by their kings?"

It was a staggering question, and Sir Robert Sanleigh sat up and stared
at the solemn face of the man before him.

Bosambo, an unromantic figure in trousers, jacket, and shirt--he was
collarless--had thrust his hands deeply into unaccustomed pockets,
ignorant of the disrespect which such an attitude displayed, and was
staring back at the Administrator.

"O! chief," asked the puzzled Sir Robert, "this is a strange palaver you
make--who gave you these ideas?"

"Lord, none gave me this idea save my own bright mind," said Bosambo.
"Yes, many nights have I laid thinking of these things for I am just and
I have faith."

His Excellency kept his unwavering eye upon the other. He had heard of
Bosambo, knew him as an original, and at this moment was satisfied in
his own mind of the other's sincerity.

A smaller man than he, his predecessor for example, might have dismissed
the preposterous question as an impertinence and given the questioner
short shrift. But Sir Robert understood his native.

"These are things too high for me, Bosambo," he said. "What dog am I
that I should question the mind of my lords? In their wisdom they give
honour and they punish. It is written."

Bosambo nodded.

"Yet, lord," he persisted, "my own cousin who sweeps your lordship's
stables told me this morning that on the days of big palavers you also
have stars and beautiful things upon your breast, and noble ribbons
about your lordship's stomach. Now your honour shall tell me by whose
favour these things come about."

Sir Robert chuckled.

"Bosambo," he said solemnly, "they gave these things to me because I am
an old man. Now when your lord Sandi becomes old these honours also will
he receive."

He saw Bosambo's face fall and went on:

"Also much may happen that will bring Sandi to their lordships' eyes,
they who sit above us. Some great deed that he may do, some high service
he may offer to his king. All these happenings bring nobility and
honour. Now," he went on kindly, "go back to your people, remembering
that I shall think of you and of Sandi, and that I shall know that you
came because of your love for him, and that on a day which is written I
will send a book to my masters speaking well of Sandi, for his sake and
for the sake of the people who love him. The palaver is finished."

Bosambo went out of the Presence a dissatisfied man, passed through the
hall where a dozen commissioners and petty chiefs were waiting