't wonder that they ran," said Alan, laughing, for the vision of a
missionary with Little Bonsa on his head caught his fancy. "But come to
the point, you old heathen. What do you mean that I should do?"

"Jeekie not heathen now, Major, but plenty other things true in this
world, besides Christian religion. I no want you do anything, but I say
this--you go back to Asiki wearing Little Bonsa on head and dressed
like Reverend uncle whom you very like, for he just your age then thirty
years ago, and they give you all the gold you want, if you give them
back Little Bonsa whom they love and worship for ever and ever, for
Little Bonsa very, very old."

Alan sat up in his chair and stared at Jeekie, while Jeekie nodded his
head at him.

"There is something in it," he said slowly, speaking more to himself
than to the negro, "and perhaps that is why I would not sell the fetish,
for as you say, there are plenty of true things in the world besides
those which we believe. But, Jeekie, how should I find the way?"

"No trouble, Major, Little Bonsa find way, want to get back home, very
hungry by now, much need sacrifice. Think it good thing kill pig to
Little Bonsa--or even lamb. She know you do your best, since human being
not to be come at in Christian land, and say 'thank you for life of
pig.'"

"Stop that rubbish," said Alan. "I want a guide; if I go, will you come
with me?"

At this suggestion the negro looked exceedingly uncomfortable.

"Not like to, not like to at all," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Asiki-land very funny place for native-born. But," he added sadly, "if
you go Jeekie must, for I servant of Little Bonsa and if I stay behind,
she angry and kill me because I not attend her where she walk. But
perhaps if I go and take her to Gold House again, she pleased and let me
off. Also I able help you there. Yes, if you and Little Bonsa go, think
I go too."

After this announcement Jeekie rose and walked down the room, carrying
the cold mutton in his hand. Then he returned, replaced it on the table
and standing in front of Alan, said earnestly:

"Major, I tell you all truth, just this once. Jeekie believe he _got_
go with you to Asiki-land. Jeekie have plenty bad dream lately, Little
Bonsa come in middle of the night and sit on his stomach and scratch his
face with her gold leg, and say, 'Jeekie, Jeekie, you son of Bonsa, you
get up quick and take me back Bonsa Town, for I darned tired of City fog
and finished all I co