The Motombo, who is seldom seen, is King of the spirits and the Mouth of the gods." Bausi nodded in the African fashion, that is by raising the chin, not depressing it, and Komba went on: "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." "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.
"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 ?" "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.
Komba also looked at him with his fierce eyes.
"It is not conceivable," he said, "that anybody should wish to eat one so old and bony, but let that pass.