Also there was a wooden platform at the end of the hut whereon lay beds covered with mats and stuffed with some soft fibre.
"Here you may rest safe," he said, "for, white lords, are you not the honoured guests of the Pongo people?
Presently food" (I shuddered at the word) "will be brought to you, and after you have eaten well, if it is your pleasure, the Kalubi and his councillors will receive you in yonder feast-house and you can talk with them before you sleep.

If you need aught, strike upon that jar with a stick," and he pointed to what looked like a copper cauldron that stood in the garden of the hut near the place where the women were already lighting a fire, "and some will wait on you.

Look, here are your goods; none are missing, and here comes water in which you may wash.

Now I must go to make report to the Kalubi," and with a courteous bow he departed.
So after a while did the silent, handsome women--to fetch our meal, I understood one of them to say, and at length we were alone.
"My aunt!" said Stephen, fanning himself with his pocket-handkerchief, "did you see that lady toasting?
I have often heard of cannibals, those slaves, for instance, but the actual business! Oh! my aunt!" "It is no use addressing your absent aunt--if you have got one.

What did you expect if you would insist on coming to a hell like this ?" I asked gloomily.
"Can't say, old fellow.