, lords,” he said, “a wonderful thing has happened! Last night we + spoke of the Pongo and now behold! an embassy from the Pongo is here; it + arrived at sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “To propose peace between their people and the Mazitu. Yes, they ask that + Bausi should send envoys to their town to arrange a lasting peace. As if + anyone would go!” he added. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps some might dare to,” I answered, for an idea occurred to me, “but + let us go to see Bausi.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later we were seated in the king’s enclosure, that is, + Stephen and I were, for Brother John was already in the royal hut, talking + to Bausi. As we went a few words had passed between us. + </p> + <p> + “Has it occurred to you, John,” I asked, “that if you really wish to visit + Pongo-land here is perhaps what you would call a providential opportunity. + Certainly none of these Mazitu will go, since they fear lest they should + find a permanent peace—inside of the Pongo. Well, you are a + blood-brother to Bausi and can offer to play the part of Envoy + Extraordinary, with us as the members of your staff.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already thought of it, Allan,” he replied, stroking his long + beard. + </p> + <p> + We sat down among a few of the leading councillors, and presently Bausi + came out of his hut accompanied by Brother John, and having greeted us, + ordered the Pongo envoys to be admitted. They were led in at once, tall, + light-coloured men with regular and Semitic features, who were clothed in + white linen like Arabs, and wore circles of gold or copper upon their + necks and wrists. + </p> + <p> + In short, they were imposing persons, quite different from ordinary + Central African natives, though there was something about their appearance + which chilled and repelled me. I should add that their spears had been + left outside, and that they saluted the king by folding their arms upon + their breasts and bowing in a dignified fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked Bausi, “and what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Komba,” answered their spokesman, quite a young man with flashing + eyes, “the Accepted-of-the-Gods, who, in a day to come that perhaps is + near, will be the Kalubi of the Pongo people, and these are my servants. I + have come here bearing gifts of friendship which are without, by the + desire of the holy Motombo, the High Priest of the gods——” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that the Kalubi was the priest of your gods,” interrupted + Bausi. + </p> + <p> + “Not so. The Kalubi is the King of the Pongo as you are the King of the + Mazitu. The Motombo, who is seldom seen, is King of the spirits and the + Mouth of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + Bausi nodded in the African fashion, that is by raising the chin, not + depressing it, and Komba went on: + </p> + <p> + “I have placed myself in your power, trusting to your honour. You can kill + me if you wish, though that will avail nothing, since there are others + waiting to become Kalubi in my place.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I a Pongo that I should wish to kill messengers and eat them?” asked + Bausi, with sarcasm, a speech at which I noticed the Pongo envoys winced a + little. + </p> + <p> + “King, you are mistaken. The Pongo only eat those whom the White God has + chosen. It is a religious rite. Why should they who have cattle in plenty + desire to devour men?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” grunted Bausi, “but there is one here who can tell a + different story,” and he looked at Babemba, who wriggled uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + Komba also looked at him with his fierce eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It is not conceivable,” he said, “that anybody should wish to eat one so + old and bony, but let that pass. I thank you, King, for your promise of + safety. I have come here to ask that you should send envoys to confer with + the Kalubi and the Motombo, that a lasting peace may be arranged between + our peoples.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do not the Kalubi and the Motombo come here to confer?” asked Bausi. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is not lawful that they should leave their land, O King. + Therefore they have sent me who am the Kalubi-to-come. Hearken. There has + been war between us for generations. It began so long ago that only the + Motombo knows of its beginning which he has from the gods. Once the Pongo + people owned all this land and only had their sacred places beyond the + water. Then your forefathers came and fell on them, killing many, + enslaving many and taking their women to wife. Now, say the Motombo and + the Kalubi, in the place of war let there be peace; where there is but + barren sand, there let corn and flowers grow; let the darkness, wherein + men lose their way and die, be changed to pleasant light in which they can + sit in the sun holding each other’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear, hear!” I muttered, quite moved by this eloquence. But Bausi was not + at all moved; indeed, he seemed to view these poetic proposals with the + darkest suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Give up killing our people or capturing them to be sacrificed to your + White Devil, and then in a year or two we may listen to your words that + are smeared with honey,” he said. “As it is, we think that they are but a + trap to catch flies. Still, if there are any of our councillors willing to + visit your Motombo and your Kalubi and hear what they have to propose, + taking the risk of whatever may happen to them there, I do not forbid it. + Now, O my Councillors, speak, not altogether, but one by one, and be + swift, since to the first that speaks shall be given this honour.” + </p> + <p> + I think I never heard a denser silence than that which followed this + invitation. Each of the <i>indunas</i> looked at his neighbour, but not + one of them uttered a single word. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Bausi, in affected surprise. “Do none speak? Well, well, + you are lawyers and men of peace. What says the great general, Babemba?” + </p> + <p> + “I say, O King, that I went once to Pongo-land when I was young, taken by + the hair of my head, to leave an eye there and that I do not wish to visit + it again walking on the soles of my feet.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems, O Komba, that since none of my people are willing to act as + envoys, if there is to be talk of peace between us, the Motombo and the + Kalubi must come here under safe conduct.” + </p> + <p> + “I have said that cannot be, O King.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, all is finished, O Komba. Rest, eat of our food and return to your + own land.” + </p> + <p> + Then Brother John rose and said: + </p> + <p> + “We are blood-brethren, Bausi, and therefore I can speak for you. If you + and your councillors are willing, and these Pongos are willing, I and my + friends do not fear to visit the Motombo and the Kalubi, to talk with them + of peace on behalf of your people, since we love to see new lands and new + races of mankind. Say, Komba, if the king allows, will you accept us as + ambassadors?” + </p> + <p> + “It is for the king to name his own ambassadors,” answered Komba. “Yet the + Kalubi has heard of the presence of you white lords in Mazitu-land and + bade me say that if it should be your pleasure to accompany the embassy + and visit him, he would give you welcome. Only when the matter was laid + before the Motombo, the oracle spoke thus: + </p> + <p> + “‘Let the white men come if come they will, or let them stay away. But if + they come, let them bring with them none of those iron tubes, great or + small, whereof the land has heard, that vomit smoke with a noise and cause + death from afar. They will not need them to kill meat, for meat shall be + given to them in plenty; moreover, among the Pongo they will be safe, + unless they offer insult to the god.’” + </p> + <p> + These words Komba spoke very slowly and with much emphasis, his piercing + eyes fixed upon my face as though to read the thoughts it hid. As I heard + them my courage sank into my boots. Well, I knew that the Kalubi was + asking us to Pongo-land that we might kill this Great White Devil that + threatened his life, which, I took it, was a monstrous ape. And how could + we face that or some other frightful brute without firearms? My mind was + made up in a minute. + </p> + <p> + “O Komba,” I said, “my gun is my father, my mother, my wife and all my + other relatives. I do not stir from here without it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, white lord,” answered Komba, “you will do well to stop in this + place in the midst of your family, since, if you try to bring it with you + to Pongo-land, you will be killed as you set foot upon the shore.” + </p> + <p> + Before I could find an answer Brother John spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “It is natural that the great hunter, Macumazana, should not wish to be + parted from what which to him is as a stick to a lame man. But with me it + is different. For years I have used no gun, who kill nothing that God + made, except a few bright-winged insects. I am ready to visit your country + with naught save this in my hand,” and he pointed to the butterfly net + that leaned against the fence behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Good, you are welcome,” said Komba, and I thought that I saw his eyes + gleam with unholy joy. There followed a pause, during which I explained + everything to Stephen, showing that the thing was madness. But here, to my + horror, that young man’s mulish obstinacy came in. + </p> + <p> + “I say, you know, Quatermain,” he said, “we can’t let the old boy go + alone, or at least I can’t. It’s another matter for you who have a son + dependent on you. But putting aside the fact that I mean to get——” + he was about to add, “the orchid,” when I nudged him. Of course, it was + ridiculous, but an uneasy fear took me lest this Komba should in some + mysterious way understand what he was saying. “What’s up? Oh! I see, but + the beggar can’t understand English. Well, putting aside everything else, + it isn’t the game, and there you are, you know. If Mr. Brother John goes, + I’ll go too, and indeed if he doesn’t go, I’ll go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “You unutterable young ass,” I muttered in a stage aside. + </p> + <p> + “What is it the young white lord says he wishes in our country?” asked the + cold Komba, who with diabolical acuteness had read some of Stephen’s + meaning in his face. + </p> + <p> + “He says that he is a harmless traveller who would like to study the + scenery and to find out if you have any gold there,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. Well, he shall study the scenery and we have gold,” and he + touched the bracelets on his arm, “of which he shall be given as much as + he can carry away. But perchance, white lords, you would wish to talk this + matter over alone. Have we your leave to withdraw a while, O King?” + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later we were seated in the king’s “great house” with Bausi + himself and Babemba. Here there was a mighty argument. Bausi implored + Brother John not to go, and so did I. Babemba said that to go would be + madness, as he smelt witchcraft and murder in the air, he who knew the + Pongo. + </p> + <p> + Brother John replied sweetly that he certainly intended to avail himself + of this heaven-sent opportunity to visit one of the few remaining + districts in this part of Africa through which he had not yet wandered. + Stephen yawned and fanned himself with a pocket-handkerchief, for the hut + was hot, and remarked that having come so far after a certain rare flower + he did not mean to return empty-handed. + </p> + <p> + “I perceive, Dogeetah,” said Bausi at last, “that you have some reason for + this journey which you are hiding from me. Still, I am minded to hold you + here by force.” + </p> + <p> + “If you do, it will break our brotherhood,” answered Brother John. “Seek + not to know what I would hide, Bausi, but wait till the future shall + declare it.” + </p> + <p> + Bausi groaned and gave in. Babemba said that Dogeetah and Wazela were + bewitched, and that I, Macumazana, alone retained my senses. + </p> + <p> + “Then that’s settled,” exclaimed Stephen. “John and I are to go as envoys + to the Pongo, and you, Quatermain, will stop here to look after the + hunters and the stores.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” I replied, “do you wish to insult me? After your father put + you in my charge, too! If you two are going, I shall come also, if I have + to do so mother-naked. But let me tell you once and for all in the most + emphatic language I can command, that I consider you a brace of confounded + lunatics, and that if the Pongo don’t eat you, it will be more than you + deserve. To think that at my age I should be dragged among a lot of + cannibal savages without even a pistol, to fight some unknown brute with + my bare hands! Well, we can only die once—that is, so far as we know + at present.” + </p> + <p> + “How true,” remarked Stephen; “how strangely and profoundly true!” + </p> + <p> + Oh! I could have boxed his ears. + </p> + <p> + We went into the courtyard again, whither Komba was summoned with his + attendants. This time they came bearing gifts, or having them borne for + them. These consisted, I remember, of two fine tusks of ivory which + suggested to me that their country could not be entirely surrounded by + water, since elephants would scarcely live upon an island; gold dust in a + gourd and copper bracelets, which showed that it was mineralized; white + native linen, very well woven, and some really beautiful decorated pots, + indicating that the people had artistic tastes. Where did they get them + from, I wonder, and what was the origin of their race? I cannot answer the + question, for I never found out with any certainty. Nor do I think they + knew themselves. + </p> + <p> + The <i>indaba</i> was resumed. Bausi announced that we three white men + with a servant apiece (I stipulated for this) would visit Pongo-land as + his envoys, taking no firearms with us, there to discuss terms of peace + between the two peoples, and especially the questions of trade and + intermarriage. Komba was very insistent that this should be included; at + the time I wondered why. He, Komba, on behalf of the Motombo and the + Kalubi, the spiritual and temporal rulers of his land, guaranteed us safe + conduct on the understanding that we attempted no insult or violence to + the gods, a stipulation from which there was no escape, though I liked it + little. He swore also that we should be delivered safe and sound in the + Mazitu country within six days of our having left its shores. + </p> + <p> + Bausi said that it was good, adding that he would send five hundred armed + men to escort us to the place where we were to embark, and to receive us + on our return; also that if any hurt came to us he would wage war upon the + Pongo people for ever until he found means to destroy them. + </p> + <p> + So we parted, it being agreed that we were to start upon our journey on + the following morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII<br/> + RICA TOWN + </h2> + <p> + As a matter of fact we did not leave Beza Town till twenty-four hours + later than had been arranged, since it took some time for old Babemba, who + was to be in charge of it, to collect and provision our escort of five + hundred men. + </p> + <p> + Here, I may mention, that when we got back to our huts we found the two + Mazitu bearers, Tom and Jerry, eating a hearty meal, but looking rather + tired. It appeared that in order to get rid of their favourable evidence, + the deceased witch-doctor, Imbozwi, who for some reason or other had feared + to kill them, caused them to be marched off to a distant part of the land + where they were imprisoned. On the arrival of the news of the fall and + death of Imbozwi and his subordinates, they were set at liberty, and at + once returned to us at Beza Town. + </p> + <p> + Of course it became necessary to explain to our servants what we were + about to do. When they understood the nature of our proposed expedition + they shook their heads, and when they learned that we had promised to + leave our guns behind us, they were speechless with amazement. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Kransick! Kransick!</i>” which means “ill in the skull,” or “mad,” + exclaimed Hans to the others as he tapped his forehead significantly. + “They have caught it from Dogeetah, one who lives on insects which he + entangles in a net, and carries no gun to kill game. Well, I knew they + would.” + </p> + <p> + The hunters nodded in assent, and Sammy lifted his arms to Heaven as + though in prayer. Only Mavovo seemed indifferent. Then came the question + of which of them was to accompany us. + </p> + <p> + “So far as I am concerned that is soon settled,” said Mavovo. “I go with + my father, Macumazana, seeing that even without a gun I am still strong + and can fight as my male ancestors fought with a spear.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, too, go with the Baas Quatermain,” grunted Hans, “seeing that even + without a gun I am cunning, as <i>my</i> female ancestors were before me.” + </p> + <p> + “Except when you take medicine, Spotted Snake, and lose yourself in the + mist of sleep,” mocked one of the Zulus. “Does that fine bedstead which + the king sent you go with you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, son of a fool!” answered Hans. “I’ll lend it to you who do not + understand that there is more wisdom within me when I am asleep than there + is in you when you are awake.” + </p> + <p> + It remained to be decided who the third man should be. As neither of + Brother John’s two servants, who had accompanied him on his cross-country + journey, was suitable, one being ill and the other afraid, Stephen + suggested Sammy as the man, chiefly because he could cook. + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Somers, no,” said Sammy, with earnestness. “At this proposal I + draw the thick rope. To ask one who can cook to visit a land where he will + be cooked, is to seethe the offspring in its parent’s milk.” + </p> + <p> + So we gave him up, and after some discussion fixed upon Jerry, a smart and + plucky fellow, who was quite willing to accompany us. The rest of that day + we spent in making our preparations which, if simple, required a good deal + of thought. To my annoyance, at the time I wanted to find Hans to help me, + he was not forthcoming. When at length he appeared I asked him where he + had been. He answered, to cut himself a stick in the forest, as he + understood we should have to walk a long way. Also he showed me the stick, + a long, thick staff of a hard and beautiful kind of bamboo which grows in + Mazitu-land. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want that clumsy thing for,” I said, “when there are plenty + of sticks about?” + </p> + <p> + “New journey, new stick! Baas. Also this kind of wood is full of air and + might help me to float if we are upset into the water.” + </p> + <p> + “What an idea!” I exclaimed, and dismissed the matter from my mind. + </p> + <p> + At dawn, on the following day, we started, Stephen and I riding on the two + donkeys, which were now fat and lusty, and Brother John upon his white ox, + a most docile beast that was quite attached to him. All the hunters, fully + armed, came with us to the borders of the Mazitu country, where they were + to await our return in company with the Mazitu regiment. The king himself + went with us to the west gate of the town, where he bade us all, and + especially Brother John, an affectionate farewell. Moreover, he sent for + Komba and his attendants, and again swore to him that if any harm happened + to us, he would not rest till he had found a way to destroy the Pongo, + root and branch. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear,” answered the cold Komba, “in our holy town of Rica we do + not tie innocent guests to stakes to be shot to death with arrows.” + </p> + <p> + The repartee, which was undoubtedly neat, irritated Bausi, who was not + fond of allusions to this subject. + </p> + <p> + “If the white men are so safe, why do you not let them take their guns + with them?” he asked, somewhat illogically. + </p> + <p> + “If we meant evil, King, would their guns help them, they being but few + among so many. For instance, could we not steal them, as you did when you + plotted the murder of these white lords. It is a law among the Pongo that + no such magic weapon shall be allowed to enter their land.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” I asked, to change the conversation, for I saw that Bausi was + growing very wrath and feared complications. + </p> + <p> + “Because, my lord Macumazana, there is a prophecy among us that when a gun + is fired in Pongo-land, its gods will desert us, and the Motombo, who is + their priest, will die. That saying is very old, but until a little while + ago none knew what it meant, since it spoke of ‘a hollow spear that + smoked,’ and such a weapon was not known to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I said, mourning within myself that we should not be in a + position to bring about the fulfilment of that prophecy, which, as Hans + said, shaking his head sadly, “was a great pity, a very great pity!” + </p> + <p> + Three days’ march over country that gradually sloped downwards from the + high tableland on which stood Beza Town, brought us to the lake called + Kirua, a word which, I believe, means The Place of the Island. Of the lake + itself we could see nothing, because of the dense brake of tall reeds + which grew out into the shallow water for quite a mile from the shore and + was only pierced here and there with paths made by the hippopotami when + they came to the mainland at night to feed. From a high mound which looked + exactly like a tumulus and, for aught I know, may have been one, however, + the blue waters beyond were visible, and in the far distance what, looked + at through glasses, appeared to be a tree-clad mountain top. I asked Komba + what it might be, and he answered that it was the Home of the gods in + Pongo-land. + </p> + <p> + “What gods?” I asked again, whereon he replied like a black Herodotus, + that of these it was not lawful to speak. + </p> + <p> + I have rarely met anyone more difficult to pump than that frigid and + un-African Komba. + </p> + <p> + On the top of this mound we planted the Union Jack, fixed to the tallest + pole that we could find. Komba asked suspiciously why we did so, and as I + was determined to show this unsympathetic person that there were others as + unpumpable as himself, I replied that it was the god of our tribe, which + we set up there to be worshipped, and that anyone who tried to insult or + injure it, would certainly die, as the witch-doctor, Imbozwi, and his + children had found out. For once Komba seemed a little impressed, and even + bowed to the bunting as he passed by. + </p> + <p> + What I did not inform him was that we had set the flag there to be a sign + and a beacon to us in case we should ever be forced to find our way back + to this place unguided and in a hurry. As a matter of fact, this piece of + forethought, which oddly enough originated with the most reckless of our + party, Stephen, proved our salvation, as I shall tell later on. At the + foot of the mound we set our camp for the night, the Mazitu soldiers under + Babemba, who did not mind mosquitoes, making theirs nearer to the lake, + just opposite to where a wide hippopotamus lane pierced the reeds, leaving + a little canal of clear water. + </p> + <p> + I asked Komba when and how we were to cross the lake. He said that we must + start at dawn on the following morning when, at this time of the year, the + wind generally blew off shore, and that if the weather were favourable, we + should reach the Pongo town of Rica by nightfall. As to how we were to do + this, he would show me if I cared to follow him. I nodded, and he led me + four or five hundred yards along the edge of the reeds in a southerly + direction. + </p> + <p> + As we went, two things happened. The first of these was that a very large, + black rhinoceros, which was sleeping in some bushes, suddenly got our wind + and, after the fashion of these beasts, charged down on us from about + fifty yards away. Now I was carrying a heavy, single-barrelled rifle, for + as yet we and our weapons were not parted. On came the rhinoceros, and + Komba, small blame to him for he only had a spear, started to run. I + cocked the rifle and waited my chance. + </p> + <p> + When it was not more than fifteen paces away the rhinoceros threw up its + head, at which, of course, it was useless to fire because of the horn, and + I let drive at the throat. The bullet hit it fair, and I suppose + penetrated to the heart. At any rate, it rolled over and over like a shot + rabbit, and with a single stretch of its limbs, expired almost at my feet. + </p> + <p> + Komba was much impressed. He returned; he stared at the dead rhinoceros + and at the hole in its throat; he stared at me; he stared at the still + smoking rifle. + </p> + <p> + “The great beast of the plains killed with a noise!” he muttered. “Killed + in an instant by this little monkey of a white man” (I thanked him for + that and made a note of it) “and his magic. Oh! the Motombo was wise when + he commanded——” and with an effort he stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Well, friend, what is the matter?” I asked. “You see there was no need + for you to run. If you had stepped behind me you would have been as safe + as you are now—after running.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, lord Macumazana, but the thing is strange to me. Forgive me if + I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I forgive you, my lord Kalubi—that is—to be. It is clear + that you have a good deal to learn in Pongo-land.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord Macumazana, and so perhaps have you,” he replied dryly, + having by this time recovered his nerve and sarcastic powers. + </p> + <p> + Then after telling Mavovo, who appeared mysteriously at the sound of the + shot—I think he was stalking us in case of accidents—to fetch + men to cut up the rhinoceros, Komba and I proceeded on our walk. + </p> + <p> + A little further on, just by the edge of the reeds, I caught sight of a + narrow, oblong trench dug in a patch of stony soil, and of a rusted + mustard tin half-hidden by some scanty vegetation. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” I asked, in seeming astonishment, though I knew well what + it must be. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied Komba, who evidently was not yet quite himself, “that is + where the white lord Dogeetah, Bausi’s blood-brother, set his little + canvas house when he was here over twelve moons ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Really!” I exclaimed, “he never told me he was here.” (This was a lie, + but somehow I was not afraid of lying to Komba.) “How do you know that he + was here?” + </p> + <p> + “One of our people who was fishing in the reeds saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that explains it, Komba. But what an odd place for him to fish in; so + far from home; and I wonder what he was fishing for. When you have time, + Komba, you must explain to me what it is that you catch amidst the roots + of thick reeds in such shallow water.” + </p> + <p> + Komba replied that he would do so with pleasure—when he had time. + Then, as though to avoid further conversation he ran forward, and + thrusting the reeds apart, showed me a great canoe, big enough to hold + thirty or forty men, which with infinite labour had been hollowed out of + the trunk of a single, huge tree. This canoe differed from the majority of + those that personally I have seen used on African lakes and rivers, in + that it was fitted for a mast, now unshipped. I looked at it and said it + was a fine boat, whereon Komba replied that there were a hundred such at + Rica Town, though not all of them were so large. + </p> + <p> + Ah! thought I to myself as we walked back to the camp. Then, allowing an + average of twenty to a canoe, the Pongo tribe number about two thousand + males old enough to paddle, an estimate which turned out to be singularly + correct. + </p> + <p> + Next morning at dawn we started, with some difficulty. To begin with, in + the middle of the night old Babemba came to the canvas shelter under which + I was sleeping, woke me up and in a long speech implored me not to go. He + said he was convinced that the Pongo intended foul play of some sort and + that all this talk of peace was a mere trick to entrap us white men into + the country, probably in order to sacrifice us to its gods for a religious + reason. + </p> + <p> + I answered that I quite agreed with him, but that as my companions + insisted upon making this journey, I could not desert them. All that I + could do was to beg him to keep a sharp look-out so that he might be able + to help us in case we got into trouble. + </p> + <p> + “Here I will stay and watch for you, lord Macumazana,” he answered, “but + if you fall into a snare, am I able to swim through the water like a fish, + or to fly through the air like a bird to free you?” + </p> + <p> + After he had gone one of the Zulu hunters arrived, a man named Ganza, a + sort of lieutenant to Mavovo, and sang the same song. He said that it was + not right that I should go without guns to die among devils and leave him + and his companions wandering alone in a strange land. + </p> + <p> + I answered that I was much of the same opinion, but that Dogeetah insisted + upon going and that I had no choice. + </p> + <p> + “Then let us kill Dogeetah, or at any rate tie him up, so that he can do + no more mischief in his madness,” Ganza suggested blandly, whereon I + turned him out. + </p> + <p> + Lastly Sammy arrived and said: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Quatermain, before you plunge into this deep well of foolishness, I + beg that you will consider your responsibilities to God and man, and + especially to us, your household, who are now but lost sheep far from + home, and further, that you will remember that if anything disagreeable + should overtake you, you are indebted to me to the extent of two months’ + wages which will probably prove unrecoverable.” + </p> + <p> + I produced a little leather bag from a tin box and counted out to Sammy + the wages due to him, also those for three months in advance. + </p> + <p> + To my astonishment he began to weep. “Sir,” he said, “I do not seek filthy + lucre. What I mean is that I am afraid you will be killed by these Pongo, + and, alas! although I love you, sir, I am too great a coward to come and + be killed with you, for God made me like that. I pray you not to go, Mr. + Quatermain, because I repeat, I love you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you do, my good fellow,” I answered, “and I also am afraid of + being killed, who only seem to be brave because I must. However, I hope we + shall come through all right. Meanwhile, I am going to give this box and + all the gold in it, of which there is a great deal, into your charge, + Sammy, trusting to you, if anything happens to us, to get it safe back to + Durban if you can.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Quatermain,” he exclaimed, “I am indeed honoured, especially as + you know that once I was in jail for—embezzlement—with + extenuating circumstances, Mr. Quatermain. I tell you that although I am a + coward, I will die before anyone gets his fingers into that box.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that you will, Sammy my boy,” I said. “But I hope, although + things look queer, that none of us will be called upon to die just yet.” + </p> + <p> + The morning came at last, and the six of us marched down to the canoe + which had been brought round to the open waterway. Here we had to undergo + a kind of customs-house examination at the hands of Komba and his + companions, who seemed terrified lest we should be smuggling firearms. + </p> + <p> + “You know what rifles are like,” I said indignantly. “Can you see any in + our hands? Moreover, I give you my word that we have none.” + </p> + <p> + Komba bowed politely, but suggested that perhaps some “little guns,” by + which he meant pistols, remained in our baggage—by accident. Komba + was a most suspicious person. + </p> + <p> + “Undo all the loads,” I said to Hans, who obeyed with an enthusiasm which + I confess struck me as suspicious. + </p> + <p> + Knowing his secretive and tortuous nature, this sudden zeal for openness + seemed almost unnatural. He began by unrolling his own blanket, inside of + which appeared a miscellaneous collection of articles. I remember among + them a spare pair of very dirty trousers, a battered tin cup, a wooden + spoon such as Kaffirs use to eat their <i>scoff</i> with, a bottle full of + some doubtful compound, sundry roots and other native medicines, an old + pipe I had given him, and last but not least, a huge head of yellow + tobacco in the leaf, of a kind that the Mazitu, like the Pongos, cultivate + to some extent. + </p> + <p> + “What on earth do you want so much tobacco for, Hans?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “For us three black people to smoke, Baas, or to take as snuff, or to + chew. Perhaps where we are going we may find little to eat, and then + tobacco is a food on which one can live for days. Also it brings sleep at + nights.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that will do,” I said, fearing lest Hans, like a second Walter + Raleigh, was about to deliver a long lecture upon the virtue of tobacco. + </p> + <p> + “There is no need for the yellow man to take this weed to our land,” + interrupted Komba, “for there we have plenty. Why does he cumber himself + with the stuff?” and he stretched out his hand idly as though to take hold + of and examine it closely. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, however, Mavovo called attention to his bundle which he + had undone, whether on purpose or by accident, I do not know, and + forgetting the tobacco, Komba turned to attend to him. With a marvellous + celerity Hans rolled up his blanket again. In less than a minute the + lashings were fast and it was hanging on his back. Again suspicion took + me, but an argument which had sprung up between Brother John and Komba + about the former’s butterfly net, which Komba suspected of being a new + kind of gun or at least a magical instrument of a dangerous sort, + attracted my notice. After this dispute, another arose over a common + garden trowel that Stephen had thought fit to bring with him. Komba asked + what it was for. Stephen replied through Brother John that it was to dig + up flowers. + </p> + <p> + “Flowers!” said Komba. “One of our gods is a flower. Does the white lord + wish to dig up our god?” + </p> + <p> + Of course this was exactly what Stephen did desire to do, but not + unnaturally he kept the fact to himself. The squabble grew so hot that + finally I announced that if our little belongings were treated with so + much suspicion, it might be better that we should give up the journey + altogether. + </p> + <p> + “We have passed our word that we have no firearms,” I said in the most + dignified manner that I could command, “and that should be enough for you, + O Komba.” + </p> + <p> + Then Komba, after consultation with his companions, gave way. Evidently he + was anxious that we should visit Pongo-land. + </p> + <p> + So at last we started. We three white men and our servants seated + ourselves in the stern of the canoe on grass cushions that had been + provided. Komba went to the bows and his people, taking the broad paddles, + rowed and pushed the boat along the water-way made by the hippopotami + through the tall and matted reeds, from which ducks and other fowl rose in + multitudes with a sound like thunder. A quarter of an hour or so of + paddling through these weed-encumbered shallows brought us to the deep and + open lake. Here, on the edge of the reeds a tall pole that served as a + mast was shipped, and a square sail, made of closely-woven mats, run up. + It filled with the morning off-land breeze and presently we were bowling + along at a rate of quite eight miles the hour. The shore grew dim behind + us, but for a long while above the clinging mists I could see the flag + that we had planted on the mound. By degrees it dwindled till it became a + mere speck and vanished. As it grew smaller my spirits sank, and when it + was quite gone, I felt very low indeed. + </p> + <p> + Another of your fool’s errands, Allan my boy, I said to myself. I wonder + how many more you are destined to survive. + </p> + <p> + The others, too, did not seem in the best of spirits. Brother John stared + at the horizon, his lips moving as though he were engaged in prayer, and + even Stephen was temporarily depressed. Jerry had fallen asleep, as a + native generally does when it is warm and he has nothing to do. Mavovo + looked very thoughtful. I wondered whether he had been consulting his + Snake again, but did not ask him. Since the episode of our escape from + execution by bow and arrow I had grown somewhat afraid of that unholy + reptile. Next time it might foretell our immediate doom, and if it did I + knew that I should believe. + </p> + <p> + As for Hans, he looked much disturbed, and was engaged in wildly hunting + for something in the flap pockets of an antique corduroy waistcoat which, + from its general appearance, must, I imagine, years ago have adorned the + person of a British game-keeper. + </p> + <p> + “Three,” I heard him mutter. “By my great grandfather’s spirit! only three + left.” + </p> + <p> + “Three what?” I asked in Dutch. + </p> + <p> + “Three charms, Baas, and there ought to have been quite twenty-four. The + rest have fallen out through a hole that the devil himself made in this + rotten stuff. Now we shall not die of hunger, and we shall not be shot, + and we shall not be drowned, at least none of those things will happen to + me. But there are twenty-one other things that may finish us, as I have + lost the charms to ward them off. Thus——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! stop your rubbish,” I said, and fell again into the depths of my + uncomfortable reflections. After this I, too, went to sleep. When I woke + it was past midday and the wind was falling. However, it held while we ate + some food we had brought with us, after which it died away altogether, and + the Pongo people took to their paddles. At my suggestion we offered to + help them, for it occurred to me that we might just as well learn how to + manage these paddles. So six were given to us, and Komba, who now I noted + was beginning to speak in a somewhat imperious tone, instructed us in + their use. At first we made but a poor hand at the business, but three or + four hours’ steady practice taught us a good deal. Indeed, before our + journey’s end, I felt that we should be quite capable of managing a canoe, + if ever it became necessary for us to do so. + </p> + <p> + By three in the afternoon the shores of the island we were approaching—if + it really was an island, a point that I never cleared up—were well + in sight, the mountain top that stood some miles inland having been + visible for hours. In fact, through my glasses, I had been able to make + out its configuration almost from the beginning of the voyage. About five + we entered the mouth of a deep bay fringed on either side with forests, in + which were cultivated clearings with small villages of the ordinary + African stamp. I observed from the smaller size of the trees adjacent to + these clearings, that much more land had once been under cultivation here, + probably within the last century, and asked Komba why this was so. + </p> + <p> + He answered in an enigmatic sentence which impressed me so much that I + find I entered it verbatim in my notebook. + </p> + <p> + “When man dies, corn dies. Man is corn, and corn is man.” + </p> + <p> + Under this entry I see that I wrote “Compare the saying, ‘Bread is the + staff of life.’” + </p> + <p> + I could not get any more out of him. Evidently he referred, however, to a + condition of shrinking in the population, a circumstance which he did not + care to discuss. + </p> + <p> + After the first few miles the bay narrowed sharply, and at its end came to + a point where a stream of no great breadth fell into it. On either side of + this stream that was roughly bridged in many places stood the town of + Rica. It consisted of a great number of large huts roofed with palm leaves + and constructed apparently of whitewashed clay, or rather, as we + discovered afterwards, of lake mud mixed with chopped straw or grass. + </p> + <p> + Reaching a kind of wharf which was protected from erosion by piles formed + of small trees driven into the mud, to which were tied a fleet of canoes, + we landed just as the sun was beginning to sink. Our approach had + doubtless been observed, for as we drew near the wharf a horn was blown by + someone on the shore, whereon a considerable number of men appeared, I + suppose, out of the huts, and assisted to make the canoe fast. I noted that + these all resembled Komba and his companions in build and features; they + were so like each other that, except for the difference of their ages, it + was difficult to tell them apart. They might all have been members of one + family; indeed, this was practically the case, owing to constant + intermarriage carried on for generations. + </p> + <p> + There was something in the appearance of these tall, cold, sharp-featured, + white-robed men that chilled my blood, something unnatural and almost + inhuman. Here was nothing of the usual African jollity. No one shouted, no + one laughed or chattered. No one crowded on us, trying to handle our + persons or clothes. No one appeared afraid or even astonished. Except for + a word or two they were silent, merely contemplating us in a chilling and + distant fashion, as though the arrival of three white men in a country + where before no white man had ever set foot were an everyday occurrence. