Moreover, we know that it is true, for last night you had with you many slaves who, seeing our spears, ran away not an hour ago." Now I stared hard at the looking-glass and answered coolly: "This magic shield tells a somewhat different story.

It says that your king, Bausi, for whom by the way we have many things as presents, told you to lead us to him with honour, that we might talk over matters with him." The shot was a good one.

Babemba grew confused.
"It is true," he stammered, "that--I mean, the king left it to my judgment.

I will consult the witch-doctor." "If he left it to your judgment, the matter is settled," I said, "since certainly, being so great a noble, you would never try to murder those of whose holy drink you have just partaken.

Indeed if you did so," I added in a cold voice, "you would not live long yourself.