But the first words shattered the fancy.
'We are sent by Inkulu,' the biggest of them said.

'He bade us bring you to him.' 'And what if I refuse to go ?' 'Then, Baas, we must take you to him.

We are under the vow of the Snake.' 'Vow of fiddlestick!' I cried.

'Who do you think is the bigger chief, the Inkulu or Ratitswan?
I tell you Ratitswan is now driving Inkulu before him as a wind drives rotten leaves.

It will be well for you, men of Machudi, to make peace with Ratitswan and take me to him on the Berg.