Strolling up to one of these, whose face I thought I knew, I asked him if he would let me pass to see my friend, the Opener of Roads.
The man, who was something of a humourist replied-- "Certainly if you wish, Macumazahn.

That is to say, I will let your spirit pass, but to do this, if you come one step nearer I must first make a hole in you with my spear out of which it can fly." I thanked him for his information and gave him some snuff, which he took gratefully, being bored by his long vigil.

Then I asked him how many people the great witch-doctor had with him.

He said he did not know, but he had seen a number of tall men come to the mouth of the donga to fetch food that had been placed there.
Again I inquired if he had seen any women, whereon he replied none, Zikali being, he understood, too old to trouble himself about the other sex.

Just then an officer, making his rounds, came up and looked at me so sternly that I thought it well to retreat.