How far was the town from the place where you were captured in Mazitu-land ?" "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." "And how far was the town from this harbour ?" "Quite close, Macumazana." Now Brother John asked a question.
"Did you hear anything about the land beyond the water by the cave ?" "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." "Who was the priestess ?" "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.