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, our personal appearance did not seem to impress them, for they + smiled faintly at Brother John’s long beard and at my stubbly hair, + pointing these out to each other with their slender fingers or with the + handles of their big spears. I remarked that they never used the blade of + the spear for this purpose, perhaps because they thought that we might + take this for a hostile or even a warlike demonstration. It is humiliating + to have to add that the only one of our company who seemed to move them to + wonder or interest was Hans. His extremely ugly and wrinkled countenance, + it was clear, did appeal to them to some extent, perhaps because they had + never seen anything in the least like it before, or perhaps for another + reason which the reader may guess in due course. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, I heard one of them, pointing to Hans, ask Komba whether the + ape-man was our god or only our captain. The compliment seemed to please + Hans, who hitherto had never been looked on either as a god or a captain. + But the rest of us were not flattered; indeed, Mavovo was indignant, and + told Hans outright that if he heard any more such talk he would beat him + before these people, to show them that he was neither a captain nor a god. + </p> + <p> + “Wait till I claim to be either, O butcher of a Zulu, before you threaten + to treat me thus!” ejaculated Hans, indignantly. Then he added, with his + peculiar Hottentot snigger, “Still, it is true that before all the meat is + eaten (i.e. before all is done) you may think me both,” a dark saying + which at the time we did not understand. + </p> + <p> + When we had landed and collected our belongings, Komba told us to follow + him, and led us up a wide street that was very tidily kept and bordered on + either side by the large huts whereof I have spoken. Each of these huts + stood in a fenced garden of its own, a thing I have rarely seen elsewhere + in Africa. The result of this arrangement was that although as a matter of + fact it had but a comparatively small population, the area covered by Rica + was very great. The town, by the way, was not surrounded with any wall or + other fortification, which showed that the inhabitants feared no attack. + The waters of the lake were their defence. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, the chief characteristic of this place was the silence that + brooded there. Apparently they kept no dogs, for none barked, and no + poultry, for I never heard a cock crow in Pongo-land. Cattle and native + sheep they had in abundance, but as they did not fear any enemy, these + were pastured outside the town, their milk and meat being brought in as + required. A considerable number of people were gathered to observe us, not + in a crowd, but in little family groups which collected separately at the + gates of the gardens. + </p> + <p> + For the most part these consisted of a man and one or more wives, finely + formed and handsome women. Sometimes they had children with them, but + these were very few; the most I saw with any one family was three, and + many seemed to possess none at all. Both the women and the children, like + the men, were decently clothed in long, white garments, another + peculiarity which showed that these natives were no ordinary African + savages. + </p> + <p> + Oh! I can see Rica Town now after all these many years: the wide street + swept and garnished, the brown-roofed, white-walled huts in their fertile, + irrigated gardens, the tall, silent folk, the smoke from the cooking fires + rising straight as a line in the still air, the graceful palms and other + tropical trees, and at the head of the street, far away to the north, the + rounded, towering shape of the forest-clad mountain that was called House + of the Gods. Often that vision comes back to me in my sleep, or at times + in my waking hours when some heavy odour reminds me of the overpowering + scent of the great trumpet-like blooms which hung in profusion upon + broad-leaved bushes that were planted in almost every garden. + </p> + <p> + On we marched till at last we reached a tall, live fence that was covered + with brilliant scarlet flowers, arriving at its gate just as the last red + glow of day faded from the sky and night began to fall. Komba pushed open + the gate, revealing a scene that none of us are likely to forget. The + fence enclosed about an acre of ground of which the back part was occupied + by two large huts standing in the usual gardens. + </p> + <p> + In front of these, not more than fifteen paces from the gate, stood + another building of a totally different character. It was about fifty feet + in length by thirty broad and consisted only of a roof supported upon + carved pillars of wood, the spaces between the pillars being filled with + grass mats or blinds. Most of these blinds were pulled down, but four + exactly opposite the gate were open. Inside the shed forty or fifty men, + who wore white robes and peculiar caps and who were engaged in chanting a + dreadful, melancholy song, were gathered on three sides of a huge fire + that burned in a pit in the ground. On the fourth side, that facing the + gate, a man stood alone with his arms outstretched and his back towards + us. + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden he heard our footsteps and turned round, springing to the + left, so that the light might fall on us. Now we saw by the glow of the + great fire, that over it was an iron grid not unlike a small bedstead, and + that on this grid lay some fearful object. Stephen, who was a little + ahead, stared, then exclaimed in a horrified voice: + </p> + <p> + “My God! it is a woman!” + </p> + <p> + In another second the blinds fell down, hiding everything, and the singing + ceased. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV<br/> + THE KALUBI’S OATH + </h2> + <p> + “Be silent!” I whispered, and all understood my tone if they did not catch + the words. Then steadying myself with an effort, for this hideous vision, + which might have been a picture from hell, made me feel faint, I glanced + at Komba, who was a pace or two in front of us. Evidently he was much + disturbed—the motions of his back told me this—by the sense of + some terrible mistake that he had made. For a moment he stood still, then + wheeled round and asked me if we had seen anything. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered indifferently, “we saw a number of men gathered round a + fire, nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to search our faces, but luckily the great moon, now almost at + her full, was hidden behind a thick cloud, so that he could not read them + well. I heard him sigh in relief as he said: + </p> + <p> + “The Kalubi and the head men are cooking a sheep; it is their custom to + feast together on those nights when the moon is about to change. Follow + me, white lords.” + </p> + <p> + Then he led us round the end of the long shed at which we did not even + look, and through the garden on its farther side to the two fine huts I + have mentioned. Here he clapped his hands and a woman appeared, I know not + whence. To her he whispered something. She went away and presently + returned with four or five other women who carried clay lamps filled with + oil in which floated a wick of palm fibre. These lamps were set down in + the huts that proved to be very clean and comfortable places, furnished + after a fashion with wooden stools and a kind of low table of which the + legs were carved to the shape of antelope’s feet. Also there was a wooden + platform at the end of the hut whereon lay beds covered with mats and + stuffed with some soft fibre. + </p> + <p> + “Here you may rest safe,” he said, “for, white lords, are you not the + honoured guests of the Pongo people? Presently food” (I shuddered at the + word) “will be brought to you, and after you have eaten well, if it is + your pleasure, the Kalubi and his councillors will receive you in yonder + feast-house and you can talk with them before you sleep. If you need + aught, strike upon that jar with a stick,” and he pointed to what looked + like a copper cauldron that stood in the garden of the hut near the place + where the women were already lighting a fire, “and some will wait on you. + Look, here are your goods; none are missing, and here comes water in which + you may wash. Now I must go to make report to the Kalubi,” and with a + courteous bow he departed. + </p> + <p> + So after a while did the silent, handsome women—to fetch our meal, I + understood one of them to say, and at length we were alone. + </p> + <p> + “My aunt!” said Stephen, fanning himself with his pocket-handkerchief, + “did you see that lady toasting? I have often heard of cannibals, those + slaves, for instance, but the actual business! Oh! my aunt!” + </p> + <p> + “It is no use addressing your absent aunt—if you have got one. What + did you expect if you would insist on coming to a hell like this?” I asked + gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Can’t say, old fellow. Don’t trouble myself much with expectations as a + rule. That’s why I and my poor old father never could get on. I always + quoted the text ‘Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof’ to him, until + at length he sent for the family Bible and ruled it out with red ink in a + rage. But I say, do you think that we shall be called upon to understudy + St. Lawrence on that grid?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, I do,” I replied, “and, as old Babemba warned you, you can’t + complain.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! but I will and I can. And so will you, won’t you, Brother John?” + </p> + <p> + Brother John woke up from a reverie and stroked his long beard. + </p> + <p> + “Since you ask me, Mr. Somers,” he said, reflectively, “if it were a case + of martyrdom for the Faith, like that of the saint to whom you have + alluded, I should not object—at any rate in theory. But I confess + that, speaking from a secular point of view, I have the strongest dislike + to being cooked and eaten by these very disagreeable savages. Still, I see + no reason to suppose that we shall fall victims to their domestic + customs.” + </p> + <p> + I, being in a depressed mood, was about to argue to the contrary, when + Hans poked his head into the hut and said: + </p> + <p> + “Dinner coming, Baas, very fine dinner!” + </p> + <p> + So we went out into the garden where the tall, impassive ladies were + arranging many wooden dishes on the ground. Now the moon was clear of + clouds, and by its brilliant light we examined their contents. Some were + cooked meat covered with a kind of sauce that made its nature + indistinguishable. As a matter of fact, I believe it was mutton, but—who + could say? Others were evidently of a vegetable nature. For instance, + there was a whole platter full of roasted mealie cobs and a great boiled + pumpkin, to say nothing of some bowls of curdled milk. Regarding this + feast I became aware of a sudden and complete conversion to those + principles of vegetarianism which Brother John was always preaching to me. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you are quite right,” I said to him, nervously, “in holding + that vegetables are the best diet in a hot climate. At any rate I have + made up my mind to try the experiment for a few days,” and throwing + manners to the winds, I grabbed four of the upper mealie cobs and the top + of the pumpkin which I cut off with a knife. Somehow I did not seem to + fancy that portion of it which touched the platter, for who knew what + those dishes might have contained and how often they were washed. + </p> + <p> + Stephen also appeared to have found salvation on this point, for he, too, + patronized the mealie cobs and the pumpkin; so did Mavovo, and so did even + that inveterate meat-eater, Hans. Only the simple Jerry tackled the + fleshpots of Egypt, or rather of Pongo-land, with appetite, and declared + that they were good. I think that he, being the last of us through the + gateway, had not realized what it was which lay upon the grid. + </p> + <p> + At length we finished our simple meal—when you are very hungry it + takes a long time to fill oneself with squashy pumpkin, which is why I + suppose ruminants and other grazing animals always seem to be eating—and + washed it down with water in preference to the sticky-looking milk which + we left to the natives. + </p> + <p> + “Allan,” said Brother John to me in a low voice as we lit our pipes, “that + man who stood with his back to us in front of the gridiron was the Kalubi. + Against the firelight I saw the gap in his hand where I cut away the + finger.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if we want to get any further, you must cultivate him,” I answered. + “But the question is, shall we get further than—that grid? I believe + we have been trapped here to be eaten.” + </p> + <p> + Before Brother John could reply, Komba arrived, and after inquiring + whether our appetites had been good, intimated that the Kalubi and head + men were ready to receive us. So off we went with the exception of Jerry, + whom we left to watch our things, taking with us the presents we had + prepared. + </p> + <p> + Komba led us to the feast-house, where the fire in the pit was out, or had + been covered over, and the grid and its horrible burden had disappeared. + Also now all the mats were rolled up, so that the clear moonlight flowed + into and illuminated the place. Seated in a semicircle on wooden stools + with their faces towards the gateway were the Kalubi, who occupied the + centre, and eight councillors, all of them grey-haired men. This Kalubi + was a tall, thin individual of middle age with, I think, the most nervous + countenance that I ever saw. His features twitched continually and his + hands were never still. The eyes, too, as far as I could see them in that + light, were full of terrors. + </p> + <p> + He rose and bowed, but the councillors remained seated, greeting us with a + long-continued and soft clapping of the hands, which, it seemed, was the + Pongo method of salute. + </p> + <p> + We bowed in answer, then seated ourselves on three stools that had been + placed for us, Brother John occupying the middle stool. Mavovo and Hans + stood behind us, the latter supporting himself with his large bamboo + stick. As soon as these preliminaries were over the Kalubi called upon + Komba, whom he addressed in formal language as + “You-who-have-passed-the-god,” and “You-the-Kalubi-to-be” (I thought I saw + him wince as he said these words), to give an account of his mission and + of how it came about that they had the honour of seeing the white lords + there. + </p> + <p> + Komba obeyed. After addressing the Kalubi with every possible title of + honour, such as “Absolute Monarch,” “Master whose feet I kiss,” “He whose + eyes are fire and whose tongue is a sword,” “He at whose nod people die,” + “Lord of the Sacrifice, first Taster of the Sacred meat,” “Beloved of the + gods” (here the Kalubi shrank as though he had been pricked with a spear), + “Second to none on earth save the Motombo the most holy, the most ancient, + who comes from heaven and speaks with the voice of heaven,” etc., etc., he + gave a clear but brief account of all that had happened in the course of + his mission to Beza Town. + </p> + <p> + Especially did he narrate how, in obedience to a message which he had + received from the Motombo, he had invited the white lords to Pongo-land, + and even accepted them as envoys from the Mazitu when none would respond + to King Bausi’s invitation to fill that office. Only he had stipulated + that they should bring with them none of their magic weapons which vomited + out smoke and death, as the Motombo had commanded. At this information the + expressive countenance of the Kalubi once more betrayed mental disturbance + that I think Komba noted as much as we did. However, he said nothing, and + after a pause, Komba went on to explain that no such weapons had been + brought, since, not satisfied with our word that this was so, he and his + companions had searched our baggage before we left Mazitu-land. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, he added, there was no cause to fear that we should bring about + the fulfilment of the old prophecy that when a gun was fired among the + Pongo the gods would desert the land and the people cease to be a people. + </p> + <p> + Having finished his speech, he sat down in a humble place behind us. Then + the Kalubi, after formally accepting us as ambassadors from Bausi, King of + the Mazitu, discoursed at length upon the advantages which would result to + both peoples from a lasting peace between them. Finally he propounded the + articles of such a peace. These, it was clear, had been carefully + prepared, but to set them out would be useless, since they never came to + anything, and I doubt whether it was intended that they should. Suffice it + to say that they provided for intermarriage, free trade between the + countries, blood-brotherhood, and other things that I have forgotten, all + of which was to be ratified by Bausi taking a daughter of the Kalubi to + wife, and the Kalubi taking a daughter of Bausi. + </p> + <p> + We listened in silence, and when he had finished, after a pretended + consultation between us, I spoke as the Mouth of Brother John, who, I + explained, was too grand a person to talk himself, saying that the + proposals seemed fair and reasonable, and that we should be happy to + submit them to Bausi and his council on our return. + </p> + <p> + The Kalubi expressed great satisfaction at this statement, but remarked + incidentally that first of all the whole matter must be laid before the + Motombo for his opinion, without which no State transaction had legal + weight among the Pongo. He added that with our approval he proposed that + we should visit his Holiness on the morrow, starting when the sun was + three hours old, as he lived at a distance of a day’s journey from Rica. + After further consultation we replied that although we had little time to + spare, as we understood that the Motombo was old and could not visit us, + we, the white lords, would stretch a point and call on him. Meanwhile we + were tired and wished to go to bed. Then we presented our gifts, which + were gracefully accepted, with an intimation that return presents would be + made to us before we left Pongo-land. + </p> + <p> + After this the Kalubi took a little stick and broke it, to intimate that + the conference was at an end, and having bade him and his councillors good + night we retired to our huts. + </p> + <p> + I should add, because it has a bearing on subsequent events, that on this + occasion we were escorted, not by Komba, but by two of the councillors. + Komba, as I noted for the first time when we rose to say good-bye, was no + longer present at the council. When he left it I cannot say, since it will + be remembered that his seat was behind us in the shadow, and none of us + saw him go. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of all that?” I asked the others when the door was shut. + </p> + <p> + Brother John merely shook his head and said nothing, for in those days he + seemed to be living in a kind of dreamland. + </p> + <p> + Stephen answered. “Bosh! Tommy rot! All my eye and my elbow! Those + man-eating Johnnies have some game up their wide sleeves, and whatever it + may be, it isn’t peace with the Mazitu.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree,” I said. “If the real object were peace they would have haggled + more, stood out for better terms, or hostages, or something. Also they + would have got the consent of this Motombo beforehand. Clearly he is the + master of the situation, not the Kalubi, who is only his tool; if business + were meant he should have spoken first, always supposing that he exists + and isn’t a myth. However, if we live we shall learn, and if we don’t, it + doesn’t matter, though personally I think we should be wise to leave + Motombo alone and to clear out to Mazitu-land by the first canoe to-morrow + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I intend to visit this Motombo,” broke in Brother John with decision. + </p> + <p> + “Ditto, ditto,” exclaimed Stephen, “but it’s no use arguing that all over + again.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied with irritation. “It is, as you remark, of no use arguing + with lunatics. So let’s go to bed, and as it will probably be our last, + have a good night’s sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear, hear!” said Stephen, taking off his coat and placing it doubled up + on the bed to serve as a pillow. “I say,” he added, “stand clear a minute + while I shake this blanket. It’s covered with bits of something,” and he + suited the action to the word. + </p> + <p> + “Bits of something?” I said suspiciously. “Why didn’t you wait a minute to + let me see them. I didn’t notice any bits before.” + </p> + <p> + “Rats running about the roof, I expect,” said Stephen carelessly. + </p> + <p> + Not being satisfied, I began to examine this roof and the clay walls, + which I forgot to mention were painted over in a kind of pattern with + whorls in it, by the feeble light of the primitive lamps. While I was thus + engaged there was a knock on the door. Forgetting all about the dust, I + opened it and Hans appeared. + </p> + <p> + “One of these man-eating devils wants to speak to you, Baas. Mavovo keeps + him without.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him in,” I said, since in this place fearlessness seemed our best + game, “but watch well while he is with us.” + </p> + <p> + Hans whispered a word over his shoulder, and next moment a tall man + wrapped from head to foot in white cloth, so that he looked like a ghost, + came or rather shot into the hut and closed the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + By way of answer he lifted or unwrapped the cloth from about his face, and + I saw that the Kalubi himself stood before us. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to speak alone with the white lord, Dogeetah,” he said in a hoarse + voice, “and it must be now, since afterwards it will be impossible.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John rose and looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Kalubi, my friend?” he asked. “I see that your wound has + healed well.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, but I would speak with you alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” replied Brother John. “If you have anything to say, you must say + it to all of us, or leave it unsaid, since these lords and I are one, and + that which I hear, they hear.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I trust them?” muttered the Kalubi. + </p> + <p> + “As you can trust me. Therefore speak, or go. Yet, first, can we be + overheard in this hut?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Dogeetah. The walls are thick. There is no one on the roof, for I + have looked all round, and if any strove to climb there, we should hear. + Also your men who watch the door would see him. None can hear us save + perhaps the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will risk the gods, Kalubi. Go on; my brothers know your story.” + </p> + <p> + “My lords,” he began, rolling his eyes about him like a hunted creature, + “I am in a terrible pass. Once, since I saw you, Dogeetah, I should have + visited the White God that dwells in the forest on the mountain yonder, to + scatter the sacred seed. But I feigned to be sick, and Komba, the + Kalubi-to-be, ‘who has passed the god,’ went in my place and returned + unharmed. Now to-morrow, the night of the full moon, as Kalubi, I must + visit the god again and once more scatter the seed and—Dogeetah, he + will kill me whom he has once bitten. He will certainly kill me unless I + can kill him. Then Komba will rule as Kalubi in my stead, and he will kill + you in a way you can guess, by the ‘Hot death,’ as a sacrifice to the + gods, that the women of the Pongo may once more become the mothers of many + children. Yes, yes, unless we can kill the god who dwells in the forest, + we all must die,” and he paused, trembling, while the sweat dropped from + him to the floor. + </p> + <p> + “That’s pleasant,” said Brother John, “but supposing that we kill the god + how would that help us or you to escape from the Motombo and these + murdering people of yours? Surely they would slay us for the sacrilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Dogeetah. If the god dies, the Motombo dies. It is known from of + old, and therefore the Motombo watches over the god as a mother over her + child. Then, until a new god is found, the Mother of the Holy Flower + rules, she who is merciful and will harm none, and I rule under her and + will certainly put my enemies to death, especially that wizard Komba.” + </p> + <p> + Here I thought I heard a faint sound in the air like the hiss of a snake, + but as it was not repeated and I could see nothing, concluded that I was + mistaken. + </p> + <p> + “Moreover,” he went on, “I will load you with gold dust and any gifts you + may desire, and set you safe across the water among your friends, the + Mazitu.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” I broke in, “let us understand matters clearly, and, John, do + you translate to Stephen. Now, friend Kalubi, first of all, who and what + is this god you talk of?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Macumazana, he is a huge ape white with age, or born white, I know + not which. He is twice as big as any man, and stronger than twenty men, + whom he can break in his hands, as I break a reed, or whose heads he can + bite off in his mouth, as he bit off my finger for a warning. For that is + how he treats the Kalubis when he wearies of them. First he bites off a + finger and lets them go, and next he breaks them like a reed, as also he + breaks those who are doomed to sacrifice before the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” I said, “a great ape! I thought as much. Well, and how long has this + brute been a god among you?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know how long. From the beginning. He was always there, as the + Motombo was always there, for they are one.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a lie any way,” I said in English, then went on. “And who is this + Mother of the Holy Flower? Is she also always there, and does she live in + the same place as the ape god?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, lord Macumazana. She dies like other mortals, and is succeeded by + one who takes her place. Thus the present Mother is a white woman of your + race, now of middle age. When she dies she will be succeeded by her + daughter, who also is a white woman and very beautiful. After she dies + another who is white will be found, perhaps one who is of black parents + but born white.” + </p> + <p> + “How old is this daughter?” interrupted Brother John in a curiously intent + voice, “and who is her father?” + </p> + <p> + “The daughter was born over twenty years ago, Dogeetah, after the Mother + of the Flower was captured and brought here. She says that the father was + a white man to whom she was married, but who is dead.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John’s head dropped upon his chest, and his eyes shut as though he + had gone to sleep. + </p> + <p> + “As for where the Mother lives,” went on the Kalubi, “it is on the island + in the lake at the top of the mountain that is surrounded by water. She + has nothing to do with the White God, but those women who serve her go + across the lake at times to tend the fields where grows the seed that the + Kalubi sows, of which the corn is the White God’s food.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” I said, “now we understand—not much, but a little. Tell us + next what is your plan? How are we to come into the place where this great + ape lives? And if we come there, how are we to kill the beast, seeing that + your successor, Komba, was careful to prevent us from bringing our + firearms to your land?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, lord Macumazana, may the teeth of the god meet in his brain for that + trick; yes, may he die as I know how to make him die. That prophecy of + which he told you is no prophecy from of old. It arose in the land within + the last moon only, though whether it came from Komba or from the Motombo + I know not. None save myself, or at least very few here, had heard of the + iron tubes that throw out death, so how should there be a prophecy + concerning them?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I don’t know, Kalubi, but answer the rest of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “As to your coming into the forest—for the White God lives in a + forest on the slopes of the mountain, lords—that will be easy since + the Motombo and the people will believe that I am trapping you there to be + a sacrifice, such as they desire for sundry reasons,” and he looked at the + plump Stephen in a very suggestive way. “As to how you are to kill the god + without your tubes of iron, that I do not know. But you are very brave and + great magicians. Surely you can find a way.” + </p> + <p> + Here Brother John seemed to wake up again. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “we shall find a way. Have no fear of that, O Kalubi. We + are not afraid of the big ape whom you call a god. Yet it must be at a + price. We will not kill this beast and try to save your life, save at a + price.” + </p> + <p> + “What price?” asked the Kalubi nervously. “There are wives and cattle—no, + you do not want the wives, and the cattle cannot be taken across the lake. + There are gold dust and ivory. I have already promised these, and there is + nothing more that I can give.” + </p> + <p> + “The price is, O Kalubi, that you hand over to us to be taken away the + white woman who is called Mother of the Holy Flower, with her daughter——” + </p> + <p> + “And,” interrupted Stephen, to whom I had been interpreting, “the Holy + Flower itself, all of it dug up by the roots.” + </p> + <p> + When he heard these modest requests the poor Kalubi became like one upon + the verge of madness. + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand,” he gasped, “do you understand that you are asking for + the gods of my country?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite,” replied Brother John with calmness; “for the gods of your country—nothing + more nor less.” + </p> + <p> + The Kalubi made as though he would fly from the hut, but I caught him by + the arm and said: + </p> + <p> + “See, friend, things are thus. You ask us, at great danger to ourselves, + to kill one of the gods of your country, the highest of them, in order to + save your life. Well, in payment we ask you to make a present of the + remaining gods of your country, and to see us and them safe across the + lake. Do you accept or refuse?” + </p> + <p> + “I refuse,” answered the Kalubi sullenly. “To accept would mean the last + curse upon my spirit; that is too horrible to tell.” + </p> + <p> + “And to refuse means the first curse upon your body; namely, that in a few + hours it must be broken and chewed by a great monkey which you call a god. + Yes, broken and chewed, and afterwards, I think, cooked and eaten as a + sacrifice. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + The Kalubi nodded his head and groaned. + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” I went on, “for our part we are glad that you have refused, since + now we shall be rid of a troublesome and dangerous business and return in + safety to Mazitu land.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you return in safety, O lord Macumazana, you who are doomed to + the ‘Hot Death’ if you escape the fangs of the god?” + </p> + <p> + “Very easily, O Kalubi, by telling Komba, the Kalubi-to-be, of your plots + against this god of yours, and how we have refused to listen to your + wickedness. In fact, I think this may be done at once while you are here + with us, O Kalubi, where perhaps you do not expect to be found. I will go + strike upon the pot without the door; doubtless though it is late, some + will hear. Nay, man, stand you still; we have knives and our servants have + spears,” and I made as though to pass him. + </p> + <p> + “Lord,” he said, “I will give you the Mother of the Holy Flower and her + daughter; aye, and the Holy Flower itself dug up by the roots, and I swear + that if I can, I will set you and them safe across the lake, only asking + that I may come with you, since here I dare not stay. Yet the curse will + come too, but if so, it is better to die of a curse in a day to be, than + to-morrow at the fangs of the god. Oh! why was I born! Why was I born!” + and he began to weep. + </p> + <p> + “That is a question many have asked and none have been able to answer, O + friend Kalubi, though mayhap there is an answer somewhere,” I replied in a + kind voice. + </p> + <p> + For my heart was stirred with pity of this poor wretch mazed and lost in + his hell of superstition; this potentate who could not escape from the + trappings of a hateful power, save by the door of a death too horrible to + contemplate; this priest whose doom it was to be slain by the very hands + of his god, as those who went before him had been slain, and as those who + came after him would be slain. + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” I went on, “I think you have chosen wisely, and we hold you to your + word. While you are faithful to us, we will say nothing. But of this be + sure—that if you attempt to betray us, we who are not so helpless as + we seem, will betray you, and it shall be you who die, not us. Is it a + bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a bargain, white lord, although blame me not if things go wrong, + since the gods know all, and they are devils who delight in human woe and + mock at bargains and torment those who would injure them. Yet, come what + will, I swear to keep faith with you thus, by the oath that may not be + broken,” and drawing a knife from his girdle, he thrust out the tip of his + tongue and pricked it. From the puncture a drop of blood fell to the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “If I break my oath,” he said, “may my flesh grow cold as that blood grows + cold, and may it rot as that blood rots! Aye, and may my spirit waste and + be lost in the world of ghosts as that blood wastes into the air and is + lost in the dust of the world!” + </p> + <p> + It was a horrible scene and one that impressed me very much, especially as + even then there fell upon me a conviction that this unfortunate man was + doomed, that a fate which he could not escape was upon him. + </p> + <p> + We said nothing, and in another moment he had thrown his white wrappings + over his face and slipped through the door. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid we are playing it rather low down on that jumpy old boy,” + said Stephen remorsefully. + </p> + <p> + “The white woman, the white woman and her daughter,” muttered Brother + John. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” reflected Stephen aloud. “One is justified in doing anything to get + two white women out of this hell, if they exist. So one may as well have + the orchid also, for they’d be lonely without it, poor things, wouldn’t + they? Glad I thought of that, it’s soothing to the conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you’ll find it so when we are all on that iron grid which I + noticed is wide enough for three,” I remarked sarcastically. “Now be + quiet, I want to go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to have to add that for the most of that night Want remained my + master. But if I couldn’t sleep, I could, or rather was obliged to, think, + and I thought very hard indeed. + </p> + <p> + First I reflected on the Pongo and their gods. What were these and why did + they worship them? Soon I gave it up, remembering that the problem was one + which applied equally to dozens of the dark religions of this vast African + continent, to which none could give an answer, and least of all their + votaries. That answer indeed must be sought in the horrible fears of the + unenlightened human heart, which sees death and terror and evil around it + everywhere and, in this grotesque form or in that, personifies them in + gods, or rather in devils who must be propitiated. For always the fetish + or the beast, or whatever it may be, is not the real object of worship. It + is only the thing or creature which is inhabited by the spirit of the god + or devil, the temple, as it were, that furnishes it with a home, which + temple is therefore holy. And these spirits are diverse, representing + sundry attributes or qualities. + </p> + <p> + Thus the great ape might be Satan, a prince of evil and blood. The Holy + Flower might symbolise fertility and the growth of the food of man from + the bosom of the earth. The Mother of the Flower might represent mercy and + goodness, for which reason it was necessary that she should be white in + colour, and dwell, not in the shadowed forest, but on a soaring mountain, + a figure of light, in short, as opposed to darkness. Or she might be a + kind of African Ceres, a goddess of the corn and harvest which were + symbolised in the beauteous bloom she tended. Who could tell? Not I, + either then or afterwards, for I never found out. + </p> + <p> + As for the Pongo themselves, their case was obvious. They were a dying + tribe, the last descendants of some higher race, grown barren from + intermarriage. Probably, too, they were at first only cannibals + occasionally and from religious reasons. Then in some time of dearth they + became very religious in that respect, and the habit overpowered them. + Among cannibals, at any rate in Africa, as I knew, this dreadful food is + much preferred to any other meat. I had not the slightest doubt that + although the Kalubi himself had brought us here in the wild hope that we + might save him from a terrible death at the hands of the Beelzebub he + served, Komba and the councillors, inspired thereto by the prophet called + Motombo, designed that we should be murdered and eaten as an offering to + the gods. How we were to escape this fate, being unarmed, I could not + imagine, unless some special protection were vouchsafed to us. Meanwhile, + we must go on to the end, whatever it might be. + </p> + <p> + Brother John, or to give him his right name, the Reverend John Eversley, + was convinced that the white woman imprisoned in the mountain was none + other than the lost wife for whom he had searched for twenty weary years, + and that the second white woman of whom we had heard that night was, + strange as it might seem, her daughter and his own. Perhaps he was right + and perhaps he was wrong. But even in the latter case, if two white + persons were really languishing in this dreadful land, our path was clear. + We must go on in faith until we saved them or until we died. