He on his part was most apologetic, and explained that what he did he was obliged to do "by the King's orders." Also he let it slip that he was seeking for a certain "evil-doer" who, it was thought, might be with me without my knowing his real character, and as this "evil-doer," whose name he would not mention, was a very fierce man, it had been necessary to bring a strong guard with him.
Now I bethought me of Umslopogaas, but merely looked blank and shrugged my shoulders, saying that I was not in the habit of consorting with evil-doers.
Still unsatisfied, the _Induna_ questioned me as to the places where I had been during this journey of mine in the Zulu country.

I told him with the utmost frankness, mentioning among others--because I was sure that already he knew all my movements well--the town of the People of the Axe.
Then he asked me if I had seen its Chief, a certain Umslopogaas or Bulalio.

I answered, Yes, that I had met him there for the first time and thought him a very remarkable man.
With this the _Induna_ agreed emphatically, saying that perhaps I did not know _how_ remarkable.

Next he asked me where he was now, to which I replied that I had not the faintest idea, but I presumed in his kraal where I had left him.

The _Induna_ explained that he was _not_ in his kraal; that he had gone away leaving one Lousta and his own head wife Monazi to administer the chieftainship for a while, because, as he stated, he wished to make a journey.
I yawned as if weary of the subject of this chief, and indeed of the whole business.