Then their captain said solemnly: "Bausi, the Great Black One, has no need of the white men's gifts." "Indeed," I replied, for my dander was up.

"Then he won't get another chance at them." The men turned away without more words, and presently Babemba turned up with a company of about fifty soldiers.
"The king is waiting to see you, white lords," he said in a voice of very forced jollity, "and I have come to conduct you to him." "Why would he not accept our presents ?" I asked, pointing to the row of them.
"Oh! that is because of Imbozwi's story of the magic shield.

He said he wanted no gifts to burn his hair off.

But, come, come.

He will explain for himself.