e lieutenant, "you will go back some day to
Wongolo?"

"Yes, I--unless I discover some tribe who have a more interesting system
of--er--theology."

"They are a powerful tribe, nicht wahr?"

"Oh yes, very. Their system ensures unity which provides for concerted
action. Here I believe it is different."

"Yes, yes; they are poor here. Each village was at war with the
other--before we came. Their superstitions are not--how would you say it?"

"Systematised?"

"Yes. They have neither any supreme chief nor god. There you see," he
added, smiling, "that autocracy is the only form of government.
Democracy--pah! {~HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS~} I apologise, Professor!"

"Please don't," replied Birnier, "although of course I cannot agree with
you."

"But the Wongolo, they have a god and king?"

"Yes, the King-Priest system. One of the most interesting I have ever
encountered or read of."

"You did see the King-God, MFunya MPopo?"

"Oh no. He is forbidden to be seen by a foreigner--a similar law to that of
the Medes; only by the witch-doctors--and by the people once a year at a
harvest festival. That is why I intend to go back. It is impossible to
procure reliable statistics of their customs, practices and real beliefs
without--without winning their confidence. That is my mission."

"I do not longer wonder, Herr Professor, that you were most justly
annoyed. Ach, yes. But please do not worry about your ridiculous licence.
It is not necessary in my jurisdiction, I assure you. You may come and go
as you please, shoot what you wish. I will always be so glad to help so
distinguished a professor."

"I thank you very much."

"It is nothing. And perhaps when you are there, you will be so kind as to
write to me? To tell me things that are not known--so that I may, too,
continue to study the animals--again what is it? das Volkskuendliches?"

"Folk-lore, isn't it?"

"Yes. Please to have some more wine, Herr Professor. Please, I insist. It
is the real Mumm. That is a promise? I thank you. And if---- Were there any
others--whites--when you were there?"

"Only one."

"Where was he, I wonder?"

"On the southern boundary."

"Near lake Kivu?"

"Yes."

"Saunders," muttered zu Pfeiffer.

"I beg your pardon?"

"It was nothing, but I do not like to have--aliens in my province. They
are--missionaries and traders--spies."

"Indeed."

"Yes, it is always so. Herr Professor, I ask you a favour. Will you be so
kind as to write to