"Such is the report that the Opener of Roads has made himself by messengers to the king.

None have seen him, for he journeys only in the night.

Moreover, when Zikali passes all men are blind and even women's tongues grow dumb.
Perchance by 'his spirit' he means his medicine or the witch-doctoress, Nombe, whom folks say he created, since none have seen her father or her mother, or heard who begat her; or perchance his snake is hid behind the mats of the second litter, if in truth there was one." "It may be so," I said, feeling that it was useless to pursue the matter.

"Now, Goza, I would see Zikali and at once." "That cannot be, Macumazahn, since he has given out that he will see no one, who rests after his journey, and the king has issued orders that any who attempt to approach the Valley of Bones shall die, even if they be of the royal blood.

Yes, if so much as a dog dares to draw near that place, it must die.