"Unless my ears played me tricks, you agreed to go up with me against Bangu.

Well, I have gathered the necessary men--with the king's leave--they await us yonder," and he pointed with his spear towards a dense patch of bush that lay some miles beneath us.

"But," he added, "if you desire to change your mind I will go alone.

Only then, I think, we had better bid each other good-bye, since I love not friends who change their minds when the assegais begin to shake." Now, whether Saduko spoke thus by design I do not know.

Certainly, however, he could have found no better way to ensure my companionship for what it was worth, since, although I had made no actual promise in this case, I have always prided myself on keeping even a half-bargain with a native.
"I will go with you," I said quietly, "and I hope that, when it comes to the pinch, your spear will be as sharp as your tongue, Saduko.