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Because I could not get here before, Zikali, I answered. Helifted them once
more and once more they rose, only this time muchhigher. At any rate, I sat
down because I felt faint and thoughtthat I was going to be ill. Therefore, it
isnt strange that I shouldguess that you would do so again, is it? The dwellers
there may not leave their hidden land; it isagainst their law. Then why do you
not send and get some, Zikali?
Because that is his nice name, Baas, given him
by his Mammie when hewas little, perhaps. No, I am not surewhether you will be
able to carry the ivory.
I looked, and for a moment perceived nothing. Some day
you shall tell me which was the worse, Heu-Heus picture or Heu-Heu himself. I
thought that you might like to know that,as you are curious on the point.
For,
Baas, I do not want to meet Heu-Heu; the thought of himturns my stomach cold.
I
will have them driven upto-morrow morning and take care of yours while you are
away. But the question is, what did yousee in the cave? The Father of Spirits
awaits you, Lord Macumazahn, said the bodyservant.
Certainly, I reflected, he
would not haveinvented them.
Moreover, their crops will prosper and they be
free from sickness.
Why do they rejoice, and why do they weep, Zikali?
But were
Ito do this, I should indeed be the first of fools.
Just stare at me and think
ofnothing at all.
I will have them driven upto-morrow morning and take care of
yours while you are away. The animal may be arogue elephant or a man-killing
lion, or perhaps a very poisonoussnake. Therefore, it isnt strange that I
shouldguess that you would do so again, is it?
Now the Baas willnot say that I
tell lies, no, not for quite a week. He dropped his arms again and the flames
sank down. I have often thought it, Macumazahn, for reasons that I keep
tomyself. Then I suppose that I must try to discover for myself, but how, how?
Now, you shouldnt nod your head, Yellow Man,because it makes the riddle too
easy. You know I hate the cold, as theaged always do, and I was minded not to
receive you. And if he or itlives, or lived, where is Heu-Heu, dead or alive?
You know I hate the cold, as theaged always do, and I was minded not to receive
you. Therefore, it isnt strange that I shouldguess that you would do so again,
is it?
If youwant to be sick, Baas, please dont mind me, for Ill turn my
back.
It isa fact that after him the flames sprang up to a height of three
orfour feet.
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