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Our life is granted, not in Pleasure’s round, + Or even Love’s sweet dream, to lapse, content; + Duty and Faith are words of solemn sound, + And to their echoes must the soul be bent,” + </pre> + <p> + as some one or other once wrote, very nobly I think. Well, there was but + little of “Pleasure’s round” about the present entertainment, and any hope + of “Love’s sweet dream” seemed to be limited to Brother John (here I was + quite mistaken, as I so often am). Probably the “echoes” would be my + share; indeed, already I seemed to hear their ominous thunder. + </p> + <p> + At last I did go to sleep and dreamed a very curious dream. It seemed to + me that I was disembodied, although I retained all my powers of thought + and observation; in fact, dead and yet alive. In this state I hovered over + the people of the Pongo who were gathered together on a great plain under + an inky sky. They were going about their business as usual, and very + unpleasant business it often was. Some of them were worshipping a dim form + that I knew was the devil; some were committing murders; some were + feasting—at that on which they feasted I would not look; some were + labouring or engaged in barter; some were thinking. But I, who had the + power of looking into them, saw within the breast of each a tiny likeness + of the man or woman or child as it might be, humbly bent upon its knees + with hands together in an attitude of prayer, and with imploring, + tear-stained face looking upwards to the black heaven. + </p> + <p> + Then in that heaven there appeared a single star of light, and from this + star flowed lines of gentle fire that spread and widened till all the + immense arc was one flame of glory. And now from the pulsing heart of the + Glory, which somehow reminded me of moving lips, fell countless flakes of + snow, each of which followed an appointed path till it lit upon the + forehead of one of the tiny, imploring figures hidden within those savage + breasts, and made it white and clean. + </p> + <p> + Then the Glory shrank and faded till there remained of it only the + similitude of two transparent hands stretched out as though in blessing—and + I woke up wondering how on earth I found the fancy to invent such a + vision, and whether it meant anything or nothing. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards I repeated it to Brother John, who was a very spiritually + minded as well as a good man—the two things are often quite + different—and asked him to be kind enough to explain. At the time he + shook his head, but some days later he said to me: + </p> + <p> + “I think I have read your riddle, Allan; the answer came to me quite of a + sudden. In all those sin-stained hearts there is a seed of good and an + aspiration towards the right. For every one of them also there is at last + mercy and forgiveness, since how could they learn who never had a teacher? + Your dream, Allan, was one of the ultimate redemption of even the most + evil of mankind, by gift of the Grace that shall one day glow through the + blackness of the night in which they wander.” + </p> + <p> + That is what he said, and I only hope that he was right, since at present + there is something very wrong with the world, especially in Africa. + </p> + <p> + Also we blame the blind savage for many things, but on the balance are we + so much better, considering our lights and opportunities? Oh! the truth is + that the devil—a very convenient word that—is a good + fisherman. He has a large book full of flies of different sizes and + colours, and well he knows how to suit them to each particular fish. But + white or black, every fish takes one fly or the other, and then comes the + question—is the fish that has swallowed the big gaudy lure so much + worse or more foolish than that which has fallen to the delicate white + moth with the same sharp barb in its tail? + </p> + <p> + In short, are we not all miserable sinners as the Prayer Book says, and in + the eye of any judge who can average up the elemental differences of those + waters wherein we were bred and are called upon to swim, is there so much + to choose between us? Do we not all need those outstretched Hands of Mercy + which I saw in my dream? + </p> + <p> + But there, there! What right has a poor old hunter to discuss things that + are too high for him? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV<br/> + THE MOTOMBO + </h2> + <p> + After my dream I went to sleep again, till I was finally aroused by a + strong ray of light hitting me straight in the eye. + </p> + <p> + Where the dickens does that come from? thought I to myself, for these huts + had no windows. + </p> + <p> + Then I followed the ray to its source, which I perceived was a small hole + in the mud wall some five feet above the floor. I rose and examined the + said hole, and noted that it appeared to have been freshly made, for the + clay at the sides of it was in no way discoloured. I reflected that if + anyone wanted to eavesdrop, such an aperture would be convenient, and went + outside the hut to pursue my investigations. Its wall, I found, was + situated about four feet from the eastern part of the encircling reed + fence, which showed no signs of disturbance, although there, in the outer + face of the wall, was the hole, and beneath it on the lime flooring lay + some broken fragments of plaster. I called Hans and asked him if he had + kept watch round the hut when the wrapped-up man visited us during the + night. He answered yes, and that he could swear that no one had come near + it, since several times he had walked to the back and looked. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat comforted, though not satisfied, I went in to wake up the others, + to whom I said nothing of this matter since it seemed foolish to alarm + them for no good purpose. A few minutes later the tall, silent women + arrived with our hot water. It seemed curious to have hot water brought to + us in such a place by these very queer kind of housemaids, but so it was. + The Pongo, I may add, were, like the Zulus, very clean in their persons, + though whether they all used hot water, I cannot say. At any rate, it was + provided for us. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later they returned with breakfast, consisting chiefly of a + roasted kid, of which, as it was whole, and therefore unmistakable, we + partook thankfully. A little later the Majestic Komba appeared. After many + compliments and inquiries as to our general health, he asked whether we + were ready to start on our visit to the Motombo who, he added, was + expecting us with much eagerness. I inquired how he knew that, since we + had only arranged to call on him late on the previous night, and I + understood that he lived a day’s journey away. But Komba put the matter by + with a smile and a wave of his hand. + </p> + <p> + So in due course off we went, taking with us all our baggage, which now + that it had been lightened by the delivery of the presents, was of no + great weight. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes’ walk along the wide, main street led us to the northern gate + of Rica Town. Here we found the Kalubi himself with an escort of thirty + men armed with spears; I noted that unlike the Mazitu they had no bows and + arrows. He announced in a loud voice that he proposed to do us the special + honour of conducting us to the sanctuary of the Holy One, by which we + understood him to mean the Motombo. When we politely begged him not to + trouble, being in an irritable mood, or assuming it, he told us rudely to + mind our own business. Indeed, I think this irritability was real enough, + which, in the circumstances known to the reader, was not strange. At any + rate, an hour or so later it declared itself in an act of great cruelty + which showed us how absolute was this man’s power in all temporal matters. + </p> + <p> + Passing through a little clump of bush we came to some gardens surrounded + by a light fence through which a number of cattle of a small and delicate + breed—they were not unlike Jerseys in appearance—had broken to + enjoy themselves by devouring the crops. This garden, it appeared, + belonged to the Kalubi for the time being, who was furious at the + destruction of its produce by the cattle which also belonged to him. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the herd?” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + A hunt began—and presently the poor fellow—he was no more than + a lad, was discovered asleep behind a bush. When he was dragged before him + the Kalubi pointed, first to the cattle, then to the broken fence and the + devastated garden. The lad began to mutter excuses and pray for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Kill him!” said the Kalubi, whereon the herd flung himself to the ground, + and clutching him by the ankles, began to kiss his feet, crying out that + he was afraid to die. The Kalubi tried to kick himself free, and failing + in this, lifted his big spear and made an end of the poor boy’s prayers + and life at a single stroke. + </p> + <p> + The escort clapped their hands in salute or approval, after which four of + them, at a sign, took up the body and started with it at a trot for Rica + Town, where probably that night it appeared upon the grid. Brother John + saw, and his big white beard bristled with indignation like the hair on + the back of an angry cat, while Stephen spluttered something beginning + with “You brute,” and lifted his fist as though to knock the Kalubi down. + This, had I not caught hold of him, I have no doubt he would have done. + </p> + <p> + “O Kalubi!” gasped Brother John, “do you not know that blood calls for + blood? In the hour of your own death remember this death.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you bewitch me, white man?” said the Kalubi, glaring at him + angrily. “If so——” and once more he lifted the spear, but as + John never stirred, held it poised irresolutely. Komba thrust himself + between them, crying: + </p> + <p> + “Back, Dogeetah, who dare to meddle with our customs! Is not the Kalubi + Lord of life and death?” + </p> + <p> + Brother John was about to answer, but I called to him in English: + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven’s sake be silent, unless you want to follow the boy. We are in + these men’s power.” + </p> + <p> + Then he remembered and walked away, and presently we marched forward as + though nothing had happened. Only from that moment I do not think that any + of us worried ourselves about the Kalubi and what might befall him. Still, + looking back on the thing, I think that there was this excuse to be made + for the man. He was mad with the fear of death and knew not what he did. + </p> + <p> + All that day we travelled on through a rich, flat country that, as we + could tell from various indications, had once been widely cultivated. Now + the fields were few and far between, and bush, for the most part a kind of + bamboo scrub, was reoccupying the land. About midday we halted by a + water-pool to eat and rest, for the sun was hot, and here the four men who + had carried off the boy’s body rejoined us and made some report. Then we + went forward once more towards what seemed to be a curious and precipitous + wall of black cliff, beyond which the volcanic-looking mountain towered in + stately grandeur. By three o’clock we were near enough to this cliff, + which ran east and west as far as the eye could reach, to see a hole in + it, apparently where the road terminated, that appeared to be the mouth of + a cave. + </p> + <p> + The Kalubi came up to us, and in a shy kind of way tried to make + conversation. I think that the sight of this mountain, drawing ever + nearer, vividly recalled his terrors and caused him to desire to efface + the bad impression he knew he had made on us, to whom he looked for + safety. Among other things he told us that the hole we saw was the door of + the House of the Motombo. + </p> + <p> + I nodded my head, but did not answer, for the presence of this murderous + king made me feel sick. So he went away again, looking at us in a humble + and deprecatory manner. + </p> + <p> + Nothing further happened until we reached the remarkable wall of rock that + I have mentioned, which I suppose is composed of some very hard stone that + remained when the softer rock in which it lay was disintegrated by + millions of years of weather or washings by the water of the lake. Or + perhaps its substance was thrown out of the bowels of the volcano when + this was active. I am no geologist, and cannot say, especially as I lacked + time to examine the place. At any rate there it was, and there in it + appeared the mouth of a great cave that I presume was natural, having once + formed a kind of drain through which the lake overflowed when Pongo-land + was under water. + </p> + <p> + We halted, staring dubiously at this darksome hole, which no doubt was the + same that Babemba had explored in his youth. Then the Kalubi gave an + order, and some of the soldiers went to huts that were built near the + mouth of the cave, where I suppose guardians or attendants lived, though + of these we saw nothing. Presently they returned with a number of lighted + torches that were distributed among us. This done, we plunged, shivering + (at least, I shivered), into the gloomy recesses of that great cavern, the + Kalubi going before us with half of our escort, and Komba following behind + us with the remainder. + </p> + <p> + The floor of the place was made quite smooth, doubtless by the action of + water, as were the walls and roof, so far as we could see them, for it was + very wide and lofty. It did not run straight, but curved about in the + thickness of the cliff. At the first turn the Pongo soldiers set up a low + and eerie chant which they continued during its whole length, that + according to my pacings was something over three hundred yards. On we + wound, the torches making stars of light in the intense blackness, till at + length we rounded a last corner where a great curtain of woven grass, now + drawn, was stretched across the cave. Here we saw a very strange sight. + </p> + <p> + On either side of it, near to the walls, burned a large wood fire that + gave light to the place. Also more light flowed into it from its further + mouth that was not more than twenty paces from the fires. Beyond the mouth + was water which seemed to be about two hundred yards wide, and beyond the + water rose the slopes of the mountain that was covered with huge trees. + Moreover, a little bay penetrated into the cavern, the point of which bay + ended between the two fires. Here the water, which was not more than six + or eight feet wide, and shallow, formed the berthing place of a good-sized + canoe that lay there. The walls of the cavern, from the turn to the point + of the tongue of water, were pierced with four doorways, two on either + side, which led, I presume, to chambers hewn in the rock. At each of these + doorways stood a tall woman clothed in white, who held in her hand a + burning torch. I concluded that these were attendants set there to guide + and welcome us, for after we had passed, they vanished into the chambers. + </p> + <p> + But this was not all. Set across the little bay of water just above the + canoe that floated there was a wooden platform, eight feet or so square, + on either side of which stood an enormous elephant’s tusk, bigger indeed + than any I have seen in all my experience, which tusks seemed to be black + with age. Between the tusks, squatted upon rugs of some kind of rich fur, + was what from its shape and attitude I at first took to be a huge toad. In + truth, it had all the appearance of a very bloated toad. There was the + rough corrugated skin, there the prominent backbone (for its back was + towards us), and there were the thin, splayed-out legs. + </p> + <p> + We stared at this strange object for quite a long while, unable to make it + out in that uncertain light, for so long indeed, that I grew nervous and + was about to ask the Kalubi what it might be. As my lips opened, however, + it stirred, and with a slow, groping, circular movement turned itself + towards us very slowly. At length it was round, and as the head came in + view all the Pongo from the Kalubi down ceased their low, weird chant and + flung themselves upon their faces, those who had torches still holding + them up in their right hands. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what a thing appeared! It was not a toad, but a man that moved upon + all fours. The large, bald head was sunk deep between the shoulders, + either through deformity or from age, for this creature was undoubtedly + very old. Looking at it, I wondered how old, but could form no answer in + my mind. The great, broad face was sunken and withered, like to leather + dried in the sun; the lower lip hung pendulously upon the prominent and + bony jaw. Two yellow, tusk-like teeth projected one at each corner of the + great mouth; all the rest were gone, and from time to time it licked the + white gums with a red-pointed tongue as a snake might do. But the chief + wonder of the Thing lay in its eyes that were large and round, perhaps + because the flesh had shrunk away from them, which gave them the + appearance of being set in the hollow orbits of a skull. These eyes + literally shone like fire; indeed, at times they seemed positively to + blaze, as I have seen a lion’s eyes do in the dark. I confess that the + aspect of the creature terrified and for a while paralysed me; to think + that it was human was awful. + </p> + <p> + I glanced at the others and saw that they, too, were frightened. Stephen + turned very white. I thought that he was going to be sick again, as he was + after he drank the coffee out of the wrong bowl on the day we entered + Mazitu-land. Brother John stroked his white beard and muttered some + invocation to Heaven to protect him. Hans exclaimed in his abominable + Dutch: + </p> + <p> + “<i>Oh! keek, Baas, da is je lelicher oud deel!</i>” (“Oh! look, Baas, + there is the ugly old devil himself!”) + </p> + <p> + Jerry went flat on his face among the Pongo, muttering that he saw Death + before him. Only Mavovo stood firm; perhaps because as a witch-doctor of + repute he felt that it did not become him to show the white feather in the + presence of an evil spirit. + </p> + <p> + The toad-like creature on the platform swayed its great head slowly as a + tortoise does, and contemplated us with its flaming eyes. At length it + spoke in a thick, guttural voice, using the tongue that seemed to be + common to this part of Africa and indeed to that branch of the Bantu + people to which the Zulus belong, but, as I thought, with a foreign + accent. + </p> + <p> + “So <i>you</i> are the white men come back,” it said slowly. “Let me + count!” and lifting one skinny hand from the ground, it pointed with the + forefinger and counted. “One. Tall, with a white beard. Yes, that is + right. Two. Short, nimble like a monkey, with hair that wants no comb; + clever, too, like a father of monkeys. Yes, that is right. Three. + Smooth-faced, young and stupid, like a fat baby that laughs at the sky + because he is full of milk, and thinks that the sky is laughing at him. + Yes, that is right. All three of you are just the same as you used to be. + Do you remember, White Beard, how, while we killed you, you said prayers + to One Who sits above the world, and held up a cross of bone to which a + man was tied who wore a cap of thorns? Do you remember how you kissed the + man with the cap of thorns as the spear went into you? You shake your head—oh! + you are a clever liar, but I will show you that you are a liar, for I have + the thing yet,” and snatching up a horn which lay on the kaross beneath + him, he blew. + </p> + <p> + As the peculiar, wailing note that the horn made died away, a woman dashed + out of one of the doorways that I have described and flung herself on her + knees before him. He muttered something to her and she dashed back again + to re-appear in an instant holding in her hand a yellow ivory crucifix. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, here it is,” he said. “Take it, White Beard, and kiss it once + more, perhaps for the last time,” and he threw the crucifix to Brother + John, who caught it and stared at it amazed. “And do you remember, Fat + Baby, how we caught you? You fought well, very well, but we killed you at + last, and you were good, very good; we got much strength from you. + </p> + <p> + “And do you remember, Father of Monkeys, how you escaped from us by your + cleverness? I wonder where you went to and how you died. I shall not + forget you, for you gave me this,” and he pointed to a big white scar upon + his shoulder. “You would have killed me, but the stuff in that iron tube + of yours burned slowly when you held the fire to it, so that I had time to + jump aside and the iron ball did not strike me in the heart as you meant + that it should. Yet, it is still here; oh! yes, I carry it with me to this + day, and now that I have grown thin I can feel it with my finger.” + </p> + <p> + I listened astonished to this harangue, which if it meant anything, meant + that we had all met before, in Africa at some time when men used + matchlocks that were fired with a fuse—that is to say, about the + year 1700, or earlier. Reflection, however, showed me the interpretation + of this nonsense. Obviously this old priest’s forefather, or, if one put + him at a hundred and twenty years of age, and I am sure that he was not a + day less, perhaps his father, as a young man, was mixed up with some of + the first Europeans who penetrated to the interior of Africa. Probably + these were Portuguese, of whom one may have been a priest and the other + two an elderly man and his son, or young brother, or companion. The manner + of the deaths of these people and of what happened to them generally would + of course be remembered by the descendants of the chief or head + medicine-man of the tribe. + </p> + <p> + “Where did we meet, and when, O Motombo?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not in this land, not in this land, Father of Monkeys,” he replied in his + low rumbling voice, “but far, far away towards the west where the sun + sinks in the water; and not in this day, but long, long ago. Twenty + Kalubis have ruled the Pongo since that day; some have ruled for many + years and some have ruled for a few years—that depends upon the will + of my brother, the god yonder,” and he chuckled horribly and jerked his + thumb backwards over his shoulder towards the forest on the mountain. + “Yes, twenty have ruled, some for thirty years and none for less than + four.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you <i>are</i> a large old liar,” I thought to myself, for, taking + the average rule of the Kalubis at ten years, this would mean that we met + him two centuries ago at least. + </p> + <p> + “You were clothed otherwise then,” he went on, “and two of you wore hats + of iron on the head, but that of White Beard was shaven. I caused a + picture of you to be beaten by the master-smith upon a plate of copper. I + have it yet.” + </p> + <p> + Again he blew upon his horn; again a woman darted out, to whom he + whispered; again she went to one of the chambers and returned bearing an + object which he cast to us. + </p> + <p> + We looked at it. It was a copper or bronze plaque, black, apparently with + age, which once had been nailed on something for there were the holes. It + represented a tall man with a long beard and a tonsured head who held a + cross in his hand; and two other men, both short, who wore round metal + caps and were dressed in queer-looking garments and boots with square + toes. These man carried big and heavy matchlocks, and in the hand of one + of them was a smoking fuse. That was all we could make out of the thing. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you leave the far country and come to this land, O Motombo?” I + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because we were afraid that other white men would follow on your steps + and avenge you. The Kalubi of that day ordered it, though I said No, who + knew that none can escape by flight from what must come when it must come. + So we travelled and travelled till we found this place, and here we have + dwelt from generation to generation. The gods came with us also; my + brother that dwells in the forest came, though we never saw him on the + journey, yet he was here before us. The Holy Flower came too, and the + white Mother of the Flower—she was the wife of one of you, I know + not which.” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother the god?” I said. “If the god is an ape as we have heard, + how can he be the brother of a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you white men do not understand, but we black people understand. In + the beginning the ape killed my brother who was Kalubi, and his spirit + entered into the ape, making him as a god, and so he kills every other + Kalubi and their spirits enter also into him. Is it not so, O Kalubi of + to-day, you without a finger?” and he laughed mockingly. + </p> + <p> + The Kalubi, who was lying on his stomach, groaned and trembled, but made + no other answer. + </p> + <p> + “So all has come about as I foresaw,” went on the toad-like creature. “You + have returned, as I knew you would, and now we shall learn whether White + Beard yonder spoke true words when he said that his god would be avenged + upon our god. You shall go to be avenged on him if you can, and then we + shall learn. But this time you have none of your iron tubes which alone we + fear. For did not the god declare to us through me that when the white men + came back with an iron tube, then he, the god, would die, and I, the + Motombo, the god’s Mouth, would die, and the Holy Flower would be torn up, + and the Mother of the Flower would pass away, and the people of the Pongo + would be dispersed and become wanderers and slaves? And did he not declare + that if the white men came again without their iron tubes, then certain + secret things would happen—oh! ask them not, in time they shall be + known to you, and the people of the Pongo who were dwindling would again + become fruitful and very great? And that is why we welcome you, white men, + who arise again from the land of ghosts, because through you we, the + Pongo, shall become fruitful and very great.” + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden he ceased his rumbling talk, his head sank back between his + shoulders and he sat silent for a long while, his fierce, sparkling eyes + playing on us as though he would read our very thoughts. If he succeeded, + I hope that mine pleased him. To tell the truth, I was filled with mixed + fear, fury and loathing. Although, of course, I did not believe a word of + all the rubbish he had been saying, which was akin to much that is evolved + by these black-hearted African wizards, I hated the creature whom I felt + to be only half-human. My whole nature sickened at his aspect and talk. + And yet I was dreadfully afraid of him. I felt as a man might who wakes up + to find himself alone with some peculiarly disgusting Christmas-story kind + of ghost. Moreover I was quite sure that he meant us ill, fearful and + imminent ill. Suddenly he spoke again: + </p> + <p> + “Who is that little yellow one,” he said, “that old one with a face like a + skull,” and he pointed to Hans, who had kept as much out of sight as + possible behind Mavovo, “that wizened, snub-nosed one who might be a child + of my brother the god, if ever he had a child? And why, being so small, + does he need so large a staff?” Here he pointed again to Hans’s big bamboo + stick. “I think he is as full of guile as a new-filled gourd with water. + The big black one,” and he looked at Mavovo, “I do not fear, for his magic + is less than my magic,” (he seemed to recognise a brother doctor in + Mavovo) “but the little yellow one with the big stick and the pack upon + his back, I fear him. I think he should be killed.” + </p> + <p> + He paused and we trembled, for if he chose to kill the poor Hottentot, how + could we prevent him? But Hans, who saw the great danger, called his + cunning to his aid. + </p> + <p> + “O Motombo,” he squeaked, “you must not kill me for I am the servant of an + ambassador. You know well that all the gods of every land hate and will be + revenged upon those who touch ambassadors or their servants, whom they, + the gods, alone may harm. If you kill me I shall haunt you. Yes, I shall + sit on your shoulder at night and jibber into your ear so that you cannot + sleep, until you die. For though you are old you must die at last, + Motombo.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said the Motombo. “Did I not tell you that he was full of + cunning? All the gods will be avenged upon those who kill ambassadors or + their servants. That”—here he laughed again in his dreadful way—“is + the rights of the gods alone. Let the gods of the Pongo settle it.” + </p> + <p> + I uttered a sigh of relief, and he went on in a new voice, a dull, + business-like voice if I may so describe it: + </p> + <p> + “Say, O Kalubi, on what matter have you brought these white men to speak + with me, the Mouth of the god? Did I dream that it was a matter of a + treaty with the King of the Mazitu? Rise and speak.” + </p> + <p> + So the Kalubi rose and with a humble air set out briefly and clearly the + reason of our visit to Pongo-land as the envoys of Bausi and the heads of + the treaty that had been arranged subject to the approval of the Motombo + and Bausi. We noted that the affair did not seem to interest the Motombo + at all. Indeed, he appeared to go to sleep while the speech was being + delivered, perhaps because he was exhausted with the invention of his + outrageous falsehoods, or perhaps for other reasons. When it was finished + he opened his eyes and pointed to Komba, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Arise, Kalubi-that-is-to-be.” + </p> + <p> + So Komba rose, and in his cold, precise voice narrated his share in the + transaction, telling how he had visited Bausi, and all that had happened + in connection with the embassy. Again the Motombo appeared to go to sleep, + only opening his eyes once as Komba described how we had been searched for + firearms, whereon he nodded his great head in approval and licked his lips + with his thin red tongue. When Komba had done, he said: + </p> + <p> + “The gods tell me that the plan is wise and good, since without new blood + the people of the Pongo will die, but of the end of the matter the god + knows alone, if even he can read the future.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, then asked sharply: + </p> + <p> + “Have you anything more to say, O Kalubi-that-is-to-be? Now of a sudden + the god puts it into my mouth to ask if you have anything more to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Something, O Motombo. Many moons ago the god bit <i>off</i> the finger of + our High Lord, the Kalubi. The Kalubi, having heard that a white man + skilled in medicine who could cut off limbs with knives, was in the + country of the Mazitu and camped on the borders of the great lake, took a + canoe and rowed to where the white man was camped, he with the beard, who + is named Dogeetah, and who stands before you. I followed him in another + canoe, because I wished to know what he was doing, also to see a white + man. I hid my canoe and those who went with me in the reeds far from the + Kalubi’s canoe. I waded through the shallow water and concealed myself in + some thick reeds quite near to the white man’s linen house. I saw the + white man cut off the Kalubi’s finger and I heard the Kalubi pray the + white man to come to our country with the iron tubes that smoke, and to + kill the god of whom he was afraid.” + </p> + <p> + Now from all the company went up a great gasp, and the Kalubi fell down + upon his face again, and lay still. Only the Motombo seemed to show no + surprise, perhaps because he already knew the story. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, O Mouth of the god. Last night, after the council of which you have + heard, the Kalubi wrapped himself up like a corpse and visited the white + men in their hut. I thought that he would do so, and had made ready. With + a sharp spear I bored a hole in the wall of the hut, working from outside + the fence. Then I thrust a reed through from the fence across the passage + between the fence and the wall, and through the hole in the hut, and + setting my ear to the end of the reed, I listened.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! clever, clever!” muttered Hans in involuntary admiration, “and to + think that I looked and looked too low, beneath the reed. Oh! Hans, though + you are old, you have much to learn.” + </p> + <p> + “Among much else I heard this,” went on Komba in sentences so clear and + cold that they reminded me of the tinkle of falling ice, “which I think is + enough, though I can tell you the rest if you wish, O Mouth. I heard,” he + said, in the midst of a silence that was positively awful, “our lord, the + Kalubi, whose name is Child of the god, agree with the white men that they + should kill the god—how I do not know, for it was not said—and + that in return they should receive the persons of the Mother of the Holy + Flower and of her daughter, the Mother-that-is-to-be, and should dig up + the Holy Flower itself by the roots and take it away across the water, + together with the Mother and the Mother-that-is-to-be. That is all, O + Motombo.” + </p> + <p> + Still in the midst of an intense silence, the Motombo glared at the + prostrate figure of the Kalubi. For a long while he glared. Then the + silence was broken, for the wretched Kalubi sprang from the floor, seized + a spear and tried to kill himself. Before the blade touched him it was + snatched from his hand, so that he remained standing, but weaponless. + </p> + <p> + Again there was silence and again it was broken, this time by the Motombo, + who rose from his seat before which he stood, a huge, bloated object, and + roared aloud in his rage. Yes, he roared like a wounded buffalo. Never + would I have believed that such a vast volume of sound could have + proceeded from the lungs of a single aged man. For fully a minute his + furious bellowings echoed down that great cave, while all the Pongo + soldiers, rising from their recumbent position, pointed their hands, in + some of which torches still burned, at the miserable Kalubi on whom their + wrath seemed to be concentrated, rather than on us, and hissed like + snakes. + </p> + <p> + Really it might have been a scene in hell with the Motombo playing the + part of Satan. Indeed, his swollen, diabolical figure supported on the + thin, toad-like legs, the great fires burning on either side, the lurid + lights of evening reflected from the still water beyond and glowering + among the tree tops of the mountain, the white-robed forms of the tall + Pongo, bending, every one of them, towards the wretched culprit and + hissing like so many fierce serpents, all suggested some uttermost deep in + the infernal regions as one might conceive them in a nightmare. + </p> + <p> + It went on for some time, I don’t know how long, till at length the + Motombo picked up his fantastically shaped horn and blew. Thereon the + women darted from the various doorways, but seeing that they were not + wanted, checked themselves in their stride and remained standing so, in + the very attitude of runners about to start upon a race. As the blast of + the horn died away the turmoil was suddenly succeeded by an utter + stillness, broken only by the crackling of the fires whose flames, of all + the living things in that place, alone seemed heedless of the tragedy + which was being played. + </p> + <p> + “All up now, old fellow!” whispered Stephen to me in a shaky voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “all up high as heaven, where I hope we are going. Now + back to back, and let’s make the best fight we can. We’ve got the spears.” + </p> + <p> + While we were closing in the Motombo began to speak. + </p> + <p> + “So you plotted to kill the god, Kalubi-who-<i>was</i>,” he screamed, + “with these white ones whom you would pay with the Holy Flower and her who + guards it. Good! You shall go, all of you, and talk with the god. And I, + watching here, will learn who dies—you or the god. Away with them!