Moreover, Zikali does not wish that you should come to harm, doubtless because he does wish to make use of you afterwards--oh! it's safe to talk now when that spirit is away looking for another snake.

What were you doing with the Great Medicine, Baas, when the _'mamba_ attacked you ?" "Taking it off to throw it into the pool, Hans, as I do not like the thing.

I tried twice and each time the _immamba_ appeared." "Of course it appeared, Baas, and what is more, if you had taken that Medicine off and thrown it away _you_ would have disappeared, since the _'mamba_ would have killed you.

Zikali wanted to show you that, Baas, and that is why he set the snake at you." "You are a superstitious old fool, Hans." "Yes, Baas, but my father knew all about that Great Medicine before me, for he was a bit of a doctor, and so does every wizard and witch for a thousand miles or more.

I tell you, Baas, it is known by all though no one ever talks about it, no, not even the king himself.