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.
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.
"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." "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.