ng-God, Excellence," replied Sergeant Schultz gravely.

"This fellow then is an apostate priest, nicht wahr?"

The sergeant noticed the movement of one of the sentry moustaches. A
twitch of the lips recognized his superior's pleasantry.

"Ja, Excellence."

Zu Pfeiffer stuck the cigar into the corner of his mouth and regarded idly
the dumb figure on the floor against the wall.

"We must have the Wongolo country, c'est entendu. Now what's your opinion
of the method, sergeant?"

"With due deference, Excellence," responded Sergeant Schultz, "I propose
that we advance and bring them to subjection in the usual manner."

Zu Pfeiffer fingered a ring and stared out into the yellow glare.

"Nein," he said at length, meditatively, removed the cigar from his lips
and delicately knocked off the ash. "Circumstances alter cases. That
method is too expensive. Son Altesse cannot afford the blood of the
Fatherland in return for such ignoble carcasses. We--the price paid in the
Herrero campaign was insupportable."

"Pardon, Excellence, but Treitschke said----"

"I know, sergeant. But Treitschke did not live in Central Africa."

"True, Excellence."

"Die Schweinhuende Englaender have had more experience than we have. Even a
fool learns wisdom by experience--sometimes."

"True, Excellence."

Again fell a silence save for the buzz of the persistent fly.

"Also psychological research is more valuable than artillery--sometimes--in
spite of Napoleon and Treitschke." Zu Pfeiffer glanced at the sergeant
who, beneath the mask of his features, appeared shocked. "Blasphemy, nicht
wahr, sergeant?"

"If your Excellence thinks----"

"But remember if Napoleon invented the science of artillery, we invented
psychology."

"True, Excellence."

Zu Pfeiffer smiled complacently and stroked his moustaches.

"Now for this animal here. Who and what was he?"

"One of the principal witch-doctors, Excellence, wealthy and powerful. He
attempted to overthrow the Chief Witch-doctor, one Bakahenzie, and was
discredited."

"How discredited?"

"He attempted some form of magic, Excellence, which failed. Details are
not given."

"Who gave the dossier?"

"Ali ben Hassan, Excellence."

"From whom did he get his information?"

"Name given as one Yabolo, another witch-doctor and relative."

"This Saka--Saka"--zu Pfeiffer glanced at the document--"Sakamata. Is he in
communication with this Yabolo?"

"Ja, Excellence."

Zu Pfeiffer smoked re