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.
"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." "What for ?" I asked.
"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.
"Perhaps some might dare to," I answered, for an idea occurred to me, "but let us go to see Bausi." 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.
"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.