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI<br/> + THE GODS + </h2> + <p> + With a roar the Pongo soldiers leapt on us. I think that Mavovo managed to + get his spear up and kill a man, for I saw one of them fall backwards and + lie still. But they were too quick for the rest of us. In half a minute we + were seized, the spears were wrenched from our hands and we were thrown + headlong into the canoe, all six of us, or rather seven including the + Kalubi. A number of the soldiers, including Komba, who acted as steersman, + also sprang into the canoe that was instantly pushed out from beneath the + bridge or platform on which the Motombo sat and down the little creek into + the still water of the canal or estuary, or whatever it may be, that + separates the wall of rock which the cave pierces from the base of the + mountain. + </p> + <p> + As we floated out of the mouth of the cave the toad-like Motombo, who had + wheeled round upon his stool, shouted an order to Komba. + </p> + <p> + “O Kalubi,” he said, “set the Kalubi-who-<i>was</i> and the three white + men and their three servants on the borders of the forest that is named + House-of-the-god and leave them there. Then return and depart, for here I + would watch alone. When all is finished I will summon you.” + </p> + <p> + Komba bowed his handsome head and at a sign two of the men got out + paddles, for more were not needed, and with slow and gentle strokes rowed + us across the water. The first thing I noted about this water at the time + was that its blackness was inky, owing, I suppose, to its depth and the + shadows of the towering cliff on one side and of the tall trees on the + other. Also I observed—for in this emergency, or perhaps because of + it, I managed to keep my wits about me—that its banks on either side + were the home of great numbers of crocodiles which lay there like logs. I + saw, further, that a little lower down where the water seemed to narrow, + jagged boughs projected from its surface as though great trees had fallen, + or been thrown into it. I recalled in a numb sort of way that old Babemba + had told us that when he was a boy he had escaped in a canoe down this + estuary, and reflected that it would not be possible for him to do so now + because of those snags. Unless, indeed, he had floated over them in a time + of great flood. + </p> + <p> + A couple of minutes or so of paddling brought us to the further shore + which, as I think I have said, was only about two hundred yards from the + mouth of the cave. The bow of the canoe grated on the bank, disturbing a + huge crocodile that vanished into the depths with an angry plunge. + </p> + <p> + “Land, white lords, land,” said Komba with the utmost politeness, “and go, + visit the god who doubtless is waiting for you. And now, as we shall meet + no more—farewell. You are wise and I am foolish, yet hearken to my + counsel. If ever you should return to the Earth again, be advised by me. + Cling to your own god if you have one, and do not meddle with those of + other peoples. Again farewell.” + </p> + <p> + The advice was excellent, but at that moment I felt a hate for Komba which + was really superhuman. To me even the Motombo seemed an angel of light as + compared with him. If wishes could have killed, our farewell would indeed + have been complete. + </p> + <p> + Then, admonished by the spear points of the Pongo, we landed in the slimy + mud. Brother John went first with a smile upon his handsome countenance + that I thought idiotic under the circumstances, though doubtless he knew + best when he ought to smile, and the wretched Kalubi came last. Indeed, so + great was his shrinking from that ominous shore, that I believe he was + ultimately propelled from the boat by his successor in power, Komba. Once + he had trodden it, however, a spark of spirit returned to him, for he + wheeled round and said to Komba, + </p> + <p> + “Remember, O Kalubi, that my fate to-day will be yours also in a day to + come. The god wearies of his priests. This year, next year, or the year + after; he always wearies of his priests.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, O Kalubi-that-was,” answered Komba in a mocking voice as the canoe + was pushed off, “pray to the god for me, that it may be the year after; + pray it as your bones break in his embrace.” + </p> + <p> + While we watched that craft depart there came into my mind the memory of a + picture in an old Latin book of my father’s, which represented the souls + of the dead being paddled by a person named Charon across a river called + the Styx. The scene before us bore a great resemblance to that picture. + There was Charon’s boat floating on the dreadful Styx. Yonder glowed the + lights of the world, here was the gloomy, unknown shore. And we, we were + the souls of the dead awaiting the last destruction at the teeth and claws + of some unknown monster, such as that which haunts the recesses of the + Egyptian hell. Oh! the parallel was painfully exact. And yet, what do you + think was the remark of that irrepressible young man Stephen? + </p> + <p> + “Here we are at last, Allan, my boy,” he said, “and after all without any + trouble on our own part. I call it downright providential. Oh! isn’t it + jolly! Hip, hip, hooray!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, he danced about in that filthy mud, threw up his cap and cheered! + </p> + <p> + I withered, or rather tried to wither him with a look, muttering the + single word: “Lunatic.” + </p> + <p> + Providential! Jolly! Well, it’s fortunate that some people’s madness takes + a cheerful turn. Then I asked the Kalubi where the god was. + </p> + <p> + “Everywhere,” he replied, waving his trembling hand at the illimitable + forest. “Perhaps behind this tree, perhaps behind that, perhaps a long way + off. Before morning we shall know.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” I inquired savagely. + </p> + <p> + “Die,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, fool,” I exclaimed, shaking him, “you can die if you like, but + we don’t mean to. Take us to some place where we shall be safe from this + god.” + </p> + <p> + “One is never safe from the god, lord, especially in his own House,” and + he shook his silly head and went on, “How can we be safe when there is + nowhere to go and even the trees are too big to climb?” + </p> + <p> + I looked at them, it was true. They were huge and ran up for fifty or + sixty feet without a bough. Moreover, it was probable that the god climbed + better than we could. The Kalubi began to move inland in an indeterminate + fashion, and I asked him where he was going. + </p> + <p> + “To the burying-place,” he answered. “There are spears yonder with the + bones.” + </p> + <p> + I pricked up my ears at this—for when one has nothing but some clasp + knives, spears are not to be despised—and ordered him to lead on. In + another minute we were walking uphill through the awful wood where the + gloom at this hour of approaching night was that of an English fog. + </p> + <p> + Three or four hundred paces brought us to a kind of clearing, where I + suppose some of the monster trees had fallen down in past years and never + been allowed to grow up again. Here, placed upon the ground, were a number + of boxes made of imperishable ironwood, and on the top of each box sat, or + rather lay, a mouldering and broken skull. + </p> + <p> + “Kalubi-that-were!” murmured our guide in explanation. “Look, Komba has + made my box ready,” and he pointed to a new case with the lid off. + </p> + <p> + “How thoughtful of him!” I said. “But show us the spears before it gets + quite dark.” He went to one of the newer coffins and intimated that we + should lift off the lid as he was afraid to do so. + </p> + <p> + I shoved it aside. There within lay the bones, each of them separate and + wrapped up in something, except of course the skull. With these were some + pots filled apparently with gold dust, and alongside of the pots two good + spears that, being made of copper, had not rusted much. We went on to + other coffins and extracted from them more of these weapons that were laid + there for the dead man to use upon his journey through the Shades, until + we had enough. The shafts of most of them were somewhat rotten from the + damp, but luckily they were furnished with copper sockets from two and a + half to three feet long, into which the wood of the shaft fitted, so that + they were still serviceable. + </p> + <p> + “Poor things these to fight a devil with,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baas,” said Hans in a cheerful voice, “very poor. It is lucky that I + have got a better.” + </p> + <p> + I stared at him; we all stared at him. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Spotted Snake?” asked Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, child of a hundred idiots? Is this a time to jest? Is + not one joker enough among us?” I asked, and looked at Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “Mean, Baas? Don’t you know that I have the little rifle with me, that + which is called <i>Intombi</i>, that with which you shot the vultures at + Dingaan’s kraal? I never told you because I was sure you knew; also + because if you didn’t know it was better that you should not know, for if + <i>you</i> had known, those Pongo <i>skellums</i> (that is, vicious ones) + might have come to know also. And if <i>they</i> had known——” + </p> + <p> + “Mad!” interrupted Brother John, tapping his forehead, “quite mad, poor + fellow! Well, in these depressing circumstances it is not wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + I inspected Hans again, for I agreed with John. Yet he did not look mad, + only rather more cunning than usual. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” I said, “tell us where this rifle is, or I will knock you down and + Mavovo shall flog you.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, Baas! Why, cannot you see it when it is before your eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, John,” I said, “he’s off it”; but Stephen sprang at Hans + and began to shake him. + </p> + <p> + “Leave go, Baas,” he said, “or you may hurt the rifle.” + </p> + <p> + Stephen obeyed in sheer astonishment. Then, oh! then Hans did something to + the end of his great bamboo stick, turned it gently upside down and out of + it slid the barrel of a rifle neatly tied round with greased cloth and + stoppered at the muzzle with a piece of tow! + </p> + <p> + I could have kissed him. Yes, such was my joy that I could have kissed + that hideous, smelly old Hottentot. + </p> + <p> + “The stock?” I panted. “The barrel isn’t any use without the stock, Hans.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas,” he answered, grinning, “do you think that I have shot with you + all these years without knowing that a rifle must have a stock to hold it + by?” + </p> + <p> + Then he slipped off the bundle from his back, undid the lashings of the + blanket, revealing the great yellow head of tobacco that had excited my + own and Komba’s interest on the shores of the lake. This head he tore + apart and produced the stock of the rifle nicely cleaned, a cap set ready + on the nipple, on to which the hammer was let down, with a little piece of + wad between to prevent the cap from being fired by any sudden jar. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” I exclaimed, “Hans, you are a hero and worth your weight in gold!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baas, though you never told me so before. Oh! I made up my mind that + I wouldn’t go to sleep in the face of the Old Man (death). Oh! which of + you ought to sleep now upon that bed that Bausi sent me?” he asked as he + put the gun together. “<i>You</i>, I think, you great stupid Mavovo. <i>You</i> + never brought a gun. If you were a wizard worth the name you would have + sent the rifles on and had them ready to meet us here. Oh! will you laugh + at me any more, you thick-head of a Zulu?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Mavovo candidly. “I will give you <i>sibonga</i>. Yes, I + will make for you Titles of Praise, O clever Spotted Snake.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” went on Hans, “I am not all a hero; I am worth but half my + weight in gold. For, Baas, although I have plenty of powder and bullets in + my pocket, I lost the caps out of a hole in my waistcoat. You remember, + Baas, I told you it was charms I lost. But three remain; no, four, for + there is one on the nipple. There, Baas, there is <i>Intombi</i> all ready + and loaded. And now when the white devil comes you can shoot him in the + eye, as you know how to do up to a hundred yards, and send him to the other + devils down in hell. Oh! won’t your holy father the Predikant be glad to + see him there.” + </p> + <p> + Then with a self-satisfied smirk he half-cocked the rifle and handed it to + me ready for action. + </p> + <p> + “I thank God!” said Brother John solemnly, “who has taught this poor + Hottentot how to save us.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Baas John, God never taught me, I taught myself. But, see, it grows + dark. Had we not better light a fire,” and forgetting the rifle he began + to look about for wood. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” called Stephen after him, “if ever we get out of this, I will give + you £500, or at least my father will, which is the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Baas, thank you, though just now I’d rather have a drop of + brandy and—I don’t see any wood.” + </p> + <p> + He was right. Outside of the graveyard clearing lay, it is true, some huge + fallen boughs. But these were too big for us to move or cut. Moreover, + they were so soaked with damp, like everything in this forest, that it + would be impossible to fire them. + </p> + <p> + The darkness closed in. It was not absolute blackness, because presently + the moon rose, but the sky was rainy and obscured it; moreover, the huge + trees all about seemed to suck up whatever light there was. We crouched + ourselves upon the ground back to back as near as possible to the centre + of the place, unrolled such blankets as we had to protect us from the damp + and cold, and ate some biltong or dried game flesh and parched corn, of + which fortunately the boy Jerry carried a bagful that had remained upon + his shoulders when he was thrown into the canoe. Luckily I had thought of + bringing this food with us; also a flask of spirits. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the first thing happened. Far away in the forest + resounded a most awful roar, followed by a drumming noise, such a roar as + none of us had ever heard before, for it was quite unlike that of a lion + or any other beast. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The god,” groaned the Kalubi, “the god praying to the moon with which he + always rises.” + </p> + <p> + I said nothing, for I was reflecting that four shots, which was all we + had, was not many, and that nothing should tempt me to waste one of them. + Oh! why had Hans put on that rotten old waistcoat instead of the new one I + gave him in Durban? + </p> + <p> + Since we heard no more roars Brother John began to question the Kalubi as + to where the Mother of the Flower lived. + </p> + <p> + “Lord,” answered the man in a distracted way, “there, towards the East. + You walk for a quarter of the sun’s journey up the hill, following a path + that is marked by notches cut upon the trees, till beyond the garden of + the god at the top of the mountain more water is found surrounding an + island. There on the banks of the water a canoe is hidden in the bushes, + by which the water may be crossed to the island, where dwells the Mother + of the Holy Flower.” + </p> + <p> + Brother John did not seem to be quite satisfied with the information, and + remarked that he, the Kalubi, would be able to show us the road on the + morrow. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think that I shall ever show you the road,” groaned the + shivering wretch. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the god roared again much nearer. Now the Kalubi’s nerve + gave out altogether, and quickened by some presentiment, he began to + question Brother John, whom he had learned was a priest of an unknown + sort, as to the possibility of another life after death. + </p> + <p> + Brother John, who, be it remembered, was a very earnest missionary by + calling, proceeded to administer some compressed religious consolations, + when, quite near to us, the god began to beat upon some kind of very large + and deep drum. He didn’t roar this time, he only worked away at a + massed-band military drum. At least that is what it sounded like, and very + unpleasant it was to hear in that awful forest with skulls arranged on + boxes all round us, I can assure you, my reader. + </p> + <p> + The drumming ceased, and pulling himself together, Brother John continued + his pious demonstrations. Also just at that time a thick rain-cloud quite + obscured the moon, so that the darkness grew dense. I heard John + explaining to the Kalubi that he was not really a Kalubi, but an immortal + soul (I wonder whether he understood him). Then I became aware of a + horrible shadow—I cannot describe it in any other way—that was + blacker than the blackness, which advanced towards us at extraordinary + speed from the edge of the clearing. + </p> + <p> + Next second there was a kind of scuffle a few feet from me, followed by a + stifled yell, and I saw the shadow retreating in the direction from which + it had come. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Strike a match,” answered Brother John; “I think something has happened.” + </p> + <p> + I struck a match, which burnt up very well, for the air was quite still. + In the light of it I saw first the anxious faces of our party—how + ghastly they looked!—and next the Kalubi who had risen and was + waving his right arm in the air, a right arm that was bloody and <i>lacked + the hand</i>. + </p> + <p> + “The god has visited me and taken away my hand!” he moaned in a wailing + voice. + </p> + <p> + I don’t think anybody spoke; the thing was beyond words, but we tried to + bind the poor fellow’s arm up by the light of matches. Then we sat down + again and watched. + </p> + <p> + The darkness grew still denser as the thick of the cloud passed over the + moon, and for a while the silence, that utter silence of the tropical + forest at night, was broken only by the sound of our breathing, the buzz + of a few mosquitoes, the distant splash of a plunging crocodile and the + stifled groans of the mutilated man. + </p> + <p> + Again I saw, or thought I saw—this may have been half an hour later—that + black shadow dart towards us, as a pike darts at a fish in a pond. There + was another scuffle, just to my left—Hans sat between me and the + Kalubi—followed by a single prolonged wail. + </p> + <p> + “The king-man has gone,” whispered Hans. “I felt him go as though a wind + had blown him away. Where he was there is nothing but a hole.” + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden the moon shone out from behind the clouds. In its sickly light + about half-way between us and the edge of the clearing, say thirty yards + off, I saw—oh! what did I see! The devil destroying a lost soul. At + least, that is what it looked like. A huge, grey-black creature, + grotesquely human in its shape, had the thin Kalubi in its grip. The + Kalubi’s head had vanished in its maw and its vast black arms seemed to be + employed in breaking him to pieces. + </p> + <p> + Apparently he was already dead, though his feet, that were lifted off the + ground, still moved feebly. + </p> + <p> + I sprang up and covered the beast with the rifle which was cocked, getting + full on to its head which showed the clearest, though this was rather + guesswork, since I could not see distinctly the fore-sight. I pulled, but + either the cap or the powder had got a little damp on the journey and hung + fire for the fraction of a second. In that infinitesimal time the devil—it + is the best name I can give the thing—saw me, or perhaps it only saw + the light gleaming on the barrel. At any rate it dropped the Kalubi, and + as though some intelligence warned it what to expect, threw up its massive + right arm—I remember how extraordinarily long the limb seemed and + that it looked thick as a man’s thigh—in such a fashion as to cover + its head. + </p> + <p> + Then the rifle exploded and I heard the bullet strike. By the light of the + flash I saw the great arm tumble down in a dead, helpless kind of way, and + next instant the whole forest began to echo with peal upon peal of those + awful roarings that I have described, each of which ended with a dog-like + <i>yowp</i> of pain. + </p> + <p> + “You have hit him, Baas,” said Hans, “and he isn’t a ghost, for he doesn’t + like it. But he’s still very lively.” + </p> + <p> + “Close up,” I answered, “and hold out the spears while I reload.” + </p> + <p> + My fear was that the brute would rush on us. But it did not. For all that + dreadful night we saw or heard it no more. Indeed, I began to hope that + after all the bullet had reached some mortal part and that the great ape + was dead. + </p> + <p> + At length, it seemed to be weeks afterwards, the dawn broke and revealed + us sitting white and shivering in the grey mist; that is, all except + Stephen, who had gone comfortably to sleep with his head resting on + Mavovo’s shoulder. He is a man so equably minded and so devoid of nerves, + that I feel sure he will be one of the last to be disturbed by the trump + of the archangel. At least, so I told him indignantly when at length we + roused him from his indecent slumbers. + </p> + <p> + “You should judge things by results, Allan,” he said with a yawn. “I’m as + fresh as a pippin while you all look as though you had been to a ball with + twelve extras. Have you retrieved the Kalubi yet?” + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards, when the mist lifted a little, we went out in a line + to “retrieve the Kalubi,” and found—well, I won’t describe what we + found. He was a cruel wretch, as the incident of the herd-boy had told us, + but I felt sorry for him. Still, his terrors were over, or at least I hope + so. + </p> + <p> + We deposited him in the box that Komba had kindly provided in preparation + for this inevitable event, and Brother John said a prayer over his + miscellaneous remains. Then, after consultation and in the very worst of + spirits, we set out to seek the way to the home of the Mother of the + Flower. The start was easy enough, for a distinct, though very faint path + led from the clearing up the slope of the hill. Afterwards it became more + difficult for the denser forest began. Fortunately very few creepers grew + in this forest, but the flat tops of the huge trees meeting high above + entirely shut out the sky, so that the gloom was great, in places almost + that of night. + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was a melancholy journey as, filled with fears, we stole, a pallid + throng, from trunk to trunk, searching them for the notches that indicated + our road, and speaking only in whispers, lest the sound of our voices + should attract the notice of the dreadful god. After a mile or two of this + we became aware that its notice was attracted despite our precautions, for + at times we caught glimpses of some huge grey thing slipping along + parallel to us between the boles of the trees. Hans wanted me to try a + shot, but I would not, knowing that the chances of hitting it were small + indeed. With only three charges, or rather three caps left, it was + necessary to be saving. + </p> + <p> + We halted and held a consultation, as a result of which we decided that + there was no more danger in going on than in standing still or attempting + to return. So we went on, keeping close together. To me, as I was the only + one with a rifle, was accorded what I did not at all appreciate, the + honour of heading the procession. + </p> + <p> + Another half-mile and again we heard that strange rolling sound which was + produced, I believe, by the great brute beating upon its breast, but noted + that it was not so continuous as on the previous night. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said Hans, “he can only strike his drum with one stick now. Your + bullet broke the other, Baas.” + </p> + <p> + A little farther and the god roared quite close, so loudly that the air + seemed to tremble. + </p> + <p> + “The drum is all right, whatever may have happened to the sticks,” I said. + </p> + <p> + A hundred yards or so more and the catastrophe occurred. We had reached a + spot in the forest where one of the great trees had fallen down, letting + in a little light. I can see it to this hour. There lay the enormous tree, + its bark covered with grey mosses and clumps of a giant species of + maidenhair fern. On our side of it was the open space which may have + measured forty feet across, where the light fell in a perpendicular ray, + as it does through the smoke-hole of a hut. Looking at this prostrate + trunk, I saw first two lurid and fiery eyes that glowed red in the shadow; + and then, almost in the same instant, made out what looked like the head + of a fiend enclosed in a wreath of the delicate green ferns. I can’t + describe it, I can only repeat that it looked like the head of a very + large fiend with a pallid face, huge overhanging eyebrows and great yellow + tushes on either side of the mouth. + </p> + <p> + Before I had even time to get the rifle up, with one terrific roar the + brute was on us. I saw its enormous grey shape on the top of the trunk, I + saw it pass me like a flash, running upright as a man does, but with the + head held forward, and noted that the arm nearest to me was swinging as + though broken. Then as I turned I heard a scream of terror and perceived + that it had gripped the poor Mazitu, Jerry, who walked last but one of our + line which was ended by Mavovo. Yes, it had gripped him and was carrying + him off, clasped to its breast with its sound arm. When I say that Jerry, + although a full-grown man and rather inclined to stoutness, looked like a + child in that fell embrace, it will give some idea of the creature’s size. + </p> + <p> + Mavovo, who had the courage of a buffalo, charged at it and drove the + copper spear he carried into its side. They all charged like berserkers, + except myself, for even then, thank Heaven! I knew a trick worth two of + that. In three seconds there was a struggling mass in the centre of the + clearing. Brother John, Stephen, Mavovo and Hans were all stabbing at the + enormous gorilla, for it was a gorilla, although their blows seemed to do + it no more harm than pinpricks. Fortunately for them, for its part, the + beast would not let go of Jerry, and having only one sound arm, could but + snap at its assailants, for if it had lifted a foot to rend them, its + top-heavy bulk would have caused it to tumble over. + </p> + <p> + At length it seemed to realise this, and hurled Jerry away, knocking down + Brother John and Hans with his body. Then it leapt on Mavovo, who, seeing + it come, placed the copper socket of the spear against his own breast, + with the result that when the gorilla tried to crush him, the point of the + spear was driven into its carcase. Feeling the pain, it unwound its arm + from about Mavovo, knocking Stephen over with the backward sweep. Then it + raised its great hand to crush Mavovo with a blow, as I believe gorillas + are wont to do. + </p> + <p> + This was the chance for which I was waiting. Up till that moment I had not + dared to fire, fearing lest I should kill one of my companions. Now for an + instant it was clear of them all, and steadying myself, I aimed at the + huge head and let drive. The smoke thinned, and through it I saw the + gigantic ape standing quite still, like a creature lost in meditation. + </p> + <p> + Then it threw up its sound arm, turned its fierce eyes to the sky, and + uttering one pitiful and hideous howl, sank down dead. The bullet had + entered just behind the ear and buried itself in the brain. + </p> + <p> + The great silence of the forest flowed in over us, as it were; for quite a + while no one did or said anything. Then from somewhere down amidst the + mosses I heard a thin voice, the sound of which reminded me of air being + squeezed out of an indiarubber cushion. + </p> + <p> + “Very good shot, Baas,” it piped up, “as good as that which killed the + king-vulture at Dingaan’s kraal, and more difficult. But if the Baas could + pull the god off me I should say—Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + The “thank you” was almost inaudible, and no wonder, for poor Hans had + fainted. There he lay under the huge bulk of the gorilla, just his nose + and mouth appearing between the brute’s body and its arm. Had it not been + for the soft cushion of wet moss in which he reclined, I think that he + would have been crushed flat. + </p> + <p> + We rolled the creature off him somehow and poured a little brandy down his + throat, which had a wonderful effect, for in less than a minute he sat up, + gasping like a dying fish, and asked for more. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Brother John to examine Hans to see if he was really injured, I + bethought me of poor Jerry and went to look at him. One glance was enough. + He was quite dead. Indeed, he seemed to be crushed out of shape like a + buck that has been enveloped in the coils of a boa-constrictor. Brother + John told me afterwards that both his arms and nearly all his ribs had + been broken in that terrible embrace. Even his spine was dislocated. + </p> + <p> + I have often wondered why the gorilla ran down the line without touching + me or the others, to vent his rage upon Jerry. I can only suggest that it + was because the unlucky Mazitu had sat next to the Kalubi on the previous + night, which may have caused the brute to identify him by smell with the + priest whom he had learned to hate and killed. It is true that Hans had + sat on the other side of the Kalubi, but perhaps the odour of the Pongo + had not clung to him so much, or perhaps it meant to deal with him after + it had done with Jerry. + </p> + <p> + When we knew that the Mazitu was past human help and had discovered to our + joy that, save for a few bruises, no one else was really hurt, although + Stephen’s clothes were half-torn off him, we made an examination of the + dead god. Truly it was a fearful creature. + </p> + <p> + What its exact weight or size may have been we had no means of + ascertaining, but I never saw or heard of such an enormous ape, if a + gorilla is really an ape. It needed the united strength of the five of us + to lift the carcase with a great effort off the fainting Hans and even to + roll it from side to side when subsequently we removed the skin. I would + never have believed that so ancient an animal of its stature, which could + not have been more than seven feet when it stood erect, could have been so + heavy. For ancient undoubtedly it was. The long, yellow, canine tusks were + worn half-away with use; the eyes were sunken far into the skull; the hair + of the head, which I am told is generally red or brown, was quite white, + and even the bare breast, which should be black, was grey in hue. Of + course, it was impossible to say, but one might easily have imagined that + this creature was two hundred years or more old, as the Motombo had + declared it to be. + </p> + <p> + Stephen suggested that it should be skinned, and although I saw little + prospect of our being able to carry away the hide, I assented and helped + in the operation on the mere chance of saving so great a curiosity. Also, + although Brother John was restless and murmured something about wasting + time, I thought it necessary that we should have a rest after our fearful + anxieties and still more fearful encounter with this consecrated monster. + So we set to work, and as a result of more than an hour’s toil, dragged + off the hide, which was so tough and thick that, as we found, the copper + spears had scarcely penetrated to the flesh. The bullet that I had put + into it on the previous night struck, we discovered, upon the bone of the + upper arm, which it shattered sufficiently to render that limb useless, if + it did not break it altogether. This, indeed, was fortunate for us, for + had the creature retained both its arms uninjured, it would certainly have + killed more of us in its attack. We were saved only by the fact that when + it was hugging Jerry it had no limb left with which it could strike, and + luckily did not succeed in its attempts to get hold with its tremendous + jaws that had nipped off the Kalubi’s hand as easily as a pair of scissors + severs the stalk of a flower. + </p> + <p> + When the skin was removed, except that of the hands, which we did not + attempt to touch, we pegged it out, raw side uppermost, to dry in the + centre of the open place where the sun struck. Then, having buried poor + Jerry in the hollow trunk of the great fallen tree, we washed ourselves + with the wet mosses and ate some of the food that remained to us. + </p> + <p> + After this we started forward again in much better spirits. Jerry, it was + true, was dead, but so was the god, leaving us happily still alive and + practically untouched. Never more would the Kalubis of Pongo-land shiver + out their lives at the feet of this dreadful divinity who soon or late + must become their executioner, for I believe, with the exception of two + who committed suicide through fear, that no Kalubi was ever known to have + died except by the hand—or teeth—of the god. + </p> + <p> + What would I not give to know that brute’s history? Could it possibly, as + the Motombo said, have accompanied the Pongo people from their home in + Western or Central Africa, or perhaps have been brought here by them in a + state of captivity? I am unable to answer the question, but it should be + noted that none of the Mazitu or other natives had ever heard of the + existence of more true gorillas in this part of Africa. The creature, if + it had its origin in the locality, must either have been solitary in its + habits or driven away from its fellows, as sometimes happens to old + elephants, which then, like this gorilla, become fearfully ferocious. + </p> + <p> + That is all I can say about the brute, though of course the Pongo had + their own story. According to them it was an evil spirit in the shape of + an ape, which evil spirit had once inhabited the body of an early Kalubi, + and had been annexed by the ape when it killed the said Kalubi. Also they + declared that the reason the creature put all the Kalubis to death, as + well as a number of other people who were offered up to it, was that it + needed “to refresh itself with the spirits of men,” by which means it was + enabled to avoid the effects of age. It will be remembered that the + Motombo referred to this belief, of which afterwards I heard in more + detail from Babemba. But if this god had anything supernatural about it, + at least its magic was no shield against a bullet from a Purdey rifle. + </p> + <p> + Only a little way from the fallen tree we came suddenly upon a large + clearing, which we guessed at once must be that “Garden of the god” where + twice a year the unfortunate Kalubis were doomed to scatter the “sacred + seed.” It was a large garden, several acres of it, lying on a shelf, as it + were, of the mountain and watered by a stream. Maize grew in it, also + other sorts of corn, while all round was a thick belt of plantain trees. + Of course these crops had formed the food of the god who, whenever it was + hungry, came to this place and helped itself, as we could see by many + signs. The garden was well kept and comparatively free from weeds. At + first we wondered how this could be, till I remembered that the Kalubi, or + someone, had told me that it was tended by the servants of the Mother of + the Flower, who were generally albinos or mutes. + </p> + <p> + We crossed it and pushed on rapidly up the mountain, once more following + an easy and well-beaten path, for now we saw that we were approaching what + we thought must be the edge of a crater. Indeed, our excitement was so + extreme that we did not speak, only scrambled forward, Brother John, + notwithstanding his lame leg, leading at a greater pace than we could + equal. He was the first to reach our goal, closely followed by Stephen. + Watching, I saw him sink down as though in a swoon. Stephen also appeared + astonished, for he threw up his hands. + </p> + <p> + I rushed to them, and this was what I saw. Beneath us was a steep slope + quite bare of forest, which ceased at its crest. This slope stretched + downwards for half a mile or more to the lip of a beautiful lake, of which + the area was perhaps two hundred acres. Set in the centre of the deep blue + water of this lake, which we discovered afterwards to be unfathomable, was + an island not more than five and twenty or thirty acres in extent, that + seemed to be cultivated, for on it we could see fields, palms and other + fruit-bearing trees. In the middle of the island stood a small, near house + thatched after the fashion of the country, but civilized in its + appearance, for it was oblong, not round, and encircled by a verandah and + a reed fence. At a distance from this house were a number of native huts, + and in front of it a small enclosure surrounded by a high wall, on the top + of which mats were fixed on poles as though to screen something from wind + or sun. + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Flower lives there, you bet,” gasped Stephen excitedly—he + could think of nothing but that confounded orchid. “Look, the mats are up + on the sunny side to prevent its scorching, and those palms are planted + round to give it shade.” + </p> + <p> + “The Mother of the Flower lives there,” whispered Brother John, pointing + to the house. “Who is she? Who is she? Suppose I should be mistaken after + all. God, let me not be mistaken, for it would be more than I can bear.” + </p> + <p> + “We had better try to find out,” I remarked practically, though I am sure + I sympathised with his suspense, and started down the slope at a run. + </p> + <p> + In five minutes or less we reached the foot of it, and, breathless and + perspiring though we were, began to search amongst the reeds and bushes + growing at the edge of the lake for the canoe of which we had been told by + the Kalubi. What if there were none? How could we cross that wide stretch + of deep water? Presently Hans, who, following certain indications which + caught his practised eye, had cast away to the left, held up his hand and + whistled. We ran to him. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, Baas,” he said, and pointed to something in a tiny + bush-fringed inlet, that at first sight looked like a heap of dead reeds. + We tore away at the reeds, and there, sure enough, was a canoe of + sufficient size to hold twelve or fourteen people, and in it a number of + paddles. + </p> + <p> + Another two minutes and we were rowing across that lake. + </p> + <p> + We came safely to the other side, where we found a little landing-stage + made of poles sunk into the lake. We tied up the canoe, or rather I did, + for nobody else remembered to take that precaution, and presently were on + a path which led through the cultivated fields to the house. Here I + insisted upon going first with the rifle, in case we should be suddenly + attacked. The silence and the absence of any human beings suggested to me + that this might very well happen, since it would be strange if we had not + been seen crossing the lake. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards I discovered why the place seemed so deserted. It was owing to + two reasons. First, it was now noontime, an hour at which these poor + slaves retired to their huts to eat and sleep through the heat of the day. + Secondly, although the “Watcher,” as she was called, had seen the canoe on + the water, she concluded that the Kalubi was visiting the Mother of the + Flower and, according to practice on these occasions, withdrew herself and + everybody else, since the rare meetings of the Kalubi and the Mother of + the Flower partook of the nature of a religious ceremony and must be held + in private. + </p> + <p> + First we came to the little enclosure that was planted about with palms + and, as I have described, screened with mats. Stephen ran at it and, + scrambling up the wall, peeped over the top. + </p> + <p> + Next instant he was sitting on the ground, having descended from the wall + with the rapidity of one shot through the head. