hanked me and
departed to her own huts, saying with a smile to her husband as she
passed that there was no need for him to accompany her, as she had
servants waiting at the kraal gate. So Saduko stayed behind, and Mameena
stayed also. He talked with me for quite a long while, for he had much
to tell me, although all the time I felt that his heart was not in his
talk. His heart was with Mameena, who sat there and smiled continually
in her mysterious way, only putting in a word now and again, as though
to excuse her presence.

At length she rose and said with a sigh that she must be going back to
where the Amasomi were in camp, as Masapo would need her to see to his
food. By now it was quite dark, although I remember that from time to
time the sky was lit up by sheet lightning, for a storm was brewing. As
I expected, Saduko rose also, saying that he would see me on the morrow,
and went away with Mameena, walking like one who dreams.

A few minutes later I had occasion to leave the wagons in order to
inspect one of the oxen which was tied up by itself at a distance,
because it had shown signs of some sickness that might or might not be
catching. Moving quietly, as I always do from a hunter's habit, I walked
alone to the place where the beast was tethered behind some mimosa
thorns. Just as I reached these thorns the broad lightning shone out
vividly, and showed me Saduko holding the unresisting shape of Mameena
in his arms and kissing her passionately.

Then I turned and went back to the wagons even more quietly than I had
come.

I should add that on the morrow I found out that, after all, there was
nothing serious the matter with my ox.

CHAPTER X. THE SMELLING-OUT

After these events matters went on quietly for some time. I visited
Saduko's huts--very fine huts--about the doors of which sat quite a
number of his tribesmen, who seemed glad to see me again. Here I learned
from the Lady Nandie that her babe, whom she loved dearly, was none the
worse for its little accident. Also I learned from Saduko himself, who
came in before I left, attended like a prince by several notable men,
that he had made up his quarrel with Masapo, and, indeed, apologised to
him, as he found that he had not really meant to insult the princess,
his wife, having only thrust her over by accident. Saduko added indeed
that now they were good friends, which was well for Masapo, a man whom
the King had no cause to like. I said that I was g