It had prickly leaves, shaped very much like those of the common English nettle.
"Now, Macumazahn," he went on, "bid the men leave us alone, and then follow me presently to the little glade down there by the water." I did so.

When I reached the glade I found Indaba-zimbi kindling a small fire under the shadow of a tree by the edge of the water.
"Sit there, Macumazahn," he said, pointing to a stone near the fire, "and do not be surprised or frightened at anything you see.

If you move or call out we shall learn nothing." I sat down and watched.

When the fire was alight and burning brightly, the old fellow stripped himself stark naked, and, going to the foot of the pool, dipped himself in the water.

Then he came back shivering with the cold, and, leaning over the little fire, thrust leaves of the plant I have mentioned into his mouth and began to chew them, muttering as he chewed.