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! by Jingo!” he ejaculated, “oh! by Jingo!” and that was all I could + get out of him, though it is true I did not try very hard at the time. + </p> + <p> + Not five paces from this enclosure stood a tall reed fence that surrounded + the house. It had a gate also of reeds, which was a little ajar. Creeping + up to it very cautiously, for I thought I heard a voice within, I peeped + through the half-opened gate. Four or five feet away was the verandah from + which a doorway led into one of the rooms of the house where stood a table + on which was food. + </p> + <p> + Kneeling on mats upon this verandah were—<i>two white women</i>—clothed + in garments of the purest white adorned with a purple fringe, and wearing + bracelets and other ornaments of red native gold. One of these appeared to + be about forty years of age. She was rather stout, fair in colouring, with + blue eyes and golden hair that hung down her back. The other might have + been about twenty. She also was fair, but her eyes were grey and her long + hair was of a chestnut hue. I saw at once that she was tall and very + beautiful. The elder woman was praying, while the other, who knelt by her + side, listened and looked up vacantly at the sky. + </p> + <p> + “O God,” prayed the woman, “for Christ’s sake look in pity upon us two + poor captives, and if it be possible, send us deliverance from this savage + land. We thank Thee Who hast protected us unharmed and in health for so + many years, and we put our trust in Thy mercy, for Thou alone canst help + us. Grant, O God, that our dear husband and father may still live, and + that in Thy good time we may be reunited to him. Or if he be dead and + there is no hope for us upon the earth, grant that we, too, may die and + find him in Thy Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + Thus she prayed in a clear, deliberate voice, and I noticed that as she + did so the tears ran down her cheeks. “Amen,” she said at last, and the + girl by her side, speaking with a strange little accent, echoed the + “Amen.” + </p> + <p> + I looked round at Brother John. He had heard something and was utterly + overcome. Fortunately enough he could not move or even speak. + </p> + <p> + “Hold him,” I whispered to Stephen and Mavovo, “while I go in and talk to + these ladies.” + </p> + <p> + Then, handing the rifle to Hans, I took off my hat, pushed the gate a + little wider open, slipped through it and called attention to my presence + by coughing. + </p> + <p> + The two women, who had risen from their knees, stared at me as though they + saw a ghost. + </p> + <p> + “Ladies,” I said, bowing, “pray do not be alarmed. You see God Almighty + sometimes answers prayers. In short, I am one of—a party—of + white people who, with some trouble, have succeeded in getting to this + place and—and—would you allow us to call on you?” + </p> + <p> + Still they stared. At length the elder woman opened her lips. + </p> + <p> + “Here I am called the Mother of the Holy Flower, and for a stranger to + speak with the Mother is death. Also if you are a man, how did you reach + us alive?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a long story,” I answered cheerfully. “May we come in? We will + take the risks, we are accustomed to them and hope to be able to do you a + service. I should explain that three of us are white men, two English and + one—American.” + </p> + <p> + “American!” she gasped, “American! What is he like, and how is he named?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” I replied, for my nerve was giving out and I grew confused, “he is + oldish, with a white beard, rather like Father Christmas in short, and his + Christian name (I didn’t dare to give it all at once) is—er—John, + Brother John, we call him. Now I think of it,” I added, “he has some + resemblance to your companion there.” + </p> + <p> + I thought that the lady was going to die, and cursed myself for my + awkwardness. She flung her arm about the girl to save herself from falling—a + poor prop, for she, too, looked as though she were going to die, having + understood some, if not all, of my talk. It must be remembered that this + poor young thing had never even seen a white man before. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, madam,” I expostulated, “I pray you to bear up. After living + through so much sorrow it would be foolish to decease of—joy. May I + call in Brother John? He is a clergyman and might be able to say something + appropriate, which I, who am only a hunter, cannot do.” + </p> + <p> + She gathered herself together, opened her eyes and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Send him here.” + </p> + <p> + I pushed open the gate behind which the others were clustered. Catching + Brother John, who by now had recovered somewhat, by the arm, I dragged him + forward. The two stood staring at each other, and the young lady also + looked with wide eyes and open mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Elizabeth!” said John. + </p> + <p> + She uttered a faint scream, then with a cry of “<i>Husband!</i>” flung + herself upon his breast. + </p> + <p> + I slipped through the gate and shut it fast. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Allan,” said Stephen, when we had retreated to a little distance, + “did you see her?” + </p> + <p> + “Her? Who? Which?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The young lady in the white clothes. She is lovely.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, you donkey!” I answered. “Is this a time to talk of + female looks?” + </p> + <p> + Then I went away behind the wall and literally wept for joy. It was one of + the happiest moments of my life, for how seldom things happen as they + should! + </p> + <p> + Also I wanted to put up a little prayer of my own, a prayer of + thankfulness and for strength and wit to overcome the many dangers that + yet awaited us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII<br/> + THE HOME OF THE HOLY FLOWER + </h2> + <p> + Half an hour or so passed, during which I was engaged alternately in + thinking over our position and in listening to Stephen’s rhapsodies. First + he dilated on the loveliness of the Holy Flower that he had caught a + glimpse of when he climbed the wall, and secondly, on the beauty of the + eyes of the young lady in white. Only by telling him that he might offend + her did I persuade him not to attempt to break into the sacred enclosure + where the orchid grew. As we were discussing the point, the gate opened + and she appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Sirs,” she said, with a reverential bow, speaking slowly and in the + drollest halting English, “the mother and the father—yes, the father—ask, + will you feed?” + </p> + <p> + We intimated that we would “feed” with much pleasure, and she led the way + to the house, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Be not astonished at them, for they are very happy too, and please + forgive our unleavened bread.” + </p> + <p> + Then in the politest way possible she took me by the hand, and followed by + Stephen, we entered the house, leaving Mavovo and Hans to watch outside. + </p> + <p> + It consisted of but two rooms, one for living and one for sleeping. In the + former we found Brother John and his wife seated on a kind of couch gazing + at each other in a rapt way. I noted that they both looked as though they + had been crying—with happiness, I suppose. + </p> + <p> + “Elizabeth,” said John as we entered, “this is Mr. Allan Quatermain, + through whose resource and courage we have come together again, and this + young gentleman is his companion, Mr. Stephen Somers.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed, for she seemed unable to speak, and held out her hand, which we + shook. + </p> + <p> + “What be ‘resource and courage’?” I heard her daughter whisper to Stephen, + “and why have you none, O Stephen Somers?” + </p> + <p> + “It would take a long time to explain,” he said with his jolly laugh, + after which I listened to no more of their nonsense. + </p> + <p> + Then we sat down to the meal, which consisted of vegetables and a large + bowl of hard-boiled ducks’ eggs, of which eatables an ample supply was + carried out to Hans and Mavovo by Stephen and Hope. This, it seemed, was + the name that her mother had given to the girl when she was born in the + hour of her black despair. + </p> + <p> + It was an extraordinary story that Mrs. Eversley had to tell, and yet a + short one. + </p> + <p> + She <i>had</i> escaped from Hassan-ben-Mohammed and the slave-traders, as + the rescued slave told her husband at Zanzibar before he died, and, after + days of wandering, been captured by some of the Pongo who were scouring + the country upon dark business of their own, probably in search of + captives. They brought her across the lake to Pongo-land and, the former + Mother of the Flower, an albino, having died at a great age, installed her + in the office on this island, which from that day she had never left. + Hither she was led by the Kalubi of the time and some others who had + “passed the god.” This brute, however, she had never seen, although once + she heard him roar, for it did not molest them or even appear upon their + journey. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after her arrival on the island her daughter was born, on which + occasion some of the women “servants of the Flower” nursed her. From that + moment both she and the child were treated with the utmost care and + veneration, since the Mother of the Flower and the Flower itself being in + some strange way looked upon as embodiments of the natural forces of + fertility, this birth was held to be the best of omens for the dwindling + Pongo race. Also it was hoped that in due course the “Child of the Flower” + would succeed the Mother in her office. So here they dwelt absolutely + helpless and alone, occupying themselves with superintending the + agriculture of the island. Most fortunately also when she was captured, + Mrs. Eversley had a small Bible in her possession which she had never + lost. From this she was able to teach her child to read and all that is to + be learned in the pages of Holy Writ. + </p> + <p> + Often I have thought that if I were doomed to solitary confinement for + life and allowed but one book, I would choose the Bible, since, in + addition to all its history and the splendour of its language, it contains + the record of the hope of man, and therefore should be sufficient for him. + So at least it had proved to be in this case. + </p> + <p> + Oddly enough, as she told us, like her husband, Mrs. Eversley during all + those endless years had never lost some kind of belief that she would one + day be saved otherwise than by death. + </p> + <p> + “I always thought that you still lived and that we should meet again, + John,” I heard her say to him. + </p> + <p> + Also her own and her daughter’s spirits were mysteriously supported, for + after the first shock and disturbance of our arrival we found them + cheerful people; indeed, Miss Hope was quite a merry soul. But then she + had never known any other life, and human nature is very adaptable. + Further, if I may say so, she had grown up a lady in the true sense of the + word. After all, why should she not, seeing that her mother, the Bible and + Nature had been her only associates and sources of information, if we + except the poor slaves who waited on them, most of whom were mutes. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Eversley’s story was done, we told ours, in a compressed form. + It was strange to see the wonder with which these two ladies listened to + its outlines, but on that I need not dwell. When it was finished I heard + Miss Hope say: + </p> + <p> + “So it would seem, O Stephen Somers, that it is you who are saviour to + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Stephen, “but why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you see the dry Holy Flower far away in England, and you say, ‘I + must be Holy Father to that Flower.’ Then you pay down shekels (here her + Bible reading came in) for the cost of journey and hire brave hunter to + kill devil-god and bring my old white-head parent with you. Oh yes, you + are saviour,” and she nodded her head at him very prettily. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” replied Stephen with enthusiasm; “that is, not exactly, but + it is all the same thing, as I will explain later. But, Miss Hope, + meanwhile could you show us the Flower?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Holy Mother must do that. If you look thereon without her, you die.” + </p> + <p> + “Really!” said Stephen, without alluding to his little feat of wall + climbing. + </p> + <p> + Well, the end of it was that after a good deal of hesitation, the Holy + Mother obliged, saying that as the god was dead she supposed nothing else + mattered. First, however, she went to the back of the house and clapped + her hands, whereon an old woman, a mute and a very perfect specimen of an + albino native, appeared and stared at us wonderingly. To her Mrs. Eversley + talked upon her fingers, so rapidly that I could scarcely follow her + movements. The woman bowed till her forehead nearly touched the ground, + then rose and ran towards the water. + </p> + <p> + “I have sent her to fetch the paddles from the canoe,” said Mrs. Eversley, + “and to put my mark upon it. Now none will dare to use it to cross the + lake.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very wise,” I replied, “as we don’t want news of our whereabouts + to get to the Motombo.” + </p> + <p> + Next we went to the enclosure, where Mrs. Eversley with a native knife cut + a string of palm fibres that was sealed with clay on to the door and one + of its uprights in such a fashion that none could enter without breaking + the string. The impression was made with a rude seal that she wore round + her neck as a badge of office. It was a very curious object fashioned of + gold and having deeply cut upon its face a rough image of an ape holding a + flower in its right paw. As it was also ancient, this seemed to show that + the monkey god and the orchid had been from the beginning jointly + worshipped by the Pongo. + </p> + <p> + When she had opened the door, there appeared, growing in the centre of the + enclosure, the most lovely plant, I should imagine, that man ever saw. It + measured some eight feet across, and the leaves were dark green, long and + narrow. From its various crowns rose the scapes of bloom. And oh! those + blooms, of which there were about twelve, expanded now in the flowering + season. The measurements made from the dried specimen I have given + already, so I need not repeat them. I may say here, however, that the + Pongo augured the fertility or otherwise of each succeeding year from the + number of the blooms on the Holy Flower. If these were many the season + would prove very fruitful; if few, less so; while if, as sometimes + happened, the plant failed to flower, drought and famine were always said + to follow. Truly those were glorious blossoms, standing as high as a man, + with their back sheaths of vivid white barred with black, their great + pouches of burnished gold and their wide wings also of gold. Then in the + centre of each pouch appeared the ink-mark that did indeed exactly + resemble the head of a monkey. But if this orchid astonished me, its + effect upon Stephen, with whom this class of flower was a mania, may be + imagined. Really he went almost mad. For a long while he glared at the + plant, and finally flung himself upon his knees, causing Miss Hope to + exclaim: + </p> + <p> + “What, O Stephen Somers! do you also make sacrifice to the Holy Flower?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather,” he answered; “I’d—I’d—die for it!” + </p> + <p> + “You are likely to before all is done,” I remarked with energy, for I hate + to see a grown man make a fool of himself. There’s only one thing in the + world which justifies <i>that</i>, and it isn’t a flower. + </p> + <p> + Mavovo and Hans had followed us into the enclosure, and I overheard a + conversation between them which amused me. The gist of it was that Hans + explained to Mavovo that the white people admired this weed—he + called it a weed—because it was like gold, which was the god they + really worshipped, although that god was known among them by many names. + Mavovo, who was not at all interested in the affair, replied with a shrug + that it might be so, though for his part he believed the true reason to be + that the plant produced some medicine which gave courage or strength. + Zulus, I may say, do not care for flowers unless they bear a fruit that is + good to eat. + </p> + <p> + When I had satisfied myself with the splendour of these magnificent + blooms, I asked Mrs. Eversley what certain little mounds might be that + were dotted about the enclosure, beyond the circle of cultivated peaty + soil which surrounded the orchid’s roots. + </p> + <p> + “They are the graves of the Mothers of the Holy Flower,” she answered. + “There are twelve of them, and here is the spot chosen for the thirteenth, + which was to have been mine.” + </p> + <p> + To change the subject I asked another question, namely: If there were more + such orchids growing in the country? + </p> + <p> + “No,” she replied, “or at least I never heard of any. Indeed, I have + always been told that this one was brought from far away generations ago. + Also, under an ancient law, it is never allowed to increase. Any shoots it + sends up beyond this ring must be cut off by me and destroyed with certain + ceremonies. You see that seed-pod which has been left to grow on the stalk + of one of last year’s blooms. It is now ripe, and on the night of the next + new moon, when the Kalubi comes to visit me, I must with much ritual burn + it in his presence, unless it has burst before he arrives, in which case I + must burn any seedlings that may spring up with almost the same ritual.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think the Kalubi will come any more; at least, not while you are + here. Indeed, I am sure of it,” I said. + </p> + <p> + As we were leaving the place, acting on my general principle of making + sure of anything of value when I get the chance, I broke off that ripe + seed-pod, which was of the size of an orange. No one was looking at the + time, and as it went straight into my pocket, no one missed it. + </p> + <p> + Then, leaving Stephen and the young lady to admire this Cypripedium—or + each other—in the enclosure, we three elders returned to the house + to discuss matters. + </p> + <p> + “John and Mrs. Eversley,” I said, “by Heaven’s mercy you are reunited + after a terrible separation of over twenty years. But what is to be done + now? The god, it is true, is dead, and therefore the passage of the forest + will be easy. But beyond it is the water which we have no means of + crossing and beyond the water that old wizard, the Motombo, sits in the + mouth of his cave watching like a spider in its web. And beyond the + Motombo and his cave are Komba, the new Kalubi and his tribe of cannibals——” + </p> + <p> + “Cannibals!” interrupted Mrs. Eversley, “I never knew that they were + cannibals. Indeed, I know little about the Pongo, whom I scarcely ever + see.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, madam, you must take my word for it that they are; also, as I + believe, that they have every expectation of eating <i>us</i>. Now, as I + presume that you do not wish to spend the rest of your lives, which would + probably be short, upon this island, I want to ask how you propose to + escape safely out of the Pongo country?” + </p> + <p> + They shook their heads, which were evidently empty of ideas. Only John + stroked his white beard, and inquired mildly: + </p> + <p> + “What have you arranged, Allan? My dear wife and I are quite willing to + leave the matter to you, who are so resourceful.” + </p> + <p> + “Arranged!” I stuttered. “Really, John, under any other circumstances——” + Then after a moment’s reflection I called to Hans and Mavovo, who came and + squatted down upon the verandah. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said, after I had put the case to them, “what have <i>you</i> + arranged?” Being devoid of any feasible suggestions, I wished to pass on + that intolerable responsibility. + </p> + <p> + “My father makes a mock of us,” said Mavovo solemnly. “Can a rat in a pit + arrange how it is to get out with the dog that is waiting at the top? So + far we have come in safety, as the rat does into the pit. Now I see + nothing but death.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s cheerful,” I said. “Your turn, Hans.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas,” replied the Hottentot, “for a while I grew clever again when I + thought of putting the gun <i>Intombi</i> into the bamboo. But now my head + is like a rotten egg, and when I try to shake wisdom out of it my brain + melts and washes from side to side like the stuff in the rotten egg. Yet, + yet, I have a thought—let us ask the Missie. Her brain is young and + not tired, it may hit on something: to ask the Baas Stephen is no good, + for already he is lost in other things,” and Hans grinned feebly. + </p> + <p> + More to give myself time than for any other reason I called to Miss Hope, + who had just emerged from the sacred enclosure with Stephen, and put the + riddle to her, speaking very slowly and clearly, so that she might + understand me. To my surprise she answered at once. + </p> + <p> + “What is a god, O Mr. Allen? Is it not more than man? Can a god be bound + in a pit for a thousand years, like Satan in Bible? If a god want to move, + see new country and so on, who can say no?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t quite understand,” I said, to draw her out further, although, in + fact, I had more than a glimmering of what she meant. + </p> + <p> + “O Allan, Holy Flower there a god, and my mother priestess. If Holy Flower + tired of this land, and want to grow somewhere else, why priestess not + carry it and go too?” + </p> + <p> + “Capital idea,” I said, “but you see, Miss Hope, there are, or were, two + gods, one of which cannot travel.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that very easy, too. Put skin of god of the woods on to this man,” + and she pointed to Hans, “and who know difference? They like as two + brothers already, only he smaller.” + </p> + <p> + “She’s got it! By Jingo, she’s got it!” exclaimed Stephen in admiration. + </p> + <p> + “What Missie say?” asked Hans, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + I told him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas,” exclaimed Hans, “think of the smell inside of that god’s skin + when the sun shines on it. Also the god was a very big god, and I am + small.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned and made a proposal to Mavovo, explaining that his stature + was much better suited to the job. + </p> + <p> + “First will I die,” answered the great Zulu. “Am I, who have high blood in + my veins and who am a warrior, to defile myself by wrapping the skin of a + dead brute about me and appear as an ape before men? Propose it to me + again, Spotted Snake, and we shall quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “See here, Hans,” I said. “Mavovo is right. He is a soldier and very + strong in battle. You also are very strong in your wits, and by doing this + you will make fools of all the Pongo. Also, Hans, it is better that you + should wear the skin of a gorilla for a few hours than that I, your + master, and all these should be killed.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baas, it is true, Baas; though for myself I almost think that, like + Mavovo, I would rather die. Yet it would be sweet to deceive those Pongo + once again, and, Baas, I won’t see you killed just to save myself another + bad smell or two. So, if you wish it, I will become a god.” + </p> + <p> + Thus through the self-sacrifice of that good fellow, Hans, who is the real + hero of this history, that matter was settled, if anything could be looked + on as settled in our circumstances. Then we arranged that we would start + upon our desperate adventure at dawn on the following morning. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, much remained to be done. First, Mrs. Eversley summoned her + attendants, who, to the number of twelve, soon appeared in front of the + verandah. It was very sad to see these poor women, all of whom were + albinos and unpleasant to look on, while quite half appeared to be deaf + and dumb. To these, speaking as a priestess, she explained that the god + who dwelt in the woods was dead, and that therefore she must take the Holy + Flower, which was called “Wife of the god” and make report to the Motombo + of this dreadful catastrophe. Meanwhile, they must remain on the island + and continue to cultivate the fields. + </p> + <p> + This order threw the poor creatures, who were evidently much attached to + their mistress and her daughter, into a great state of consternation. The + eldest of them all, a tall, thin old lady with white wool and pink eyes + who looked, as Stephen said, like an Angora rabbit, prostrated herself and + kissing the Mother’s foot, asked when she would return, since she and the + “Daughter of the Flower” were all they had to love, and without them they + would die of grief. + </p> + <p> + Suppressing her evident emotion as best she could, the Mother replied that + she did not know; it depended on the will of Heaven and the Motombo. Then + to prevent further argument she bade them bring their picks with which + they worked the land; also poles, mats, and palmstring, and help to dig up + the Holy Flower. This was done under the superintendence of Stephen, who + here was thoroughly in his element, although the job proved far from easy. + Also it was sad, for all these women wept as they worked, while some of + them who were not dumb, wailed aloud. + </p> + <p> + Even Miss Hope cried, and I could see that her mother was affected with a + kind of awe. For twenty years she had been guardian of this plant, which I + think she had at last not unnaturally come to look upon with some of the + same veneration that was felt for it by the whole Pongo people. + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” she said, “lest this sacrilege should bring misfortune upon us.” + </p> + <p> + But Brother John, who held very definite views upon African superstitions, + quoted the second commandment to her, and she became silent. + </p> + <p> + We got the thing up at last, or most of it, with a sufficiency of earth to + keep it alive, injuring the roots as little as possible in the process. + Underneath it, at a depth of about three feet, we found several things. + One of these was an ancient stone fetish that was rudely shaped to the + likeness of a monkey and wore a gold crown. This object, which was small, + I still have. Another was a bed of charcoal, and amongst the charcoal were + some partially burnt bones, including a skull that was very little + injured. This may have belonged to a woman of a low type, perhaps the + first Mother of the Flower, but its general appearance reminded me of that + of a gorilla. I regret that there was neither time nor light to enable me + to make a proper examination of these remains, which we found it + impossible to bring away. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Eversley told me afterwards, however, that the Kalubis had a + tradition that the god once possessed a wife which died before the Pongo + migrated to their present home. If so, these may have been the bones of + that wife. When it was finally clear of the ground on which it had grown + for so many generations, the great plant was lifted on to a large mat, and + after it had been packed with wet moss by Stephen in a most skilful way, + for he was a perfect artist at this kind of work, the mat was bound round + the roots in such a fashion that none of the contents could escape. Also + each flower scape was lashed to a thin bamboo so as to prevent it from + breaking on the journey. Then the whole bundle was lifted on to a kind of + bamboo stretcher that we made and firmly secured to it with palm-fibre + ropes. + </p> + <p> + By this time it was growing dark and all of us were tired. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” said Hans to me, as we were returning to the house, “would it not + be well that Mavovo and I should take some food and go sleep in the canoe? + These women will not hurt us there, but if we do not, I, who have been + watching them, fear lest in the night they should make paddles of sticks + and row across the lake to warn the Pongo.” + </p> + <p> + Although I did not like separating our small party, I thought the idea so + good that I consented to it, and presently Hans and Mavovo, armed with + spears and carrying an ample supply of food, departed to the lake side. + </p> + <p> + One more incident has impressed itself upon my memory in connection with + that night. It was the formal baptism of Hope by her father. I never saw a + more touching ceremony, but it is one that I need not describe. + </p> + <p> + Stephen and I slept in the enclosure by the packed flower, which he would + not leave out of his sight. It was as well that we did so, since about + twelve o’clock by the light of the moon I saw the door in the wall open + gently and the heads of some of the albino women appear through the + aperture. Doubtless, they had come to steal away the holy plant they + worshipped. I sat up, coughed, and lifted the rifle, whereon they fled and + returned no more. + </p> + <p> + Long before dawn Brother John, his wife and daughter were up and making + preparations for the march, packing a supply of food and so forth. Indeed, + we breakfasted by moonlight, and at the first break of day, after Brother + John had first offered up a prayer for protection, departed on our + journey. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange out-setting, and I noted that both Mrs. Eversley and her + daughter seemed sad at bidding good-bye to the spot where they had dwelt + in utter solitude and peace for so many years; where one of them, indeed, + had been born and grown up to womanhood. However, I kept on talking to + distract their thoughts, and at last we were off. + </p> + <p> + I arranged that, although it was heavy for them, the two ladies, whose + white robes were covered with curious cloaks made of soft prepared bark, + should carry the plant as far as the canoe, thinking it was better that + the Holy Flower should appear to depart in charge of its consecrated + guardians. I went ahead with the rifle, then came the stretcher and the + flower, while Brother John and Stephen, carrying the paddles, brought up + the rear. We reached the canoe without accident, and to our great relief + found Mavovo and Hans awaiting us. I learned, however, that it was + fortunate they had slept in the boat, since during the night the albino + women arrived with the evident object of possessing themselves of it, and + only ran away when they saw that it was guarded. As we were making ready + the canoe those unhappy slaves appeared in a body and throwing themselves + upon their faces with piteous words, or those of them who could not speak, + by signs, implored the Mother not to desert them, till both she and Hope + began to cry. But there was no help for it, so we pushed off as quickly as + we could, leaving the albinos weeping and wailing upon the bank. + </p> + <p> + I confess that I, too, felt compunction at abandoning them thus, but what + could we do? I only trust that no harm came to them, but of course we + never heard anything as to their fate. + </p> + <p> + On the further side of the lake we hid away the canoe in the bushes where + we had found it, and began our march. Stephen and Mavovo, being the two + strongest among us, now carried the plant, and although Stephen never + murmured at its weight, how the Zulu did swear after the first few hours! + I could fill a page with his objurgations at what he considered an act of + insanity, and if I had space, should like to do so, for really some of + them were most amusing. Had it not been for his friendship for Stephen I + think that he would have thrown it down. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the Garden of the god, where Mrs. Eversley told me the Kalubi + must scatter the sacred seed twice a year, thus confirming the story that + we had heard. It seems that it was then, as he made his long journey + through the forest, that the treacherous and horrid brute which we had + killed, would attack the priest of whom it had grown weary. But, and this + shows the animal’s cunning, the onslaught always took place <i>after</i> + he had sown the seed which would in due season produce the food it ate. + Our Kalubi, it is true, was killed before we had reached the Garden, which + seems an exception to the rule. Perhaps, however, the gorilla knew that + his object in visiting it was not to provide for its needs. Or perhaps our + presence excited it to immediate action. + </p> + <p> + Who can analyse the motives of a gorilla? + </p> + <p> + These attacks were generally spread over a year and a half. On the first + occasion the god which always accompanied the priest to the garden and + back again, would show animosity by roaring at him. On the second he would + seize his hand and bite off one of the fingers, as happened to our Kalubi, + a wound that generally caused death from blood poisoning. If, however, the + priest survived, on the third visit it killed him, for the most part by + crushing his head in its mighty jaws. When making these visits the Kalubi + was accompanied by certain dedicated youths, some of whom the god always + put to death. Those who had made the journey six times without molestation + were selected for further special trials, until at last only two remained + who were declared to have “passed” or “been accepted by” the god. These + youths were treated with great honour, as in the instance of Komba and on + the destruction of the Kalubi, one of them took his office, which he + generally filled without much accident, for a minimum of ten years, and + perhaps much longer. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Eversley knew nothing of the sacramental eating of the remains of the + Kalubi, or of the final burial of his bones in the wooden coffins that we + had seen, for such things, although they undoubtedly happened, were kept + from her. She added, that each of the three Kalubis whom she had known, + ultimately went almost mad through terror at his approaching end, + especially after the preliminary roarings and the biting off of the + finger. In truth uneasy lay the head that wore a crown in Pongo-land, a + crown that, mind you, might not be refused upon pain of death by torture. + Personally, I can imagine nothing more terrible than the haunted existence + of these poor kings whose pomp and power must terminate in such a fashion. + </p> + <p> + I asked her whether the Motombo ever visited the god. She answered, Yes, + once in every five years. Then after many mystic ceremonies he spent a + week in the forest at a time of full moon. One of the Kalubis had told her + that on this occasion he had seen the Motombo and the god sitting together + under a tree, each with his arm round the other’s neck and apparently + talking “like brothers.” With the exception of certain tales of its almost + supernatural cunning, this was all that I could learn about the god of the + Pongos which I have sometimes been tempted to believe was really a devil + hid in the body of a huge and ancient ape. + </p> + <p> + No, there was one more thing which I quote because it bears out Babemba’s + story. It seems that captives from other tribes were sometimes turned into + the forest that the god might amuse itself by killing them. This, indeed, + was the fate to which we ourselves had been doomed in accordance with the + hateful Pongo custom. + </p> + <p> + Certainly, thought I to myself when she had done, I did a good deed in + sending that monster to whatever dim region it was destined to inhabit, + where I sincerely trust it found all the dead Kalubis and its other + victims ready to give it an appropriate welcome. + </p> + <p> + After crossing the god’s garden, we came to the clearing of the Fallen + Tree, and found the brute’s skin pegged out as we had left it, though + shrunken in size. Only it had evidently been visited by a horde of the + forest ants which, fortunately for Hans, had eaten away every particle of + flesh, while leaving the hide itself absolutely untouched, I suppose + because it was too tough for them. I never saw a neater job. Moreover, + these industrious little creatures had devoured the beast itself. Nothing + remained of it except the clean, white bones lying in the exact position + in which we had left the carcase. Atom by atom that marching myriad army + had eaten all and departed on its way into the depths of the forest, + leaving this sign of their passage. + </p> + <p> + How I wished that we could carry off the huge skeleton to add to my + collection of trophies, but this was impossible. As Brother John said, any + museum would have been glad to purchase it for hundreds of pounds, for I + do not suppose that its like exists in the world. But it was too heavy; + all I could do was to impress its peculiarities upon my mind by a close + study of the mighty bones. Also I picked out of the upper right arm, and + kept the bullet I had fired when it carried off the Kalubi. This I found + had sunk into and shattered the bone, but without absolutely breaking it. + </p> + <p> + On we went again bearing with us the god’s skin, having first stuffed the + head, hands and feet (these, I mean the hands and feet, had been cleaned + out by the ants) with wet moss in order to preserve their shape. It was no + light burden, at least so declared Brother John and Hans, who bore it + between them upon a dead bough from the fallen tree. + </p> + <p> + Of the rest of our journey to the water’s edge there is nothing to tell, + except that notwithstanding our loads, we found it easier to walk down + that steep mountain side than it had been to ascend the same. Still our + progress was but slow, and when at length we reached the burying-place + only about an hour remained to sunset. There we sat down to rest and eat, + also to discuss the situation. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? The arm of stagnant water lay near to us, but we had + no boat with which to cross to the further shore. And what was that shore? + A cave where a creature who seemed to be but half-human, sat watching like + a spider in its web. Do not let it be supposed that this question of + escape had been absent from our minds. On the contrary, we had even + thought of trying to drag the canoe in which we crossed to and from the + island of the Flower through the forest. The idea was abandoned, however, + because we found that being hollowed from a single log with a bottom four + or five inches thick, it was impossible for us to carry it so much as + fifty yards. What then could we do without a boat? Swimming seemed to be + out of the question because of the crocodiles. Also on inquiry I + discovered that of the whole party Stephen and I alone could swim. Further + there was no wood of which to make a raft. + </p> + <p> + I called to Hans and leaving the rest in the graveyard where we knew that + they were safe, we went down to the edge of the water to study the + situation, being careful to keep ourselves hidden behind the reeds and + bushes of the mangrove tribe with which it was fringed. Not that there was + much fear of our being seen, for the day, which had been very hot, was + closing in and a great storm, heralded by black and bellying clouds, was + gathering fast, conditions which must render us practically invisible at a + distance. + </p> + <p> + We looked at the dark, slimy water—also at the crocodiles which sat + upon its edge in dozens waiting, eternally waiting, for what, I wondered. + We looked at the sheer opposing cliff, but save where a black hole marked + the cave mouth, far as the eye could see, the water came up against it, as + that of a moat does against the wall of a castle. Obviously, therefore, + the only line of escape ran through this cave, for, as I have explained, + the channel by which I presume Babemba reached the open lake, was now + impracticable. Lastly, we searched to see if there was any fallen log upon + which we could possibly propel ourselves to the other side, and found—nothing + that could be made to serve, no, nor, as I have said, any dry reeds or + brushwood out of which we might fashion a raft. + </p> + <p> + “Unless we can get a boat, here we must stay,” I remarked to Hans, who was + seated with me behind a screen of rushes at the water’s edge. + </p> + <p> + He made no answer, and as I thought, in a sort of subconscious way, I + engaged myself in watching a certain tragedy of the insect world. Between + two stout reeds a forest spider of the very largest sort had spun a web as + big as a lady’s open parasol. There in the midst of this web of which the + bottom strands almost touched the water, sat the spider waiting for its + prey, as the crocodiles were waiting on the banks, as the great ape had + waited for the Kalubis, as Death waits for Life, as the Motombo was + waiting for God knows what. + </p> + <p> + It rather resembled the Motombo in his cave, did that huge, black spider + with just a little patch of white upon its head, or so I thought + fancifully enough. Then came the tragedy. A great, white moth of the Hawk + species began to dart to and fro between the reeds, and presently struck + the web on its lower side some three inches above the water. Like a flash + that spider was upon it. It embraced the victim with its long legs to + still its tremendous battlings. Next, descending below, it began to make + the body fast, when something happened. From the still surface of the + water beneath poked up the mouth of a very large fish which quite quietly + closed upon the spider and sank again into the depths, taking with it a + portion of the web and thereby setting the big moth free. With a struggle + it loosed itself, fell on to a piece of wood and floated away, apparently + little the worse for the encounter. