Only Mavovo seemed indifferent.

Then came the question of which of them was to accompany us.
"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." "And I, too, go with the Baas Quatermain," grunted Hans, "seeing that even without a gun I am cunning, as _my_ female ancestors were before me." "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 ?" "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." It remained to be decided who the third man should be.