But he held his peace, and it was Laputa who spoke.

He looked straight through me, and addressed Machudi's men.
'You have brought back the prisoner.

That is well, and your service will be remembered.

Go to 'Mpefu's camp on the hill there, and you will be given food.' The men departed, and with them fell away the crowd which had followed me.

I was left, very giddy and dazed, to confront Laputa and his chiefs.