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see that, Baas?” said Hans, pointing to the broken and empty web. + “While you were thinking, I was praying to your reverend father the + Predikant, who taught me how to do it, and he has sent us a sign from the + Place of Fire.” + </p> + <p> + Even then I could not help laughing to myself as I pictured what my dear + father’s face would be like if he were able to hear his convert’s remarks. + An analysis of Hans’s religious views would be really interesting, and I + only regret that I never made one. But sticking to business I merely + asked: + </p> + <p> + “What sign?” + </p> + <p> + “Baas, this sign: That web is the Motombo’s cave. The big spider is the + Motombo. The white moth is us, Baas, who are caught in the web and going + to be eaten.” + </p> + <p> + “Very pretty, Hans,” I said, “but what is the fish that came up and + swallowed the spider so that the moth fell on the wood and floated away?” + </p> + <p> + “Baas, <i>you</i> are the fish, who come up softly, softly out of the + water in the dark, and shoot the Motombo with the little rifle, and then + the rest of us, who are the moth, fall into the canoe and float away. + There is a storm about to break, Baas, and who will see you swim the + stream in the storm and the night?” + </p> + <p> + “The crocodiles,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Baas, I didn’t see a crocodile eat the fish. I think the fish is laughing + down there with the fat spider in its stomach. Also when there is a storm + crocodiles go to bed because they are afraid lest the lightning should + kill them for their sins.” + </p> + <p> + Now I remembered that I had often heard, and indeed to some extent noted, + that these great reptiles do vanish in disturbed weather, probably because + their food hides away. However that might be, in an instant I made up my + mind. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was quite dark I would swim the water, holding the little + rifle, <i>Intombi</i>, above my head, and try to steal the canoe. If the + old wizard was watching, which I hoped might not be the case, well, I must + deal with him as best I could. I knew the desperate nature of the + expedient, but there was no other way. If we could not get a boat we must + remain in that foodless forest until we starved. Or if we returned to the + island of the Flower, there ere long we should certainly be attacked and + destroyed by Komba and the Pongos when they came to look for our bodies. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try it, Hans,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baas, I thought you would. I’d come, too, only I can’t swim and when + I was drowning I might make a noise, because one forgets oneself then, + Baas. But it will be all right, for if it were otherwise I am sure that + your reverend father would have shown us so in the sign. The moth floated + off quite comfortably on the wood, and just now I saw it spread its wings + and fly away. And the fish, ah! how he laughs with that fat old spider in + his stomach!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII<br/> + FATE STABS + </h2> + <p> + We went back to the others whom we found crouched on the ground among the + coffins, looking distinctly depressed. No wonder; night was closing in, + the thunder was beginning to growl and echo through the forest and rain to + fall in big drops. In short, although Stephen remarked that every cloud + has a silver lining, a proverb which, as I told him, I seemed to have + heard before, in no sense could the outlook be considered bright. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Allan, what have you arranged?” asked Brother John, with a faint + attempt at cheerfulness as he let go of his wife’s hand. In those days he + always seemed to be holding his wife’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” I answered, “I am going to get the canoe so that we can all row over + comfortably.” + </p> + <p> + They stared at me, and Miss Hope, who was seated by Stephen, asked in her + usual Biblical language: + </p> + <p> + “Have you the wings of a dove that you can fly, O Mr. Allan?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “but I have the fins of a fish, or something like them, + and I can swim.” + </p> + <p> + Now there arose a chorus of expostulation. + </p> + <p> + “You shan’t risk it,” said Stephen, “I can swim as well as you and I’m + younger. I’ll go, I want a bath.” + </p> + <p> + “That you will have, O Stephen,” interrupted Miss Hope, as I thought in + some alarm. “The latter rain from heaven will make you clean.” (By now it + was pouring.) + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Stephen, you can swim,” I said, “but you will forgive me for saying + that you are not particularly deadly with a rifle, and clean shooting may + be the essence of this business. Now listen to me, all of you. I am going. + I hope that I shall succeed, but if I fail it does not so very much + matter, for you will be no worse off than you were before. There are three + pairs of you. John and his wife; Stephen and Miss Hope; Mavovo and Hans. + If the odd man of the party comes to grief, you will have to choose a new + captain, that is all, but while I lead I mean to be obeyed.” + </p> + <p> + Then Mavovo, to whom Hans had been talking, spoke. + </p> + <p> + “My father Macumazana is a brave man. If he lives he will have done his + duty. If he dies he will have done his duty still better, and, on the + earth or in the under-world among the spirits of our fathers, his name + shall be great for ever; yes, his name shall be a song.” + </p> + <p> + When Brother John had translated these words, which I thought fine, there + was silence. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said, “come with me to the water’s edge, all of you. You will be + in less danger from the lightning there, where are no tall trees. And + while I am gone, do you ladies dress up Hans in that gorilla-skin as best + you can, lacing it on to him with some of that palm-fibre string which we + brought with us, and filling out the hollows and the head with leaves or + reeds. I want him to be ready when I come back with the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Hans groaned audibly, but made no objection and we started with our + impedimenta down to the edge of the estuary where we hid behind a clump of + mangrove bushes and tall, feathery reeds. Then I took off some of my + clothes, stripping in fact to my flannel shirt and the cotton pants I + wore, both of which were grey in colour and therefore almost invisible at + night. + </p> + <p> + Now I was ready and Hans handed me the little rifle. + </p> + <p> + “It is at full cock, Baas, with the catch on,” he said, “and carefully + loaded. Also I have wrapped the lining of my hat, which is very full of + grease, for the hair makes grease especially in hot weather, Baas, round + the lock to keep away the wet from the cap and powder. It is not tied, + Baas, only twisted. Give the rifle a shake and it will fall off.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” I said, and gripped the gun with my left hand by the + tongue just forward of the hammer, in such a fashion that the horrid + greased rag from Hans’s hat was held tight over the lock and cap. Then I + shook hands with the others and when I came to Miss Hope I am proud to add + that she spontaneously and of her own accord imprinted a kiss upon my + mediaeval brow. I felt inclined to return it, but did not. + </p> + <p> + “It is the kiss of peace, O Allan,” she said. “May you go and return in + peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” I said, “but get on with dressing Hans in his new clothes.” + </p> + <p> + Stephen muttered something about feeling ashamed of himself. Brother John + put up a vigorous and well-directed prayer. Mavovo saluted with the copper + assegai and began to give me <i>sibonga</i> or Zulu titles of praise + beneath his breath, and Mrs. Eversley said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I thank God that I have lived to see a brave English gentleman + again,” which I thought a great compliment to my nation and myself, though + when I afterwards discovered that she herself was English by birth, it + took off some of the polish. + </p> + <p> + Next, just after a vivid flash of lightning, for the storm had broken in + earnest now, I ran swiftly to the water’s edge, accompanied by Hans, who + was determined to see the last of me. + </p> + <p> + “Get back, Hans, before the lightning shows you,” I said, as I slid gently + from a mangrove-root into that filthy stream, “and tell them to keep my + coat and trousers dry if they can.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Baas,” he murmured, and I heard that he was sobbing. “Keep a + good heart, O Baas of Baases. After all, this is nothing to the vultures + of the Hill of Slaughter. <i>Intombi</i> pulled us through then, and so + she will again, for she knows who can hold her straight!” + </p> + <p> + That was the last I heard of Hans, for if he said any more, the hiss of + the torrential rain smothered his words. + </p> + <p> + Oh! I had tried to “keep a good heart” before the others, but it is beyond + my powers to describe the deadly fright I felt, perhaps the worst of all + my life, which is saying a great deal. Here I was starting on one of the + maddest ventures that was ever undertaken by man. I needn’t put its points + again, but that which appealed to me most at the moment was the + crocodiles. I have always hated crocodiles since—well, never mind—and + the place was as full of them as the ponds at Ascension are of turtles. + </p> + <p> + Still I swam on. The estuary was perhaps two hundred yards wide, not more, + no great distance for a good swimmer as I was in those days. But then I + had to hold the rifle above the water with my left hand at all cost, for + if once it went beneath it would be useless. Also I was desperately afraid + of being seen in the lightning flashes, although to minimise this risk I + had kept my dark-coloured cloth hat upon my head. Lastly there was the + lightning itself to fear, for it was fearful and continuous and seemed to + be striking along the water. It was a fact that a fire-ball or something + of the sort hit the surface within a few yards of me, as though it had + aimed at the rifle-barrel and just missed. Or so I thought, though it may + have been a crocodile rising at the moment. + </p> + <p> + In one way, or rather, in two, however, I was lucky. The first was the + complete absence of wind which must have raised waves that might have + swamped me and would at any rate have wetted the rifle. The second was + that there was no fear of my losing my path for in the mouth of the cave I + could see the glow of the fires which burned on either side of the + Motombo’s seat. They served the same purpose to me as did the lamp of the + lady called Hero to her lover Leander when he swam the Hellespont to pay + her clandestine visits at night. But he had something pleasant to look + forward to, whereas I——! Still, there was another point in + common between us. Hero, if I remember right, was a priestess of the Greek + goddess of love, whereas the party who waited me was also in a religious + line of business. Only, as I firmly believe, he was a priest of the devil. + </p> + <p> + I suppose that swim took me about a quarter-of-an-hour, for I went slowly + to save my strength, although the crocodiles suggested haste. But thank + Heaven they never appeared to complicate matters. Now I was quite near the + cave, and now I was beneath the overhanging roof and in the shallow water + of the little bay that formed a harbour for the canoe. I stood upon my + feet on the rock bottom, the water coming up to my breast, and peered + about me, while I rested and worked my left arm, stiff with the up-holding + of the gun, to and fro. The fires had burnt somewhat low and until my eyes + were freed from the raindrops and grew accustomed to the light of the + place I could not see clearly. + </p> + <p> + I took the rag from round the lock of the rifle, wiped the wet off the + barrel with it and let it fall. Then I loosed the catch and by touching a + certain mechanism, made the rifle hair-triggered. Now I looked again and + began to make out things. There was the platform and there, alas! on it + sat the toad-like Motombo. But his back was to me; he was gazing not + towards the water, but down the cave. I hesitated for one fateful moment. + Perhaps the priest was asleep, perhaps I could get the canoe away without + shooting. I did not like the job; moreover, his head was held forward and + invisible, and how was I to make certain of killing him with a shot in the + back? Lastly, if possible, I wished to avoid firing because of the report. + </p> + <p> + At that instant the Motombo wheeled round. Some instinct must have warned + him of my presence, for the silence was gravelike save for the soft splash + of the rain without. As he turned the lightning blazed and he saw me. + </p> + <p> + “It is the white man,” he muttered to himself in his hissing whisper, + while I waited through the following darkness with the rifle at my + shoulder, “the white man who shot me long, long ago, and again he has a + gun! Oh! Fate stabs, doubtless the god is dead and I too must die!” + </p> + <p> + Then as if some doubt struck him he lifted the horn to summon help. + </p> + <p> + Again the lightning flashed and was accompanied by a fearful crack of + thunder. With a prayer for skill, I covered his head and fired by the + glare of it just as the trumpet touched his lips. It fell from his hand. + He seemed to shrink together, and moved no more. + </p> + <p> + Oh! thank God, thank God! in this supreme moment of trial the art of which + I am a master had not failed me. If my hand had shaken ever so little, if + my nerves, strained to breaking point, had played me false in the least + degree, if the rag from Hans’s hat had not sufficed to keep away the damp + from the cap and powder! Well, this history would never have been written + and there would have been some more bones in the graveyard of the Kalubis, + that is all! + </p> + <p> + For a moment I waited, expecting to see the women attendants dart from the + doorways in the sides of the cave, and to hear them sound a shrill alarm. + None appeared, and I guessed that the rattle of the thunder had swallowed + up the crack of the rifle, a noise, be it remembered, that none of them + had ever heard. For an unknown number of years this ancient creature, I + suppose, had squatted day and night upon that platform, whence, I daresay, + it was difficult for him to move. So after they had wrapped his furs round + him at sunset and made up the fires to keep him warm, why should his women + come to disturb him unless he called them with his horn? Probably it was + not even lawful that they should do so. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat reassured I waded forward a few paces and loosed the canoe which + was tied by the prow. Then I scrambled into it, and laying down the rifle, + took one of the paddles and began to push out of the creek. Just then the + lightning flared once more, and by it I caught sight of the Motombo’s face + that was now within a few feet of my own. It seemed to be resting almost + on his knees, and its appearance was dreadful. In the centre of the + forehead was a blue mark where the bullet had entered, for I had made no + mistake in that matter. The deep-set round eyes were open and, all their + fire gone, seemed to stare at me from beneath the overhanging brows. The + massive jaw had fallen and the red tongue hung out upon the pendulous lip. + The leather-like skin of the bloated cheeks had assumed an ashen hue still + streaked and mottled with brown. + </p> + <p> + Oh! the thing was horrible, and sometimes when I am out of sorts, it + haunts me to this day. Yet that creature’s blood does not lie heavy on my + mind, of it my conscience is not afraid. His end was necessary to save the + innocent and I am sure that it was well deserved. For he was a devil, akin + to the great god ape I had slain in the forest, to whom, by the way, he + bore a most remarkable resemblance in death. Indeed if their heads had + been laid side by side at a little distance, it would not have been too + easy to tell them apart with their projecting brows, beardless, retreating + chins and yellow tushes at the corners of the mouth. + </p> + <p> + Presently I was clear of the cave. Still for a while I lay to at one side + of it against the towering cliff, both to listen in case what I had done + should be discovered, and for fear lest the lightning which was still + bright, although the storm centre was rapidly passing away, should reveal + me to any watchers. + </p> + <p> + For quite ten minutes I hid thus, and then, determining to risk it, + paddled softly towards the opposite bank keeping, however, a little to the + west of the cave and taking my line by a certain very tall tree which, as + I had noted, towered up against the sky at the back of the graveyard. + </p> + <p> + As it happened my calculations were accurate and in the end I directed the + bow of the canoe into the rushes behind which I had left my companions. + Just then the moon began to struggle out through the thinning rain-clouds, + and by its light they saw me, and I saw what for a moment I took to be the + gorilla-god himself waddling forward to seize the boat. There was the + dreadful brute exactly as he had appeared in the forest, except that it + seemed a little smaller. + </p> + <p> + Then I remembered and laughed and that laugh did me a world of good. + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Baas?” said a muffled voice, speaking apparently from the + middle of the gorilla. “Are you safe, Baas?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” I answered, “or how should I be here?” adding cheerfully, + “Are you comfortable in that nice warm skin on this wet night, Hans?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Baas,” answered the voice, “tell me what happened. Even in this stink + I burn to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Death happened to the Motombo, Hans. Here, Stephen, give me your hand and + my clothes, and, Mavovo, hold the rifle and the canoe while I put them + on.” + </p> + <p> + Then I landed and stepping into the reeds, pulled off my wet shirt and + pants, which I stuffed away into the big pockets of my shooting coat, for + I did not want to lose them, and put on the dry things that, although + scratchy, were quite good enough clothing in that warm climate. After this + I treated myself to a good sup of brandy from the flask, and ate some food + which I seemed to require. Then I told them the story, and cutting short + their demonstrations of wonder and admiration, bade them place the Holy + Flower in the canoe and get in themselves. Next with the help of Hans who + poked out his fingers through the skin of the gorilla’s arms, I carefully + re-loaded the rifle, setting the last cap on the nipple. This done, I + joined them in the canoe, taking my seat in the prow and bidding Brother + John and Stephen paddle. + </p> + <p> + Making a circuit to avoid observation as before, in a very short time we + reached the mouth of the cave. I leant forward and peeped round the + western wall of rock. Nobody seemed to be stirring. There the fires burned + dimly, there the huddled shape of the Motombo still crouched upon the + platform. Silently, silently we disembarked, and I formed our procession + while the others looked askance at the horrible face of the dead Motombo. + </p> + <p> + I headed it, then came the Mother of the Flower, followed by Hans, playing + his part of the god of the forest; then Brother John and Stephen carrying + the Holy Flower. After it walked Hope, while Mavovo brought up the rear. + Near to one of the fires, as I had noted on our first passage of the cave, + lay a pile of the torches which I have already mentioned. We lit some of + them, and at a sign from me, Mavovo dragged the canoe back into its little + dock and tied the cord to its post. Its appearance there, apparently + undisturbed, might, I thought, make our crossing of the water seem even + more mysterious. All this while I watched the doors in the sides of the + cave, expecting every moment to see the women rush out. But none came. + Perhaps they slept, or perhaps they were absent; I do not know to this + day. + </p> + <p> + We started, and in solemn silence threaded our way down the windings of + the cave, extinguishing our torches as soon as we saw light at its inland + outlet. At a few paces from its mouth stood a sentry. His back was towards + the cave, and in the uncertain gleams of the moon, struggling with the + clouds, for a thin rain still fell, he never noted us till we were right + on to him. Then he turned and saw, and at the awful sight of this + procession of the gods of his land, threw up his arms, and without a word + fell senseless. Although I never asked, I think that Mavovo took measures + to prevent his awakening. At any rate when I looked back later on, I + observed that he was carrying a big Pongo spear with a long shaft, instead + of the copper weapon which he had taken from one of the coffins. + </p> + <p> + On we marched towards Rica Town, following the easy path by which we had + come. As I have said, the country was very deserted and the inhabitants of + such huts as we passed were evidently fast asleep. Also there were no dogs + in this land to awake them with their barking. Between the cave and Rica + we were not, I think, seen by a single soul. + </p> + <p> + Through that long night we pushed on as fast as we could travel, only + stopping now and again for a few minutes to rest the bearers of the Holy + Flower. Indeed at times Mrs. Eversley relieved her husband at this task, + but Stephen, being very strong, carried his end of the stretcher + throughout the whole journey. + </p> + <p> + Hans, of course, was much oppressed by the great weight of the gorilla + skin, which, although it had shrunk a good deal, remained as heavy as + ever. But he was a tough old fellow, and on the whole got on better than + might have been expected, though by the time we reached the town he was + sometimes obliged to follow the example of the god itself and help himself + forward with his hands, going on all fours, as a gorilla generally does. + </p> + <p> + We reached the broad, long street of Rica about half an hour before dawn, + and proceeded down it till we were past the Feast-house still quite + unobserved, for as yet none were stirring on that wet morning. Indeed it + was not until we were within a hundred yards of the harbour that a woman + possessed of the virtue, or vice, of early rising, who had come from a hut + to work in her garden, saw us and raised an awful, piercing scream. + </p> + <p> + “The gods!” she screamed. “The gods are leaving the land and taking the + white men with them.” + </p> + <p> + Instantly there arose a hubbub in the houses. Heads were thrust out of the + doors and people ran into the gardens, every one of whom began to yell + till one might have thought that a massacre was in progress. But as yet no + one came near us, for they were afraid. + </p> + <p> + “Push on,” I cried, “or all is lost.” + </p> + <p> + They answered nobly. Hans struggled forward on all fours, for he was + nearly done and his hideous garment was choking him, while Stephen and + Brother John, exhausted though they were with the weight of the great + plant, actually broke into a feeble trot. We came to the harbour and + there, tied to the wharf, was the same canoe in which we had crossed to + Pongo-land. We sprang into it and cut the fastenings with my knife, having + no time to untie them, and pushed off from the wharf. + </p> + <p> + By now hundreds of people, among them many soldiers were hard upon and + indeed around us, but still they seemed too frightened to do anything. So + far the inspiration of Hans’ disguise had saved us. In the midst of them, + by the light of the rising sun, I recognised Komba, who ran up, a great + spear in his hand, and for a moment halted amazed. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the catastrophe happened which nearly cost us all our + lives. + </p> + <p> + Hans, who was in the stern of the canoe, began to faint from exhaustion, + and in his efforts to obtain air, for the heat and stench of the skin were + overpowering him, thrust his head out through the lacings of the hide + beneath the reed-stuffed mask of the gorilla, which fell over languidly + upon his shoulder. Komba saw his ugly little face and knew it again. + </p> + <p> + “It is a trick!” he roared. “These white devils have killed the god and + stolen the Holy Flower and its priestess. The yellow man is wrapped in the + skin of the god. To the boats! To the boats!” + </p> + <p> + “Paddle,” I shouted to Brother John and Stephen, “paddle for your lives! + Mavovo, help me get up the sail.” + </p> + <p> + As it chanced on that stormy morning the wind was blowing strongly towards + the mainland. + </p> + <p> + We laboured at the mast, shipped it and hauled up the mat sail, but slowly + for we were awkward at the business. By the time that it began to draw the + paddles had propelled us about four hundred yards from the wharf, whence + many canoes, with their sails already set, were starting in pursuit. + Standing in the prow of the first of these, and roaring curses and + vengeance at us, was Komba, the new Kalubi, who shook a great spear above + his head. + </p> + <p> + An idea occurred to me, who knew that unless something were done we must + be overtaken and killed by these skilled boatmen. Leaving Mavovo to attend + to the sail, I scrambled aft, and thrusting aside the fainting Hans, knelt + down in the stern of the canoe. There was still one charge, or rather one + cap, left, and I meant to use it. I put up the largest flapsight, lifted + the little rifle and covered Komba, aiming at the point of his chin. <i>Intombi</i> + was not sighted for or meant to use at this great distance, and only by + this means of allowing for the drop of the bullet, could I hope to hit the + man in the body. + </p> + <p> + The sail was drawing well now and steadied the boat, also, being still + under the shelter of the land, the water was smooth as that of a pond, so + really I had a very good firing platform. Moreover, weary though I was, my + vital forces rose to the emergency and I felt myself grow rigid as a + statue. Lastly, the light was good, for the sun rose behind me, its level + rays shining full on to my mark. I held my breath and touched the trigger. + The charge exploded sweetly and almost at the instant; as the smoke + drifted to one side, I saw Komba throw up his arms and fall backwards into + the canoe. Then, quite a long while afterwards, or so it seemed, the + breeze brought the faint sound of the thud of that fateful bullet to our + ears. + </p> + <p> + Though perhaps I ought not to say so, it was really a wonderful shot in + all the circumstances, for, as I learned afterwards, the ball struck just + where I hoped that it might, in the centre of the breast, piercing the + heart. Indeed, taking everything into consideration, I think that those + four shots which I fired in Pongo-land are the real record of my career as + a marksman. The first at night broke the arm of the gorilla god and would + have killed him had not the charge hung fire and given him time to protect + his head. The second did kill him in the midst of a great scrimmage when + everything was moving. The third, fired by the glare of lightning after a + long swim, slew the Motombo, and the fourth, loosed at this great distance + from a moving boat, was the bane of that cold-blooded and treacherous man, + Komba, who thought that he had trapped us to Pongo-land to be murdered and + eaten as a sacrifice. Lastly there was always the consciousness that no + mistake must be made, since with but four percussion caps it could not be + retrieved. + </p> + <p> + I am sure that I could not have done so well with any other rifle, however + modern and accurate it might be. But to this little Purdey weapon I had + been accustomed from my youth, and that, as any marksman will know, means + a great deal. I seemed to know it and it seemed to know me. It hangs on my + wall to this day, although of course I never use it now in our + breech-loading era. Unfortunately, however, a local gunsmith to whom I + sent it to have the lock cleaned, re-browned it and scraped and varnished + the stock, etc., without authority, making it look almost new again. I + preferred it in its worn and scratched condition. + </p> + <p> + To return: the sound of the shot, like that of John Peel’s horn, aroused + Hans from his sleep. He thrust his head between my legs and saw Komba + fall. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! beautiful, Baas, beautiful!” he said faintly. “I am sure that the + ghost of your reverend father cannot kill his enemies more nicely down + there among the Fires. Beautiful!” and the silly old fellow fell to + kissing my boots, or what remained of them, after which I gave him the + last of the brandy. + </p> + <p> + This quite brought him to himself again, especially when he was free from + that filthy skin and had washed his head and hands. + </p> + <p> + The effect of the death of Komba upon the Pongos was very strange. All the + other canoes clustered round that in which he lay. Then, after a hurried + consultation, they hauled down their sails and paddled back to the wharf. + Why they did this I cannot tell. Perhaps they thought that he was + bewitched, or only wounded and required the attentions of a medicine-man. + Perhaps it was not lawful for them to proceed except under the guidance of + some reserve Kalubi who had “passed the god” and who was on shore. Perhaps + it was necessary, according to their rites, that the body of their chief + should be landed with certain ceremonies. I do not know. It is impossible + to be sure as to the mysterious motives that actuate many of these remote + African tribes. + </p> + <p> + At any rate the result was that it gave us a great start and a chance of + life, who must otherwise have died upon the spot. Outside the bay the + breeze blew merrily, taking us across the lake at a spanking pace, until + about midday when it began to fall. Fortunately, however, it did not + altogether drop till three o’clock by which time the coast of Mazitu-land + was comparatively near; we could even distinguish a speck against the + skyline which we knew was the Union Jack that Stephen had set upon the + crest of a little hill. + </p> + <p> + During those hours of peace we ate the food that remained to us, washed + ourselves as thoroughly as we could and rested. Well was it, in view of + what followed, that we had this time of repose. For just as the breeze was + failing I looked aft and there, coming up behind us, still holding the + wind, was the whole fleet of Pongo canoes, thirty or forty of them + perhaps, each carrying an average of about twenty men. We sailed on for as + long as we could, for though our progress was but slow, it was quicker + than what we could have made by paddling. Also it was necessary that we + should save our strength for the last trial. + </p> + <p> + I remember that hour very well, for in the nervous excitement of it every + little thing impressed itself upon my mind. I remember even the shape of + the clouds that floated over us, remnants of the storm of the previous + night. One was like a castle with a broken-down turret showing a staircase + within; another had a fantastic resemblance to a wrecked ship with a hole + in her starboard bow, two of her masts broken and one standing with some + fragments of sails flapping from it, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + Then there was the general aspect of the great lake, especially at a spot + where two currents met, causing little waves which seemed to fight with + each other and fall backwards in curious curves. Also there were shoals of + small fish, something like chub in shape, with round mouths and very white + stomachs, which suddenly appeared upon the surface, jumping at invisible + flies. These attracted a number of birds that resembled gulls of a light + build. They had coal-black heads, white backs, greyish wings, and slightly + webbed feet, pink as coral, with which they seized the small fish, + uttering as they did so, a peculiar and plaintive cry that ended in a + long-drawn <i>e-e-é</i>. The father of the flock, whose head seemed to be + white like his back, perhaps from age, hung above them, not troubling to + fish himself, but from time to time forcing one of the company to drop + what he had caught, which he retrieved before it reached the water. Such + are some of the small things that come back to me, though there were + others too numerous and trivial to mention. + </p> + <p> + When the breeze failed us at last we were perhaps something over three + miles from the shore, or rather from the great bed of reeds which at this + spot grow in the shallows off the Mazitu coast to a breadth of seven or + eight hundred yards, where the water becomes too deep for them. The Pongos + were then about a mile and a half behind. But as the wind favoured them + for a few minutes more and, having plenty of hands, they could help + themselves on by paddling, when at last it died to a complete calm, the + distance between us was not more than one mile. This meant that they must + cover four miles of water, while we covered three. + </p> + <p> + Letting down our now useless sail and throwing it and the mast overboard + to lighten the canoe, since the sky showed us that there was no more hope + of wind, we began to paddle as hard as we could. Fortunately the two + ladies were able to take their share in this exercise, since they had + learned it upon the Lake of the Flower, where it seemed they kept a + private canoe upon the other side of the island which was used for + fishing. Hans, who was still weak, we set to steer with a paddle aft, + which he did in a somewhat erratic fashion. + </p> + <p> + A stern chase is proverbially a long chase, but still the enemy with their + skilled rowers came up fast. When we were a mile from the reeds they were + within half a mile of us, and as we tired the proportion of distance + lessened. When we were two hundred yards from the reeds they were not more + than fifty or sixty yards behind, and then the real struggle began. + </p> + <p> + It was short but terrible. We threw everything we could overboard, + including the ballast stones at the bottom of the canoe and the heavy hide + of the gorilla. This, as it proved, was fortunate, since the thing sank + but slowly and the foremost Pongo boats halted a minute to recover so + precious a relic, checking the others behind them, a circumstance that + helped us by twenty or thirty yards. + </p> + <p> + “Over with the plant!” I said. + </p> + <p> + But Stephen, looking quite old from exhaustion and with the sweat + streaming from him as he laboured at his unaccustomed paddle, gasped: + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven’s sake, no, after all we have gone through to get it.” + </p> + <p> + So I didn’t insist; indeed there was neither time nor breath for argument. + </p> + <p> + Now we were in the reeds, for thanks to the flag which guided us, we had + struck the big hippopotamus lane exactly, and the Pongos, paddling like + demons, were about thirty yards behind. Thankful was I that those + interesting people had never learned the use of bows and arrows, and that + their spears were too heavy to throw. By now, or rather some time before, + old Babemba and the Mazitu had seen us, as had our Zulu hunters. Crowds of + them were wading through the shallows towards us, yelling encouragements + as they came. The Zulus, too, opened a rather wild fire, with the result + that one of the bullets struck our canoe and another touched the brim of + my hat. A third, however, killed a Pongo, which caused some confusion in + the ranks of Tusculum. + </p> + <p> + But we were done and they came on remorselessly. When their leading boat + was not more than ten yards from us and we were perhaps two hundred from + the shore, I drove my paddle downwards and finding that the water was less + than four feet deep, shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Overboard, all, and wade. It’s our last chance!” + </p> + <p> + We scrambled out of that canoe the prow of which, as I left it the last, I + pushed round across the water-lane to obstruct those of the Pongo. Now I + think all would have gone well had it not been for Stephen, who after he + had floundered forward a few paces in the mud, bethought him of his + beloved orchid. Not only did he return to try to rescue it, he also + actually persuaded his friend Mavovo to accompany him. They got back to + the boat and began to lift the plant out when the Pongo fell upon them, + striking at them with their spears over the width of our canoe. Mavovo + struck back with the weapon he had taken from the Pongo sentry at the cave + mouth, and killed or wounded one of them. Then some one hurled a ballast + stone at him which caught him on the side of the head and knocked him down + into the water, whence he rose and reeled back, almost senseless, till + some of our people got hold of him and dragged him to the shore. + </p> + <p> + So Stephen was left alone, dragging at the great orchid, till a Pongo + reaching over the canoe drove a spear through his shoulder. He let go of + the orchid because he must and tried to retreat. Too late! Half a dozen or + more of the Pongo pushed themselves between the stern or bow of our canoe + and the reeds, and waded forward to kill him. I could not help, for to + tell the truth at the moment I was stuck in a mud-hole made by the hoof of + a hippopotamus, while the Zulu hunters and the Mazitu were as yet too far + off. Surely he must have died had it not been for the courage of the girl + Hope, who, while wading shorewards a little in front of me, had turned and + seen his plight. Back she came, literally bounding through the water like + a leopard whose cubs are in danger. + </p> + <p> + Reaching Stephen before the Pongo she thrust herself between him and them + and proceeded to address them with the utmost vigour in their own + language, which of course she had learned from those of the albinos who + were not mutes. + </p> + <p> + What she said I could not exactly catch because of the shouts of the + advancing Mazitu. I gathered, however, that she was anathematizing them in + the words of some old and potent curse that was only used by the guardians + of the Holy Flower, which consigned them, body and spirit, to a dreadful + doom. The effect of this malediction, which by the way neither the young + lady nor her mother would repeat to me afterwards, was certainly + remarkable. Those men who heard it, among them the would-be slayers of + Stephen, stayed their hands and even inclined their heads towards the + young priestess, as though in reverence or deprecation, and thus remained + for sufficient time for her to lead the wounded Stephen out of danger. + This she did wading backwards by his side and keeping her eyes fixed full + upon the Pongo. It was perhaps the most curious rescue that I ever saw. + </p> + <p> + The Holy Flower, I should add, they recaptured and carried off, for I saw + it departing in one of their canoes. That was the end of my orchid hunt + and of the money which I hoped to make by the sale of this floral treasure. + I wonder what became of it. I have good reason to believe that it was + never replanted on the Island of the Flower, so perhaps it was borne back + to the dim and unknown land in the depths of Africa whence the Pongo are + supposed to have brought it when they migrated. + </p> + <p> + After this incident of the wounding and the rescue of Stephen by the + intrepid Miss Hope, whose interest in him was already strong enough to + induce her to risk her life upon his behalf, all we fugitives were dragged + ashore somehow by our friends. Here, Hans, I and the ladies collapsed + exhausted, though Brother John still found sufficient strength to do what + he could for the injured Stephen and Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + Then the Battle of the Reeds began, and a fierce fray it was. The Pongos + who were about equal in numbers to our people, came on furiously, for they + were mad at the death of their god with his priest, the Motombo, of which + I think news had reached them and at the carrying off of the Mother of the + Flower. Springing from their canoes because the waterway was too narrow + for more than one of these to travel at a time, they plunged into the + reeds with the intention of wading ashore. Here their hereditary enemies, + the Mazitu, attacked them under the command of old Babemba. The struggle + that ensued partook more of the nature of a series of hand-to-hand fights + than of a set battle. It was extraordinary to see the heads of the + combatants moving among the reeds as they stabbed at each other with the + great spears, till one went down. There were few wounded in that fray, for + those who fell sank in the mud and water and were drowned. + </p> + <p> + On the whole the Pongo, who were operating in what was almost their native + element, were getting the best of it, and driving the Mazitu back. But + what decided the day against them were the guns of our Zulu hunters. + Although I could not lift a rifle myself I managed to collect these men + round me and to direct their fire, which proved so terrifying to the + Pongos that after ten or a dozen of them had been knocked over, they began + to give back sullenly and were helped into their canoes by those men who + were left in charge of them. + </p> + <p> + Then at length at a signal they got out their paddles, and, still shouting + curses and defiance at us, rowed away till they became but specks upon the + bosom of the great lake and vanished. + </p> + <p> + Two of the canoes we captured, however, and with them six or seven Pongos. + These the Mazitu wished to put to death, but at the bidding of Brother + John, whose orders, it will be remembered, had the same authority in + Mazitu-land as those of the king, they bound their arms and made them + prisoners instead. + </p> + <p> + In about half an hour it was all over, but of the rest of that day I + cannot write, as I think I fainted from utter exhaustion, which was not, + perhaps, wonderful, considering all that we had undergone in the four and + a half days that had elapsed since we first embarked upon the Great Lake. + For constant strain, physical and mental, I recall no such four days + during the whole of my adventurous life. It was indeed wonderful that we + came through them alive. + </p> + <p> + The last thing I remember was the appearance of Sammy, looking very smart, + in his blue cotton smock, who, now that the fighting was over, emerged + like a butterfly when the sun shines after rain. