But why do I talk of ghosts, seeing that you travel to seek other ghosts, white ghosts, beyond my ken, who can only deal with those who were black?
"Good-night, Macumazahn, good-night.

When you return from visiting the white Queen, that Great One beneath those feet I, Zikali, who am also great in my way, am but a grain of dust, come and tell me her answer to my question.
"Meanwhile, be careful always to wear that pretty little image which I have given you, as a young lover sometimes wears a lock of hair cut from the head of some fool-girl that he thinks is fond of him.

It will bring you safety and luck, Macumazahn, which, for the most part, is more than the lock of hair does to the lover.

Oh! it is a strange world, full of jest to those who can see the strings that work it.

I am one of them, and perhaps, Macumazahn, you are another, or will be before all is done--or begun.
"Good-night, and good fortune to you on your journeyings, and, Macumazahn, although you are so fond of women, be careful not to fall in love with that white Queen, because it would make others jealous; I mean some who you have lost sight of for a while, also I think that being under a curse of her own, she is not one whom you can put into your sack.