Evidently Thomaso's temper had been ruffled by this sudden and violent disturbance of his nap.
Just then our host appeared puffing with his exertions and declaring that he had stirred up the swine with a vengeance, in proof of which he pointed to the sjambok that was reddened with blood.
"Captain Robertson," I said, "I wish to give you a hint to be passed on to Mr.Thomaso, if that is he.

He spoke of the Zulu soldier there as a nigger, etc.

Well, he is a chief of a high rank and rather a terrible fellow if roused.

Therefore I recommend Mr.Thomaso not to let him understand that he is insulting him." "Oh! that's the way of these 'snuff-and-butters' one of whose grandmothers once met a white man," replied the Captain, laughing, "but I'll tell him," and he did in Portuguese.
His retainer listened in silence, looking at Umslopogaas rather sulkily.
Then we walked into the house.

As we went the Captain said, "Senor Thomaso--he calls himself Senor--is my manager here and a clever man, honest too in his way and attached to me, perhaps because I saved his life once.