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Quatermain,” he said, “I welcome you home again after arduous + exertions and looking into the eyes of bloody war. All the days of + absence, and a good part of the nights, too, while the mosquitoes hunted + slumber, I prayed for your safety like one o’clock, and perhaps, Mr. + Quatermain, that helped to do the trick, for what says poet? Those who + serve and wait are almost as good as those who cook dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the words which reached and, oddly enough, impressed themselves + upon my darkening brain. Or rather they were part of the words, excerpts + from a long speech that there is no doubt Sammy had carefully prepared + during our absence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX<br/> + THE TRUE HOLY FLOWER + </h2> + <p> + When I came to myself again it was to find that I had slept fifteen or + sixteen hours, for the sun of a new day was high in the heavens. I was + lying in a little shelter of boughs at the foot of that mound on which we + flew the flag that guided us back over the waters of the Lake Kirua. Near + by was Hans consuming a gigantic meal of meat which he had cooked over a + neighbouring fire. With him, to my delight, I saw Mavovo, his head bound + up, though otherwise but little the worse. The stone, which probably would + have killed a thin-skulled white man, had done no more than knock him + stupid and break the skin of his scalp, perhaps because the force of it + was lessened by the gum man’s-ring which, like most Zulus of a certain age + or dignity, he wore woven in his hair. + </p> + <p> + The two tents we had brought with us to the lake were pitched not far away + and looked quite pretty and peaceful there in the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + Hans, who was watching me out of the corner of his eye, ran to me with a + large pannikin of hot coffee which Sammy had made ready against my + awakening; for they knew that my sleep was, or had become of a natural + order. I drank it to the last drop, and in all my life never did I enjoy + anything more. Then while I began upon some pieces of the toasted meat, I + asked him what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Not much, Baas,” he answered, “except that we are alive, who should be + dead. The Maam and the Missie are still asleep in that tent, or at least + the Maam is, for the Missie is helping Dogeetah, her father, to nurse Baas + Stephen, who has an ugly wound. The Pongos have gone and I think will not + return, for they have had enough of the white man’s guns. The Mazitu have + buried those of their dead whom they could recover, and have sent their + wounded, of whom there were only six, back to Beza Town on litters. That + is all, Baas.” + </p> + <p> + Then while I washed, and never did I need a bath more, and put on my + underclothes, in which I had swum on the night of the killing of the + Motombo, that Hans had wrung out and dried in the sun, I asked that worthy + how he was after his adventures. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! well enough, Baas,” he answered, “now that my stomach is full, except + that my hands and wrists are sore with crawling along the ground like a + babyan (baboon), and that I cannot get the stink of that god’s skin out of + my nose. Oh! you don’t know what it was: if I had been a white man it + would have killed me. But, Baas, perhaps you did well to take drunken old + Hans with you on this journey after all, for I was clever about the little + gun, wasn’t I? Also about your swimming of the Crocodile Water, though it + is true that the sign of the spider and the moth which your reverend + father sent, taught me that. And now we have got back safe, except for the + Mazitu, Jerry, who doesn’t matter, for there are plenty more like him, and + the wound in Baas Stephen’s shoulder, and that heavy flower which he + thought better than brandy.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Hans,” I said, “I did well to take you and you are clever, for had + it not been for you, we should now be cooked and eaten in Pongo-land. I + thank you for your help, old friend. But, Hans, another time please sew up + the holes in your waistcoat pocket. Four caps wasn’t much, Hans.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Baas, but it was enough; as they were all good ones. If there had + been forty you could not have done much more. Oh! your reverend father + knew all that” (my departed parent had become a kind of patron saint to + Hans) “and did not wish this poor old Hottentot to have more to carry than + was needed. He knew you wouldn’t miss, Baas, and that there were only one + god, one devil, and one man waiting to be killed.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed, for Hans’s way of putting things was certainly original, and + having got on my coat, went to see Stephen. At the door of the tent I met + Brother John, whose shoulder was dreadfully sore from the rubbing of the + orchid stretcher, as were his hands with paddling, but who otherwise was + well enough and of course supremely happy. + </p> + <p> + He told me that he had cleansed and sewn up Stephen’s wound, which + appeared to be doing well, although the spear had pierced right through + the shoulder, luckily without cutting any artery. So I went in to see the + patient and found him cheerful enough, though weak from weariness and loss + of blood, with Miss Hope feeding him with broth from a wooden native + spoon. I didn’t stop very long, especially after he got on to the subject + of the lost orchid, about which he began to show signs of excitement. This + I allayed as well as I could by telling him that I had preserved a pod of + the seed, news at which he was delighted. + </p> + <p> + “There!” he said. “To think that you, Allan, should have remembered to + take that precaution when I, an orchidist, forgot all about it!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my boy,” I answered, “I have lived long enough to learn never to + leave anything behind that I can possibly carry away. Also, although not + an orchidist, it occurred to me that there are more ways of propagating a + plant than from the original root, which generally won’t go into one’s + pocket.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began to give me elaborate instructions as to the preservation of + the seed-pod in a perfectly dry and air-tight tin box, etc., at which + point Miss Hope unceremoniously bundled me out of the tent. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon we held a conference at which it was agreed that we should + begin our return journey to Beza Town at once, as the place where we were + camped was very malarious and there was always a risk of the Pongo paying + us another visit. + </p> + <p> + So a litter was made with a mat stretched over it in which Stephen could + be carried, since fortunately there were plenty of bearers, and our other + simple preparations were quickly completed. Mrs. Eversley and Hope were + mounted on the two donkeys; Brother John, whose hurt leg showed signs of + renewed weakness, rode his white ox, which was now quite fat again; the + wounded hero, Stephen, as I have said, was carried; and I walked, + comparing notes with old Babemba on the Pongo, their manners, which I am + bound to say were good, and their customs, that, as the saying goes, were + “simply beastly.” + </p> + <p> + How delighted that ancient warrior was to hear again about the sacred + cave, the Crocodile Water, the Mountain Forest and its terrible god, of + the death of which and of the Motombo he made me tell him the story three + times over. At the conclusion of the third recital he said quietly: + </p> + <p> + “My lord Macumazana, you are a great man, and I am glad to have lived if + only to know you. No one else could have done these deeds.” + </p> + <p> + Of course I was complimented, but felt bound to point out Hans’s share in + our joint achievement. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he answered, “the Spotted Snake, Inhlatu, has the cunning to + scheme, but you have the power to do, and what is the use of a brain to + plot without the arm to strike? The two do not go together because the + plotter is not a striker. His mind is different. If the snake had the + strength and brain of the elephant, and the fierce courage of the buffalo, + soon there would be but one creature left in the world. But the Maker of + all things knew this and kept them separate, my lord Macumazana.” + </p> + <p> + I thought, and still think, that there was a great deal of wisdom in this + remark, simple as it seems. Oh! surely many of these savages whom we white + men despise, are no fools. + </p> + <p> + After about an hour’s march we camped till the moon rose which it did at + ten o’clock, when we went on again till near dawn, as it was thought + better that Stephen should travel in the cool of the night. I remember + that our cavalcade, escorted before, behind and on either flank by the + Mazitu troops with their tall spears, looked picturesque and even imposing + as it wound over those wide downs in the lovely and peaceful light of the + moon. + </p> + <p> + There is no need for me to set out the details of the rest of our journey, + which was not marked by any incident of importance. + </p> + <p> + Stephen bore it very well, and Brother John, who was one of the best + doctors I ever met, gave good reports of him, but I noted that he did not + seem to get any stronger, although he ate plenty of food. Also, Miss Hope, + who nursed him, for her mother seemed to have no taste that way, informed + me that he slept but little, as indeed I found out for myself. + </p> + <p> + “O Allan,” she said, just before we reached Beza Town, “Stephen, your son” + (she used to call him my son, I don’t know why) “is sick. The father says + it is only the spear-hurt, but I tell you it is more than the spear-hurt. + He is sick in himself,” and the tears that filled her grey eyes showed me + that she spoke what she believed. As a matter of fact she was right, for + on the night after we reached the town, Stephen was seized with an attack + of some bad form of African fever, which in his weak state nearly cost him + his life, contracted, no doubt, at that unhealthy Crocodile Water. + </p> + <p> + Our reception at Beza was most imposing, for the whole population, headed + by old Bausi himself, came out to meet us with loud shouts of welcome, + from which we had to ask them to desist for Stephen’s sake. + </p> + <p> + So in the end we got back to our huts with gratitude of heart. Indeed, we + should have been very happy there for a while, had it not been for our + anxiety about Stephen. But it is always thus in the world; who was ever + allowed to eat his pot of honey without finding a fly or perhaps a + cockroach in his mouth? + </p> + <p> + In all, Stephen was really ill for about a month. On the tenth day after + our arrival at Beza, according to my diary, which, having little else to + do, I entered up fully at this time, we thought that he would surely die. + Even Brother John, who attended him with the most constant skill, and who + had ample quinine and other drugs at his command, for these we had brought + with us from Durban in plenty, gave up the case. Day and night the poor + fellow raved and always about that confounded orchid, the loss of which + seemed to weigh upon his mind as though it were a whole sackful of + unrepented crimes. + </p> + <p> + I really think that he owed his life to a subterfuge, or rather to a bold + invention of Hope’s. One evening, when he was at his very worst and going + on like a mad creature about the lost plant—I was present in the hut + at the time alone with him and her—she took his hand and pointing to + a perfectly open space on the floor, said: + </p> + <p> + “Look, O Stephen, the flower has been brought back.” + </p> + <p> + He stared and stared, and then to my amazement answered: + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, so it has! But those beggars have broken off all the blooms + except one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she echoed, “but one remains and it is the finest of them all.” + </p> + <p> + After this he went quietly to sleep and slept for twelve hours, then took + some food and slept again and, what is more, his temperature went down to, + or a little below, normal. When he finally woke up, as it chanced, I was + again present in the hut with Hope, who was standing on the spot which she + had persuaded him was occupied by the orchid. He stared at this spot and + he stared at her—me he could not see, for I was behind him—then + said in a weak voice: + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you tell me, Miss Hope, that the plant was where you are and that + the most beautiful of the flowers was left?” + </p> + <p> + I wondered what on earth her answer would be. However, she rose to the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + “O Stephen,” she replied, in her soft voice and speaking in a way so + natural that it freed her words from any boldness, “it is here, for am I + not its child”—her native appellation, it will be remembered, was + “Child of the Flower.” “And the fairest of the flowers is here, too, for I + am that Flower which you found in the island of the lake. O Stephen, I + pray you to trouble no more about a lost plant of which you have seed in + plenty, but make thanks that you still live and that through you my mother + and I still live, who, if you had died, would weep our eyes away.” + </p> + <p> + “Through me,” he answered. “You mean through Allan and Hans. Also it was + you who saved my life there in the water. Oh! I remember it all now. You + are right, Hope; although I didn’t know it, you are the true Holy Flower + that I saw.” + </p> + <p> + She ran to him and kneeling by his side, gave him her hand, which he + pressed to his pale lips. + </p> + <p> + Then I sneaked out of that hut and left them to discuss the lost flower + that was found again. It was a pretty scene, and one that to my mind gave + a sort of spiritual meaning to the whole of an otherwise rather insane + quest. He sought an ideal flower, he found—the love of his life. + </p> + <p> + After this, Stephen recovered rapidly, for such love is the best of + medicines—if it be returned. + </p> + <p> + I don’t know what passed between the pair and Brother John and his wife, + for I never asked. But I noted that from this day forward they began to + treat him as a son. The new relationship between Stephen and Hope seemed + to be tacitly accepted without discussion. Even the natives accepted it, + for old Mavovo asked me when they were going to be married and how many + cows Stephen had promised to pay Brother John for such a beautiful wife. + “It ought to be a large herd,” he said, “and of a big breed of cattle.” + </p> + <p> + Sammy, too, alluded to the young lady in conversation with me, as “Mr. + Somers’s affianced spouse.” Only Hans said nothing. Such a trivial matter + as marrying and giving in marriage did not interest him. Or, perhaps, he + looked upon the affair as a foregone conclusion and therefore unworthy of + comment. + </p> + <p> + We stayed at Bausi’s kraal for a full month longer whilst Stephen + recovered his strength. I grew thoroughly bored with the place and so did + Mavovo and the Zulus, but Brother John and his wife did not seem to mind. + Mrs. Eversley was a passive creature, quite content to take things as they + came and after so long an absence from civilization, to bide a little + longer among savages. Also she had her beloved John, at whom she would sit + and gaze by the hour like a cat sometimes does at a person to whom it is + attached. Indeed, when she spoke to him, her voice seemed to me to + resemble a kind of blissful purr. I think it made the old boy rather + fidgety sometimes, for after an hour or two of it he would rise and go to + hunt for butterflies. + </p> + <p> + To tell the truth, the situation got a little on my nerves at last, for + wherever I looked I seemed to see there Stephen and Hope making love to + each other, or Brother John and his wife admiring each other, which didn’t + leave me much spare conversation. Evidently they thought that Mavovo, + Hans, Sammy, Bausi, Babemba and Co. were enough for me—that is, if + they reflected on the matter at all. So they were, in a sense, for the + Zulu hunters began to get out of hand in the midst of this idleness and + plenty, eating too much, drinking too much native beer, smoking too much + of the intoxicating <i>dakka</i>, a mischievous kind of hemp, and making + too much love to the Mazitu women, which of course resulted in the usual + rows that I had to settle. + </p> + <p> + At last I struck and said that we must move on as Stephen was now fit to + travel. + </p> + <p> + “Quite so,” said Brother John, mildly. “What have you arranged, Allan?” + </p> + <p> + With some irritation, for I hated that sentence of Brother John’s, I + replied that I had arranged nothing, but that as none of them seemed to + have any suggestions to make, I would go out and talk the matter over with + Hans and Mavovo, which I did. + </p> + <p> + I need not chronicle the results of our conference since other + arrangements were being made for us at which I little guessed. + </p> + <p> + It all came very suddenly, as great things in the lives of men and nations + sometimes do. Although the Mazitu were of the Zulu family, their military + organization had none of the Zulu thoroughness. For instance, when I + remonstrated with Bausi and old Babemba as to their not keeping up a + proper system of outposts and intelligence, they laughed at me and + answered that they never had been attacked and now that the Pongo had + learnt a lesson, were never likely to be. + </p> + <p> + By the way, I see that I have not yet mentioned that at Brother John’s + request those Pongos who had been taken prisoners at the Battle of the + Reeds were conducted to the shores of the lake, given one of the captured + canoes and told that they might return to their own happy land. To our + astonishment about three weeks later they reappeared at Beza Town with + this story. + </p> + <p> + They said that they had crossed the lake and found Rica still standing, + but utterly deserted. They then wandered through the country and even + explored the Motombo’s cave. There they discovered the remains of the + Motombo, still crouched upon his platform, but nothing more. In one hut of + a distant village, however, they came across an old and dying woman who + informed them with her last breath that the Pongos, frightened by the iron + tubes that vomited death and in obedience to some prophecy, “had all gone + back whence they came in the beginning,” taking with them the recaptured + “Holy Flower.” She had been left with a supply of food because she was too + weak to travel. So, perhaps, that flower grows again in some unknown place + in Africa, but its worshippers will have to provide themselves with + another god of the forest, another Mother of the Flower, and another + high-priest to fill the office of the late Motombo. + </p> + <p> + These Pongo prisoners, having now no home, and not knowing where their + people had gone except that it was “towards the north,” asked for leave to + settle among the Mazitu, which was granted them. Their story confirmed me + in my opinion that Pongo-land is not really an island, but is connected on + the further side with the continent by some ridge or swamp. If we had been + obliged to stop much longer among the Mazitu, I would have satisfied + myself as to this matter by going to look. But that chance never came to + me until some years later when, under curious circumstances, I was again + destined to visit this part of Africa. + </p> + <p> + To return to my story. On the day following this discussion as to our + departure we all breakfasted very early as there was a great deal to be + done. There was a dense mist that morning such as in these Mazitu uplands + often precedes high, hot wind from the north at this season of the year, + so dense indeed that it was impossible to see for more than a few yards. I + suppose that this mist comes up from the great lake in certain conditions + of the weather. We had just finished our breakfast and rather languidly, + for the thick, sultry air left me unenergetic, I told one of the Zulus to + see that the two donkeys and the white ox which I had caused to be brought + into the town in view of our near departure and tied up by our huts, were + properly fed. Then I went to inspect all the rifles and ammunition, which + Hans had got out to be checked and overhauled. It was at this moment that + I heard a far-away and unaccustomed sound, and asked Hans what he thought + it was. + </p> + <p> + “A gun, Baas,” he answered anxiously. + </p> + <p> + Well might he be anxious, for as we both knew, no one in the neighbourhood + had guns except ourselves, and all ours were accounted for. It is true + that we had promised to give the majority of those we had taken from the + slavers to Bausi when we went away, and that I had been instructing some + of his best soldiers in the use of them, but not one of these had as yet + been left in their possession. + </p> + <p> + I stepped to a gate in the fence and ordered the sentry there to run to + Bausi and Babemba and make report and inquiries, also to pray them to + summon all the soldiers, of whom, as it happened, there were at the time + not more than three hundred in the town. As perfect peace prevailed, the + rest, according to their custom, had been allowed to go to their villages + and attend to their crops. Then, possessed by a rather undefined + nervousness, at which the others were inclined to laugh, I caused the + Zulus to arm and generally make a few arrangements to meet any unforeseen + crisis. This done I sat down to reflect what would be the best course to + take if we should happen to be attacked by a large force in that + straggling native town, of which I had often studied all the strategic + possibilities. When I had come to my own conclusion I asked Hans and + Mavovo what they thought, and found that they agreed with me that the only + defensible place was outside the town where the road to the south gate ran + down to a rocky wooded ridge with somewhat steep flanks. It may be + remembered that it was by this road and over this ridge that Brother John + had appeared on his white ox when we were about to be shot to death with + arrows at the posts in the market-place. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were still talking two of the Mazitu captains appeared, running + hard and dragging between them a wounded herdsman, who had evidently been + hit in the arm by a bullet. + </p> + <p> + This was his story. That he and two other boys were out herding the king’s + cattle about half a mile to the north of the town, when suddenly there + appeared a great number of men dressed in white robes, all of whom were + armed with guns. These men, of whom he thought there must be three or four + hundred, began to take the cattle and seeing the three herds, fired on + them, wounding him and killing his two companions. He then ran for his + life and brought the news. He added that one of the men had called after + him to tell the white people that they had come to kill them and the + Mazitu who were their friends and to take away the white women. + </p> + <p> + “Hassan-ben-Mohammed and his slavers!” I said, as Babemba appeared at the + head of a number of soldiers, crying out: + </p> + <p> + “The slave-dealing Arabs are here, lord Macumazana. They have crept on us + through the mist. A herald of theirs has come to the north gate demanding + that we should give up you white people and your servants, and with you a + hundred young men and a hundred young women to be sold as slaves. If we do + not do this they say that they will kill all of us save the unmarried boys + and girls, and that you white people they will take and put to death by + burning, keeping only the two women alive. One Hassan sends this message.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I answered quietly, for in this fix I grew quite cool as was + usual with me. “And does Bausi mean to give us up?” + </p> + <p> + “How can Bausi give up Dogeetah who is his blood brother, and you, his + friend?” exclaimed the old general, indignantly. “Bausi sends me to his + brother Dogeetah that he may receive the orders of the white man’s wisdom, + spoken through your mouth, lord Macumazana.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there’s a good spirit in Bausi,” I replied, “and these are + Dogeetah’s orders spoken through my mouth. Go to Hassan’s messengers and + ask him whether he remembers a certain letter which two white men left for + him outside their camp in a cleft stick. Tell him that the time has now + come for those white men to fulfil the promise they made in that letter + and that before to-morrow he will be hanging on a tree. Then, Babemba, + gather your soldiers and hold the north gate of the town for as long as + you can, defending it with bows and arrows. Afterwards retreat through the + town, joining us among the trees on the rocky slope that is opposite the + south gate. Bid some of your men clear the town of all the aged and women + and children and let them pass though the south gate and take refuge in + the wooded country beyond the slope. Let them not tarry. Let them go at + once. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand everything, lord Macumazana. The words of Dogeetah shall be + obeyed. Oh! would that we had listened to you and kept a better watch!” + </p> + <p> + He rushed off, running like a young man and shouting orders as he went. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said, “we must be moving.” + </p> + <p> + We collected all the rifles and ammunition, with some other things, I am + sure I forget what they were, and with the help of a few guards whom + Babemba had left outside our gate started through the town, leading with + us the two donkeys and the white ox. I remember by an afterthought, + telling Sammy, who was looking very uncomfortable, to return to the huts + and fetch some blankets and a couple of iron cooking-pots which might + become necessities to us. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Quatermain,” he answered, “I will obey you, though with fear and + trembling.” + </p> + <p> + He went and when a few hours afterwards I noted that he had never + reappeared, I came to the conclusion, with a sigh, for I was very fond of + Sammy in a way, that he had fallen into trouble and been killed. Probably, + I thought, “his fear and trembling” had overcome his reason and caused him + to run in the wrong direction with the cooking-pots. + </p> + <p> + The first part of our march through the town was easy enough, but after we + had crossed the market-place and emerged into the narrow way that ran + between many lines of huts to the south gate it became more difficult, + since this path was already crowded with hundreds of terrified fugitives, + old people, sick being carried, little boys, girls, and women with infants + at the breast. It was impossible to control these poor folk; all we could + do was to fight our way through them. However, we got out at last and + climbing the slope, took up the best position we could on and just beneath + its crest where the trees and scattered boulders gave us very fair cover, + which we improved upon in every way feasible in the time at our disposal, + by building little breastworks of stone and so forth. The fugitives who + had accompanied us, and those who followed, a multitude in all, did not + stop here, but flowed on along the road and vanished into the wooded + country behind. + </p> + <p> + I suggested to Brother John that he should take his wife and daughter and + the three beasts and go with them. He seemed inclined to accept the idea, + needless to say for their sakes, not for his own, for he was a very + fearless old fellow. But the two ladies utterly refused to budge. Hope + said that she would stop with Stephen, and her mother declared that she + had every confidence in me and preferred to remain where she was. Then I + suggested that Stephen should go too, but at this he grew so angry that I + dropped the subject. + </p> + <p> + So in the end we established them in a pleasant little hollow by a spring + just over the crest of the rise, where unless our flank were turned or we + were rushed, they would be out of the reach of bullets. Moreover, without + saying anything more we gave to each of them a double-barrelled and loaded + pistol. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX<br/> + THE BATTLE OF THE GATE + </h2> + <p> + By now heavy firing had begun at the north gate of the town, accompanied + by much shouting. The mist was still too thick to enable us to see + anything at first. But shortly after the commencement of the firing a + strong, hot wind, which always followed these mists, got up and gradually + gathered to a gale, blowing away the vapours. Then from the top of the + crest, Hans, who had climbed a tree there, reported that the Arabs were + advancing on the north gate, firing as they came, and that the Mazitu were + replying with their bows and arrows from behind the palisade that + surrounded the town. This palisade, I should state, consisted of an + earthen bank on the top of which tree trunks were set close together. Many + of these had struck in that fertile soil, so that in general appearance + this protective work resembled a huge live fence, on the outer and inner + side of which grew great masses of prickly pear and tall, finger-like + cacti. A while afterwards Hans reported that the Mazitu were retreating + and a few minutes later they began to arrive through the south gate, + bringing several wounded with them. Their captain said that they could not + stand against the fire of the guns and had determined to abandon the town + and make the best fight they could upon the ridge. + </p> + <p> + A little later the rest of the Mazitu came, driving before them all the + non-combatants who remained in the town. With these was King Bausi, in a + terrible state of excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Was I not wise, Macumazana,” he shouted, “to fear the slave-traders and + their guns? Now they have come to kill those who are old and to take the + young away in their gangs to sell them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, King,” I could not help answering, “you were wise. But if you had + done what I said and kept a better look-out Hassan could not have crept on + you like a leopard on a goat.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” he groaned; “but who knows the taste of a fruit till he has + bitten it?” + </p> + <p> + Then he went to see to the disposal of his soldiers along the ridge, + placing, by my advice, the most of them at each end of the line to + frustrate any attempt to out-flank us. We, for our part, busied ourselves + in serving out those guns which we had taken in the first fight with the + slavers to the thirty or forty picked men whom I had been instructing in + the use of firearms. If they did not do much damage, at least, I thought, + they could make a noise and impress the enemy with the idea that we were + well armed. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes or so later Babemba arrived with about fifty men, all the + Mazitu soldiers who were left in the town. He reported that he had held + the north gate as long as he could in order to gain time, and that the + Arabs were breaking it in. I begged him to order the soldiers to pile up + stones as a defence against the bullets and to lie down behind them. This + he went to do. + </p> + <p> + Then, after a pause, we saw a large body of the Arabs who had effected an + entry, advancing down the central street towards us. Some of them had + spears as well as guns, on which they carried a dozen or so of human heads + cut from the Mazitus who had been killed, waving them aloft and shouting + in triumph. It was a sickening sight, and one that made me grind my teeth + with rage. Also I could not help reflecting that ere long our heads might + be upon those spears. Well, if the worst came to the worst I was + determined that I would not be taken alive to be burned in a slow fire or + pinned over an ant-heap, a point upon which the others agreed with me, + though poor Brother John had scruples as to suicide, even in despair. + </p> + <p> + It was just then that I missed Hans and asked where he had gone. Somebody + said that he thought he had seen him running away, whereon Mavovo, who was + growing excited, called out: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Spotted Snake has sought his hole. Snakes hiss, but they do not + charge.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but sometimes they bite,” I answered, for I could not believe that + Hans had showed the white feather. However, he was gone and clearly we + were in no state to send to look for him. + </p> + <p> + Now our hope was that the slavers, flushed with victory, would advance + across the open ground of the market-place, which we could sweep with our + fire from our position on the ridge. This, indeed, they began to do, + whereon, without orders, the Mazitu to whom we had given the guns, to my + fury and dismay, commenced to blaze away at a range of about four hundred + yards, and after a good deal of firing managed to kill or wound two or + three men. Then the Arabs, seeing their danger, retreated and, after a + pause, renewed their advance in two bodies. This time, however, they + followed the streets of huts that were built thickly between the outer + palisade of the town and the market-place, which, as it had been designed + to hold cattle in time of need, was also surrounded with a wooden fence + strong enough to resist the rush of horned beasts. On that day, I should + add, as the Mazitu never dreamed of being attacked, all their stock were + grazing on some distant veldt. In this space between the two fences were + many hundreds of huts, wattle and grass built, but for the most part + roofed with palm leaves, for here, in their separate quarters, dwelt the + great majority of the inhabitants of Beza Town, of which the northern part + was occupied by the king, the nobles and the captains. This ring of huts, + which entirely surrounded the market-place except at the two gateways, may + have been about a hundred and twenty yards in width. + </p> + <p> + Down the paths between these huts, both on the eastern and the western + side, advanced the Arabs and half-breeds, of whom there appeared to be + about four hundred, all armed with guns and doubtless trained to fighting. + It was a terrible force for us to face, seeing that although we may have + had nearly as many men, our guns did not total more than fifty, and most + of those who held them were quite unused to the management of firearms. + </p> + <p> + Soon the Arabs began to open fire on us from behind the huts, and a very + accurate fire it was, as our casualties quickly showed, notwithstanding + the stone <i>schanzes</i> we had constructed. The worst feature of the + thing also was that we could not reply with any effect, as our assailants, + who gradually worked nearer, were effectively screened by the huts, and we + had not enough guns to attempt organised volley firing. Although I tried + to keep a cheerful countenance I confess that I began to fear the worst + and even to wonder if we could possibly attempt to retreat. This idea was + abandoned, however, since the Arabs would certainly overtake and shoot us + down. + </p> + <p> + One thing I did. I persuaded Babemba to send about fifty men to build up + the southern gate, which was made of trunks of trees and opened outwards, + with earth and the big stones that lay about in plenty. While this was + being done quickly, for the Mazitu soldiers worked at the task like demons + and, being sheltered by the palisade, could not be shot, all of a sudden I + caught sight of four or five wisps of smoke that arose in quick succession + at the north end of the town and were instantly followed by as many bursts + of flame which leapt towards us in the strong wind. + </p> + <p> + Someone was firing Beza Town! In less than an hour the flames, driven by + the gale through hundreds of huts made dry as tinder by the heat, would + reduce Beza to a heap of ashes. It was inevitable, nothing could save the + place! For an instant I thought that the Arabs must have done this thing. + Then, seeing that new fires continually arose in different places, I + understood that no Arabs, but a friend or friends were at work, who had + conceived the idea of <i>destroying the Arabs with fire</i>. + </p> + <p> + My mind flew to Sammy. Without doubt Sammy had stayed behind to carry out + this terrible and masterly scheme, of which I am sure none of the Mazitu + would have thought, since it involved the absolute destruction of their + homes and property. Sammy, at whom we had always mocked, was, after all, a + great man, prepared to perish in the flames in order to save his friends! + </p> + <p> + Babemba rushed up, pointing with a spear to the rising fire. Now my + inspiration came. + </p> + <p> + “Take all your men,” I said, “except those who are armed with guns. Divide + them, encircle the town, guard the north gate, though I think none can win + back through the flames, and if any of the Arabs succeed in breaking + through the palisade, kill them.