Yes, yes, my friend, I should have been in some such place as yours to-day, and that is the last thing that I wish.

And now, Umbezi, you have had quite enough 'squareface,' so I will take the bottle away with me.

Good-night." On the following morning I trekked very early from Umbezi's kraal--before he was up indeed, for the "squareface" made him sleep sound.

My destination was Nodwengu, Panda's Great Place, where I hoped to do some trading, but, as I was in no particular hurry, my plan was to go round by Masapo's, and see for myself how it fared between him and Mameena.

Indeed, I reached the borders of the Amasomi territory, whereof Masapo was chief, by evening, and camped there.