Still seeking, you asked the counsel of Zikali, Opener-of-Roads, he who among other titles is also called 'Home of Spirits.' He answered that he could not satisfy your heart because this tree was too tall for him to climb, but that far to the north there lives a certain white witch who has powers greater than his, being able to fly to the top of any tree, and to this white witch he bade you go.

Have I the story right thus far ?" I answered that he had.
"Good! Then Zikali went on to choose you companions for your journey, but two, leaving out the guards or servants.

I, Umhlopekazi, called Bulalio the Slaughterer, called the Woodpecker also, was one of these, and that little yellow monkey of a man whom I saw with you to-day, called Hansi, was the other.

Then you made a mock of Zikali by determining not to visit me, Umhlopekazi, and not to go north to find the great white Queen of whom he had told you, but to return to Natal.
Is that so ?" I said it was.
"Then the rain fell and the winds blew and the rivers rose in wrath so that you could not return to Natal, and after all by chance, or by fate, or by the will of Zikali, the wizard of wizards, you drifted here to the kraal of me, Umhlopekazi, and told me this story." "Just so," I answered.
"Well, White Man, how am I to know that all this is not but a trap for my feet which already seem to feel cords between the toes of both of them?
What token do you bring, O Watcher-by-Night?
How am I to know that the Opener-of-Roads really sent me this message which has been delivered so strangely by one who wished to travel on another path?
The wandering witch-doctor told me that he who came would bear some sign." "I can't say," I answered, "at least in words.

But," I added after reflection, "as you ask for a token, perhaps I might be able to show you something that would bring proof to your heart, if there were any secret place----" Umslopogaas walked to the gateway of the fence and saw that the sentry was at his post.