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be done,” shouted Babemba, “but oh! for the town of Beza where I + was born! Oh! for the town of Beza!” + </p> + <p> + “Drat the town of Beza!” I holloaed after him, or rather its native + equivalent. “It is of all our lives that I’m thinking.” + </p> + <p> + Three minutes later the Mazitu, divided into two bodies, were running like + hares to encircle the town, and though a few were shot as they descended + the slope, the most of them gained the shelter of the palisade in safety, + and there at intervals halted by sections, for Babemba managed the matter + very well. + </p> + <p> + Now only we white people, with the Zulu hunters under Mavovo, of whom + there were twelve in all, and the Mazitu armed with guns, numbering about + thirty, were left upon the slope. + </p> + <p> + For a little while the Arabs did not seem to realise what had happened, + but engaged themselves in peppering at the Mazitu, who, I think, they + concluded were in full flight. Presently, however, they either heard or + saw. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what a hubbub ensued. All the four hundred of them began to shout at + once. Some of them ran to the palisade and began to climb it, but as they + reached the top of the fence were pinned by the Mazitu arrows and fell + backwards, while a few who got over became entangled in the prickly pears + on the further side and were promptly speared. Giving up this attempt, + they rushed back along the lane with the intention of escaping at the + north-gate. But before ever they reached the head of the market-place the + roaring, wind-swept flames, leaping from hut to hut, had barred their + path. They could not face that awful furnace. + </p> + <p> + Now they took another counsel and in a great confused body charged down + the market-place to break out at the south gate, and our turn came. How we + raked them as they sped across the open, an easy mark! I know that I fired + as fast as I could using two rifles, swearing the while at Hans because he + was not there to load for me. Stephen was better off in this respect, for, + looking round, to my astonishment I saw Hope, who had left her mother on + the other side of the hill, in the act of capping his second gun. I should + explain that during our stay in Beza Town we had taught her how to use a + rifle. + </p> + <p> + I called to him to send her away, but again she would not go, even after a + bullet had pierced her dress. + </p> + <p> + Still, all our shooting could not stop that rush of men, made desperate by + the fear of a fiery death. Leaving many stretched out behind them, the + first of the Arabs drew near to the south gate. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” said Mavovo in my ear, “now the real fighting is going to + begin. The gate will soon be down. <i>We</i> must be the gate.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded, for if the Arabs once got through, there were enough of them + left to wipe us out five times over. Indeed, I do not suppose that up to + this time they had actually lost more than forty men. A few words + explained the situation to Stephen and Brother John, whom I told to take + his daughter to her mother and wait there with them. The Mazitu I ordered + to throw down their guns, for if they kept these I was sure they would + shoot some of us, and to accompany us, bringing their spears only. + </p> + <p> + Then we rushed down the slope and took up our position in a little open + space in front of the gate, that now was tottering to its fall beneath the + blows and draggings of the Arabs. At this time the sight was terrible and + magnificent, for the flames had got hold of the two half-circles of huts + that embraced the market-place, and, fanned by the blast, were rushing + towards us like a thing alive. Above us swept a great pall of smoke in + which floated flakes of fire, so thick that it hid the sky, though + fortunately the wind did not suffer it to sink and choke us. The sounds + also were almost inconceivable, for to the crackling roar of the + conflagration as it devoured hut after hut, were added the coarse, yelling + voices of the half-breed Arabs, as in mingled rage and terror they tore at + the gateway or each other, and the reports of the guns which many of them + were still firing, half at hazard. + </p> + <p> + We formed up before the gate, the Zulus with Stephen and myself in front + and the thirty picked Mazitu, commanded by no less a person than Bausi, + the king, behind. We had not long to wait, for presently down the thing + came and over it and the mound of earth and stones we had built beyond, + began to pour a mob of white-robed and turbaned men whose mixed and + tumultuous exit somehow reminded me of the pips and pulp being squeezed + out of a grenadilla fruit. + </p> + <p> + I gave the word, and we fired into that packed mass with terrible effect. + Really I think that each bullet must have brought down two or three of + them. Then, at a command from Mavovo, the Zulus threw down their guns and + charged with their broad spears. Stephen, who had got hold of an assegai + somehow, went with them, firing a Colt’s revolver as he ran, while at + their backs came Bausi and his thirty tall Mazitu. + </p> + <p> + I will confess at once that I did not join in this terrific onslaught. I + felt that I had not weight enough for a scrimmage of the sort, also that I + should perhaps be better employed using my wits outside and watching for a + chance to be of service, like a half-back in a football field, than in + getting my brains knocked out in a general row. Or mayhap my heart failed + me and I was afraid. I dare say, for I have never pretended to great + courage. At any rate, I stopped outside and shot whenever I got the + chance, not without effect, filling a humble but perhaps a useful part. + </p> + <p> + It was really magnificent, that fray. How those Zulus did go in. For quite + a long while they held the narrow gateway and the mound against all the + howling, thrusting mob, much as the Roman called Horatius and his two + friends held the entrance to some bridge or other long ago at Rome against + a great force of I forget whom. They shouted their Zulu battle-cry of <i>Laba! + Laba!</i> that of their regiment, I suppose, for most of them were men of + about the same age, and stabbed and fought and struggled and went down one + by one. + </p> + <p> + Back the rest of them were swept; then, led by Mavovo, Stephen and Bausi, + charged again, reinforced with the thirty Mazitu. Now the tongues of flame + met almost over them, the growing fence of prickly pear and cacti withered + and crackled, and still they fought on beneath that arch of fire. + </p> + <p> + Back they were driven again by the mere weight of numbers. I saw Mavovo + stab a man and go down. He rose and stabbed another, then fell again for + he was hard hit. + </p> + <p> + Two Arabs rushed to kill him. I shot them both with a right and left, for + fortunately my rifle was just reloaded. He rose once more and killed a + third man. Stephen came to his support and grappling with an Arab, dashed + his head against the gate-post so that he fell. Old Bausi, panting like a + grampus, plunged in with his remaining Mazitu and the combatants became so + confused in the dark gloom of the overhanging smoke that I could scarcely + tell one from the other. Yet the maddened Arabs were winning, as they + must, for how could our small and ever-lessening company stand against + their rush? + </p> + <p> + We were in a little circle now of which somehow I found myself the centre, + and they were attacking us on all sides. Stephen got a knock on the head + from the butt end of a gun, and tumbled against me, nearly upsetting me. + As I recovered myself I looked round in despair. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that I saw a very welcome sight, namely Hans, yes, the lost + Hans himself, with his filthy hat whereof I noticed even then the frayed + ostrich feathers were smouldering, hanging by a leather strap at the back + of his head. He was shambling along in a sly and silent sort of way, but + at a great rate with his mouth open, beckoning over his shoulder, and + behind him came about one hundred and fifty Mazitu. + </p> + <p> + Those Mazitu soon put another complexion upon the affair, for charging + with a roar, they drove back the Arabs, who had no space to develop their + line, straight into the jaws of that burning hell. A little later the rest + of the Mazitu returned with Babemba and finished the job. Only quite a few + of the Arabs got out and were captured after they had thrown down their + guns. The rest retreated into the centre of the market-place, whither our + people followed them. In this crisis the blood of these Mazitu told, and + they stuck to the enemy as Zulus themselves would certainly have done. + </p> + <p> + It was over! Great Heaven! it was over, and we began to count our losses. + Four of the Zulus were dead and two others were badly wounded—no, + three, including Mavovo. They brought him to me leaning on the shoulder of + Babemba and another Mazitu captain. He was a shocking sight, for he was + shot in three places, and badly cut and battered as well. He looked at me + a little while, breathing heavily, then spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It was a very good fight, my father,” he said. “Of all that I have fought + I can remember none better, although I have been in far greater battles, + which is well as it is my last. I foreknew it, my father, for though I + never told it you, the first death lot that I drew down yonder in Durban + was my own. Take back the gun you gave me, my father. You did but lend it + me for a little while, as I said to you. Now I go to the Underworld to + join the spirits of my ancestors and of those who have fallen at my side + in many wars, and of those women who bore my children. I shall have a tale + to tell them there, my father, and together we will wait for you—till + you, too, die in war!” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted up his arm from the neck of Babemba, and saluted me with a + loud cry of <i>Baba! Inkosi!</i> giving me certain great titles which I + will not set down, and having done so sank to the earth. + </p> + <p> + I sent one of the Mazitu to fetch Brother John, who arrived presently with + his wife and daughter. He examined Mavovo and told him straight out that + nothing could help him except prayer. + </p> + <p> + “Make no prayers for me, Dogeetah,” said the old heathen; “I have followed + my star,” (i.e. lived according to my lights) “and am ready to eat the + fruit that I have planted. Or if the tree prove barren, then to drink of + its sap and sleep.” + </p> + <p> + Waving Brother John aside he beckoned to Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “O Wazela!” he said, “you fought very well in that fight; if you go on as + you have begun in time you will make a warrior of whom the Daughter of the + Flower and her children will sing songs after you have come to join me, + your friend. Meanwhile, farewell! Take this assegai of mine and clean it + not, that the red rust thereon may put you in mind of Mavovo, the old Zulu + doctor and captain with whom you stood side by side in the Battle of the + Gate, when, as though they were winter grass, the fire burnt up the + white-robed thieves of men who could not pass our spears.” + </p> + <p> + Then he waved his hand again, and Stephen stepped aside muttering + something, for he and Mavovo had been very intimate and his voice choked + in his throat with grief. Now the old Zulu’s glazing eye fell upon Hans, + who was sneaking about, I think with a view of finding an opportunity of + bidding him a last good-bye. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Spotted Snake,” he cried, “so you have come out of your hole now that + the fire has passed it, to eat the burnt frogs in the cinders. It is a + pity that you who are so clever should be a coward, since our lord + Macumazana needed one to load for him on the hill and would have killed + more of the hyenas had you been there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Spotted Snake, it is so,” echoed an indignant chorus of the other + Zulus, while Stephen and I and even the mild Brother John looked at him + reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + Now Hans, who generally was as patient under affront as a Jew, for once + lost his temper. He dashed his hat upon the ground, and danced on it; he + spat towards the surviving Zulu hunters; he even vituperated the dying + Mavovo. + </p> + <p> + “O son of a fool!” he said, “you pretend that you can see what is hid from + other men, but I tell you that there is a lying spirit in your lips. You + called me a coward because I am not big and strong as you were, and cannot + hold an ox by the horns, but at least there is more brain in my stomach + than in all your head. Where would all of you be now had it not been for + poor Spotted Snake the ‘coward,’ who twice this day has saved every one of + you, except those whom the Baas’s father, the reverend Predikant, has + marked upon the forehead to come and join him in a place that is even + hotter and brighter than that burning town?” + </p> + <p> + Now we looked at Hans, wondering what he meant about saving us twice, and + Mavovo said: + </p> + <p> + “Speak on quickly, O Spotted Snake, for I would hear the end of your + story. How did you help us in your hole?” + </p> + <p> + Hans began to grub about in his pockets, from which finally he produced a + match-box wherein there remained but one match. + </p> + <p> + “With this,” he said. “Oh! could none of you see that the men of Hassan + had all walked into a trap? Did none of you know that fire burns thatched + houses, and that a strong wind drives it fast and far? While you sat there + upon the hill with your heads together, like sheep waiting to be killed, I + crept away among the bushes and went about my business. I said nothing to + any of you, not even to the Baas, lest he should answer me, ‘No, Hans, + there may be an old woman sick in one of those huts and therefore you must + not fire them.’ In such matters who does not know that white people are + fools, even the best of them, and in fact there were several old women, + for I saw them running for the gateway. Well, I crept up by the green + fence which I knew would not burn and I came to the north gate. There was + an Arab sentry left there to watch. + </p> + <p> + “He fired at me, look! Well for Hans his mother bore him short”; and he + pointed to a hole in the filthy hat. “Then before that Arab could load + again, poor coward Hans got his knife into him from behind. Look!” and he + produced a big blade, which was such as butchers use, from his belt and + showed it to us. “After that it was easy, since fire is a wonderful thing. + You make it small and it grows big of itself, like a child, and never gets + tired, and is always hungry, and runs fast as a horse. I lit six of them + where they would burn quickest. Then I saved the last match, since we have + few left, and came through the gate before the fire ate me up; me, its + father, me the Sower of the Red Seed!” + </p> + <p> + We stared at the old Hottentot in admiration, even Mavovo lifted his dying + head and stared. But Hans, whose annoyance had now evaporated, went on in + a jog-trot mechanical voice: + </p> + <p> + “As I was returning to find the Baas, if he still lived, the heat of the + fire forced me to the high ground to the west of the fence, so that I saw + what was happening at the south gate, and that the Arab men must break + through there because you who held it were so few. So I ran down to + Babemba and the other captains very quickly, telling them there was no + need to guard the fence any more, and that they must get to the south gate + and help you, since otherwise you would all be killed, and they, too, + would be killed afterwards. Babemba listened to me and started sending out + messengers to collect the others and we got here just in time. Such is the + hole I hid in during the Battle of the Gate, O Mavovo. That is all the + story which I pray that you will tell to the Baas’s reverend father, the + Predikant, presently, for I am sure that it will please him to learn that + he did not teach me to be wise and help all men and always to look after + the Baas Allan, to no purpose. Still, I am sorry that I wasted so many + matches, for where shall we get any more now that the camp is burnt?” and + he gazed ruefully at the all but empty box. + </p> + <p> + Mavovo spoke once more in a slow, gasping voice. + </p> + <p> + “Never again,” he said, addressing Hans, “shall you be called Spotted + Snake, O little yellow man who are so great and white of heart. Behold! I + give you a new name, by which you shall be known with honour from + generation to generation. It is ‘Light in Darkness.’ It is ‘Lord of the + Fire.’” + </p> + <p> + Then he closed his eyes and fell back insensible. Within a few minutes he + was dead. But those high names with which he christened Hans with his + dying breath, clung to the old Hottentot for all his days. Indeed from + that day forward no native would ever have ventured to call him by any + other. Among them, far and wide, they became his titles of honour. + </p> + <p> + The roar of the flames grew less and the tumult within their fiery circle + died away. For now the Mazitu were returning from the last fight in the + market-place, if fight it could be called, bearing in their arms great + bundles of the guns which they had collected from the dead Arabs, most of + whom had thrown down their weapons in a last wild effort to escape. But + between the spears of the infuriated savages on the one hand and the + devouring fire on the other what escape was there for them? The + blood-stained wretches who remained in the camps and towns of the + slave-traders, along the eastern coast of Africa, or in the Isle of + Madagascar, alone could tell how many were lost, since of those who went + out from them to make war upon the Mazitu and their white friends, none + returned again with the long lines of expected captives. They had gone to + their own place, of which sometimes that flaming African city has seemed + to me a symbol. They were wicked men indeed, devils stalking the earth in + human form, without pity, without shame. Yet I could not help feeling + sorry for them at the last, for truly their end was awful. + </p> + <p> + They brought the prisoners up to us, and among them, his white robe + half-burnt off him, I recognised the hideous pock-marked + Hassan-ben-Mohammed. + </p> + <p> + “I received your letter, written a while ago, in which you promised to + make us die by fire, and, this morning, I received your message, Hassan,” + I said, “brought by the wounded lad who escaped from you when you murdered + his companions, and to both I sent you an answer. If none reached you, + look around, for there is one written large in a tongue that all can + read.” + </p> + <p> + The monster, for he was no less, flung himself upon the ground, praying + for mercy. Indeed, seeing Mrs. Eversley, he crawled to her and catching + hold of her white robe, begged her to intercede for him. + </p> + <p> + “You made a slave of me after I had nursed you in the spotted sickness,” + she answered, “and tried to kill my husband for no fault. Through you, + Hassan, I have spent all the best years of my life among savages, alone + and in despair. Still, for my part, I forgive you, but oh! may I never see + your face again.” + </p> + <p> + Then she wrenched herself free from his grasp and went away with her + daughter. + </p> + <p> + “I, too, forgive you, although you murdered my people and for twenty years + made my time a torment,” said Brother John, who was one of the truest + Christians I have ever known. “May God forgive you also”; and he followed + his wife and daughter. + </p> + <p> + Then the old king, Bausi, who had come through that battle with a slight + wound, spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, Red Thief, that these white people have granted you what you + asked—namely, their forgiveness—since the deed is greatly to + their honour and causes me and my people to think them even nobler than we + did before. But, O murderer of men and women and trafficker in children, I + am judge here, not the white people. Look on your work!” and he pointed + first to the lines of Zulu and Mazitu dead, and then to his burning town. + “Look and remember the fate you promised to us who have never harmed you. + Look! Look! Look! O Hyena of a man!” + </p> + <p> + At this point I too went away, nor did I ever ask what became of Hassan + and his fellow-captives. Moreover, whenever any of the natives or Hans + tried to inform me, I bade them hold their tongues. + </p> + <h2> + EPILOGUE + </h2> + <p> + I have little more to add to this record, which I fear has grown into + quite a long book. Or, at any rate, although the setting of it down has + amused me during the afternoons and evenings of this endless English + winter, now that the spring is come again I seem to have grown weary of + writing. Therefore I shall leave what remains untold to the imagination of + anyone who chances to read these pages. + </p> + <p> + We were victorious, and had indeed much cause for gratitude who still + lived to look upon the sun. Yet the night that followed the Battle of the + Gate was a sad one, at least for me, who felt the death of my friend the + foresighted hero, Mavovo, of the bombastic but faithful Sammy, and of my + brave hunters more than I can say. Also the old Zulu’s prophecy concerning + me, that I too should die in battle, weighed upon me, who seemed to have + seen enough of such ends in recent days and to desire one more tranquil. + </p> + <p> + Living here in peaceful England as I do now, with no present prospect of + leaving it, it does not appear likely that it will be fulfilled. Yet, + after my experience of the divining powers of Mavovo’s “Snake”—well, + those words of his make me feel uncomfortable. For when all is said and + done, who can know the future? Moreover, it is the improbable that + generally happens[*] + </p> + <p> + [*] As the readers of “Allan Quatermain” will be aware, this prophecy of + the dying Zulu was fulfilled. Mr. Quatermain died at Zuvendis as a result + of the wound he received in the battle between the armies of the rival + Queens.—Editor. + </p> + <p> + Further, the climatic conditions were not conducive to cheerfulness, for + shortly after sunset it began to rain and poured for most of the night, + which, as we had little shelter, was inconvenient both to us and to all + the hundreds of the homeless Mazitu. + </p> + <p> + However, the rain ceased in due time, and on the following morning the + welcome sun shone out of a clear sky. When we had dried and warmed + ourselves a little in its rays, someone suggested that we should visit the + burned-out town where, except for some smouldering heaps that had been + huts, the fire was extinguished by the heavy rain. More from curiosity + than for any other reason I consented and accompanied by Bausi, Babemba + and many of the Mazitu, all of us, except Brother John, who remained + behind to attend to the wounded, climbed over the debris of the south gate + and walked through the black ruins of the huts, across the market-place + that was strewn with dead, to what had been our own quarters. + </p> + <p> + These were a melancholy sight, a mere heap of sodden and still smoking + ashes. I could have wept when I looked at them, thinking of all the trade + goods and stores that were consumed beneath, necessities for the most + part, the destruction of which must make our return journey one of great + hardship. + </p> + <p> + Well, there was nothing to be said or done, so after a few minutes of + contemplation we turned to continue our walk through what had been the + royal quarters to the north gate. Hans, who, I noted, had been ferreting + about in his furtive way as though he were looking for something, and I + were the last to leave. Suddenly he laid his hand upon my arm and said: + </p> + <p> + “Baas, listen! I hear a ghost. I think it is the ghost of Sammy asking us + to bury him.” + </p> + <p> + “Bosh!” I answered, and then listened as hard as I could. + </p> + <p> + Now I also seemed to hear something coming from I knew not where, words + which were frequently repeated and which seemed to be: + </p> + <p> + “<i>O Mr. Quatermain, I beg you to be so good as to open the door of this + oven.</i>” + </p> + <p> + For a while I thought I must be cracked. However, I called back the others + and we all listened. Of a sudden Hans made a pounce, like a terrier does + at the run of a mole that he hears working underground, and began to drag, + or rather to shovel, at a heap of ashes in front of us, using a bit of + wood as they were still too hot for his hands. Then we listened again and + this time heard the voice quite clearly coming from the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Baas,” said Hans, “it is Sammy in the corn-pit!” + </p> + <p> + Now I remembered that such a pit existed in front of the huts which, + although empty at the time, was, as is common among the Bantu natives, + used to preserve corn that would not immediately be needed. Once I myself + went through a very tragic experience in one of these pits, as any who may + read the history of my first wife, that I have called <i>Marie</i>, can + see for themselves. + </p> + <p> + Soon we cleared the place and had lifted the stone, with ventilating holes + in it—well was it for Sammy that those ventilating holes existed; + also that the stone did not fit tight. Beneath was a bottle-shaped and + cemented structure about ten feet deep by, say, eight wide. Instantly + through the mouth of this structure appeared the head of Sammy with his + mouth wide open like that of a fish gasping for air. We pulled him out, a + process that caused him to howl, for the heat had made his skin very + tender, and gave him water which one of the Mazitu fetched from a spring. + Then I asked him indignantly what he was doing in that hole, while we + wasted our tears, thinking that he was dead. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Quatermain,” he said, “I am a victim of too faithful service. To + abandon all these valuable possessions of yours to a rapacious enemy was + more than I could bear. So I put every one of them in the pit, and then, + as I thought I heard someone coming, got in myself and pulled down the + stone. But, Mr. Quatermain, soon afterwards the enemy added arson to + murder and pillage, and the whole place began to blaze. I could hear the + fire roaring above and a little later the ashes covered the exit so that I + could no longer lift the stone, which indeed grew too hot to touch. Here, + then, I sat all night in the most suffocating heat, very much afraid, Mr. + Quatermain, lest the two kegs of gunpowder that were with me should + explode, till at last, just as I had abandoned hope and prepared to die + like a tortoise baked alive by a bushman, I heard your welcome voice. And + Mr. Quatermain, if there is any soothing ointment to spare, I shall be + much obliged, for I am scorched all over.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Sammy, Sammy,” I said, “you see what comes of cowardice? On the hill + with us you would not have been scorched, and it is only by the merest + chance of owing to Hans’s quick hearing that you were not left to perish + miserably in that hole.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so, Mr. Quatermain. I plead guilty to the hot impeachment. But on + the hill I might have been shot, which is worse than being scorched. Also + you gave me charge of your goods and I determined to preserve them even at + the risk of personal comfort. Lastly, the angel who watches me brought you + here in time before I was quite cooked through. So all’s well that ends + well, Mr. Quatermain, though it is true that for my part I have had enough + of bloody war, and if I live to regain civilized regions I propose + henceforth to follow the art of food-dressing in the safe kitchen of an + hotel; that is, if I cannot obtain a berth as an instructor in the English + tongue!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “all’s well that ends well, Sammy my boy, and at any + rate you have saved the stores, for which we should be thankful to you. So + go along with Mr. Stephen and get doctored while we haul them out of that + grain-pit.” + </p> + <p> + Three days later we bid farewell to old Bausi, who almost wept at parting + with us, and the Mazitu, who were already engaged in the re-building of + their town. Mavovo and the other Zulus who died in the Battle of the Gate, + we buried on the ridge opposite to it, raising a mound of earth over them + that thereby they might be remembered in generations to come, and laying + around them the Mazitu who had fallen in the fight. As we passed that + mound on our homeward journey, the Zulus who remained alive, including two + wounded men who were carried in litters, stopped and saluted solemnly, + praising the dead with loud songs. We white people too saluted, but in + silence, by raising our hats. + </p> + <p> + By the way, I should add that in this matter also Mavovo’s “Snake” did not + lie. He had said that six of his company would be killed upon our + expedition, and six were killed, neither more nor less. + </p> + <p> + After much consulting we determined to take the overland route back to + Natal, first because it was always possible that the slave-trading + fraternity, hearing of their terrible losses, might try to attack us again + on the coast, and secondly for the reason that even if they did not, + months or perhaps years might pass before we found a ship at Kilwa, then a + port of ill repute, to carry us to any civilized place. Moreover, Brother + John, who had travelled it, knew the inland road well and had established + friendly relations with the tribes through whose country we must pass, + till we reached the brothers of Zululand, where I was always welcome. So + as the Mazitu furnished us with an escort and plenty of bearers for the + first part of the road and, thanks to Sammy’s stewardship in the corn-pit, + we had ample trade goods left to hire others later on, we made up our + minds to risk the longer journey. + </p> + <p> + As it turned out this was a wise conclusion, since although it took four + weary months, in the end we accomplished it without any accident + whatsoever, if I except a slight attack of fever from which both Miss Hope + and I suffered for a while. Also we got some good shooting on the road. My + only regret was that this change of plan obliged us to abandon the tusks + of ivory we had captured from the slavers and buried where we alone could + find them. + </p> + <p> + Still, it was a dull time for me, who, for obvious reasons, of which I + have already spoken, was literally a fifth wheel to the coach. Hans was an + excellent fellow, and, as the reader knows, quite a genius in his own way, + but night after night in Hans’s society began to pall on me at last, while + even his conversation about my “reverend father,” who seemed positively to + haunt him, acquired a certain sameness. Of course, we had other subjects + in common, especially those connected with Retief’s massacre, whereof we + were the only two survivors, but of these I seldom cared to speak. They + were and still remain too painful. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, for my part I was thankful when at last, in Zululand, we fell + in with some traders whom I knew, who hired us one of their wagons. In + this vehicle, abandoning the worn-out donkeys and the white ox, which we + presented to a chief of my acquaintance, Brother John and the ladies + proceeded to Durban, Stephen attending them on a horse that we had bought, + while I, with Hans, attached myself to the traders. + </p> + <p> + At Durban a surprise awaited us since, as we trekked into the town, which + at that time was still a small place, whom should we meet but Sir + Alexander Somers, who, hearing that wagons were coming from Zululand, had + ridden out in the hope of obtaining news of us. It seemed that the + choleric old gentleman’s anxiety concerning his son had so weighed on his + mind that at length he made up his mind to proceed to Africa to hunt for + him. So there he was. The meeting between the two was affectionate but + peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, dad!” said Stephen. “Whoever would have thought of seeing you + here?” + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, Stephen,” said his father. “Whoever would have expected to find + you alive and looking well—yes, very well? It is more than you + deserve, you young ass, and I hope you won’t do it again.” + </p> + <p> + Having delivered himself thus, the old boy seized Stephen by the hair and + solemnly kissed him on the brow. + </p> + <p> + “No, dad,” answered his son, “I don’t mean to do it again, but thanks to + Allan there we’ve come through all right. And, by the way, let me + introduce you to the lady I am going to marry, also to her father and + mother.” + </p> + <p> + Well, all the rest may be imagined. They were married a fortnight later in + Durban and a very pleasant affair it was, since Sir Alexander, who by the + way, treated me most handsomely from a business point of view, literally + entertained the whole town on that festive occasion. Immediately + afterwards Stephen, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Eversley and his father, + took his wife home “to be educated,” though what that process consisted of + I never heard. Hans and I saw them off at the Point and our parting was + rather sad, although Hans went back the richer by the £500 which Stephen + had promised him. He bought a farm with the money, and on the strength of + his exploits, established himself as a kind of little chief. Of whom more + later—as they say in the pedigree books. + </p> + <p> + Sammy, too, was set up as the proprietor of a small hotel, where he spent + most of his time in the bar dilating to the customers in magnificent + sentences that reminded me of the style of a poem called “The Essay on + Man” (which I once tried to read and couldn’t), about his feats as a + warrior among the wild Mazitu and the man-eating, devil-worshipping Pongo + tribes. + </p> + <p> + Two years or less afterwards I received a letter, from which I must quote + a passage: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “As I told you, my father has given a living which he owns to Mr. + Eversley, a pretty little place where there isn’t much for a + parson to do. I think it rather bores my respected parents-in-law. + At any rate, ‘Dogeetah’ spends a lot of his time wandering about + the New Forest, which is near by, with a butterfly-net and trying + to imagine that he is back in Africa. The ‘Mother of the Flower’ + (who, after a long course of boot-kissing mutes, doesn’t get on + with English servants) has another amusement. There is a small + lake in the Rectory grounds in which is a little island. Here she + has put up a reed fence round a laurustinus bush which flowers at + the same time of year as did the Holy Flower, and within this reed + fence she sits whenever the weather will allow, as I believe going + through ‘the rites of the Flower.’ At least when I called upon her + there one day, in a boat, I found her wearing a white robe and + singing some mystical native song.” + </pre> + <p> + Many years have gone by since then. Both Brother John and his wife have + departed to their rest and their strange story, the strangest almost of + all stories, is practically forgotten. Stephen, whose father has also + departed, is a prosperous baronet and rather heavy member of Parliament + and magistrate, the father of many fine children, for the Miss Hope of old + days has proved as fruitful as a daughter of the Goddess of Fertility, for + that was the “Mother’s” real office, ought to be. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes,” she said to me one day with a laugh, as she surveyed a large + (and noisy) selection of her numerous offspring, “sometimes, O Allan”—she + still retains that trick of speech—“I wish that I were back in the + peace of the Home of the Flower. Ah!” she added with something of a thrill + in her voice, “never can I forget the blue of the sacred lake or the sight + of those skies at dawn. Do you think that I shall see them again when I + die, O Allan?” + </p> + <p> + At the time I thought it rather ungrateful of her to speak thus, but after + all human nature is a queer thing and we are all of us attached to the + scenes of our childhood and long at times again to breathe our natal air. + </p> + <p> + I went to see Sir Stephen the other day, and in his splendid greenhouses + the head gardener, Woodden, an old man now, showed me three noble, + long-leaved plants which sprang from the seed of the Holy Flower that I + had saved in my pocket. + </p> + <p> + But they have not yet bloomed. + </p> + <p> + Somehow I wonder what will happen when they do. It seems to me as though + when once more the glory of that golden bloom is seen of the eyes of men, + the ghosts of the terrible god of the Forest, of the hellish and + mysterious Motombo, and perhaps of the Mother of the Flower herself, will + be there to do it reverence. If so, what gifts will they bring to those + who stole and reared the sacred seed? + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I shall know ere long, for just as I laid down my pen a + triumphant epistle from Stephen was handed to me in which he writes + excitedly that at length two of the three plants are <i>showing for flower</i>. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Allan Quatermain. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Allan and the Holy Flower, by H. 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