That is all, and the fee is half-a-crown." "You mean one shilling," I suggested.
"No, my father Macumazana.

One shilling for simple magic such as foretelling the fate of common black people.

Half-a-crown for very difficult magic that has to do with white people, magic of which only great doctors, like me, Mavovo, are the masters." I gave him the half-crown and said: "Look here, friend Mavovo, I believe in you as a fighter and a hunter, but as a magician I think you are a humbug.

Indeed, I am so sure of it that if ever Dogeetah turns up at a time of trouble in that land whither we are journeying, I will make you a present of that double-barrelled rifle of mine which you admired so much." One of his rare smiles appeared upon Mavovo's ugly face.
"Then give it to me now, _Baba_," he said, "for it is already earned.

My Snake cannot lie--especially when the fee is half-a-crown." I shook my head and declined, politely but with firmness.
"Ah!" said Mavovo, "you white men are very clever and think that you know everything.