I didn't notice any bits before." "Rats running about the roof, I expect," said Stephen carelessly.
Not being satisfied, I began to examine this roof and the clay walls, which I forgot to mention were painted over in a kind of pattern with whorls in it, by the feeble light of the primitive lamps.

While I was thus engaged there was a knock on the door.

Forgetting all about the dust, I opened it and Hans appeared.
"One of these man-eating devils wants to speak to you, Baas.

Mavovo keeps him without." "Let him in," I said, since in this place fearlessness seemed our best game, "but watch well while he is with us." Hans whispered a word over his shoulder, and next moment a tall man wrapped from head to foot in white cloth, so that he looked like a ghost, came or rather shot into the hut and closed the door behind him.
"Who are you ?" I asked.
By way of answer he lifted or unwrapped the cloth from about his face, and I saw that the Kalubi himself stood before us.
"I wish to speak alone with the white lord, Dogeetah," he said in a hoarse voice, "and it must be now, since afterwards it will be impossible." Brother John rose and looked at him.
"How are you, Kalubi, my friend ?" he asked.

"I see that your wound has healed well." "Yes, yes, but I would speak with you alone." "Not so," replied Brother John.