undertaking you ask for."

The other nodded, then uttered a loud hail, in response whereto a native
boy appeared, and having received a laconic direction soon reappeared,
together with a large bowl of native beer.

"This is the best I can offer you. I don't know if you've ever tried
it, but it's rather good, always provided it's fresh."

"Yes, I have once. Thanks awfully. Well, here's luck."

The effect on the wayfarer of this homely interchange of good-fellowship
was that it seemed to put him and his strange and rather sinister host
on a better footing. He took a big drink of the refreshing brew and set
down the bowl. Then he lighted his pipe.

He was almost growing confidential under the influence of rest and
refreshment. But it occurred to him that this strange being was
unusually reticent. For instance, he had not even asked him his name or
where he was from, or indeed anything. So taking his cue he confined
himself to generalities, and, except that the other was rather laconic,
some conversation became possible.

Finally supper appeared, in the shape of grilled beef on a woven grass
mat, together with some roasted mealies, and a renewed supply of
_tywala_. The new arrival did full justice to this, then suggested
going to see after his horse.

"Oh, your horse is being well taken care of," answered his host.
"However, come and see for yourself."

As they stood up outside the stranger noticed that his host was a tall
man, who, notwithstanding his apparent age, walked without a droop. At
a word from him the three big dogs, which had sprung up from somewhere
with a growl, slunk back again into silence. The horse was tied to a
pole inside the fence, and had evidently been eating his fill of
mealies.

"You'd better turn in in my hut. You'll find it a trifle more
comfortable, perhaps, than turning in with one of the Zulus, and there's
no spare hut."

"Why, thanks awfully. Of course I shall," was the hearty response.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The stranger woke early, and all the events of the previous day came
back upon him. He was rid of an incubus, for which now, in the clear
broad light of a cloudless and sparkling day he felt unfeignedly
thankful, but his eccentric host--where was he? The mat on which he had
slept was unoccupied. Oh, well! The other had got up earlier, that was
all. He would follow suit.

Outside he found his host, in con