to the wagon, ascertain how things were in that quarter, and report to
me at Anuti's house, which I pointed out to him. Then, urging Prince
into a gallop, I made the best of my way to Anuti's abode, anxious to
communicate to him what had passed at my final interview with Bimbane,
and to take counsel with him as to what was best to be done under the
circumstances.

He was at home when I arrived, and might indeed have been watching for
me, for he came forth to me as I dismounted.

"Aha, Chia'gnosi," he exclaimed, "welcome to my house, for I perceive
that something of import has happened at the palace, and that you have
indeed left it, as you resolved to do!"

"Yes," said I. "I have left the palace, never to return to it; for I
have quarrelled with Bimbane beyond all possibility of reconciliation.
And now, if you are not afraid to give me lodgment for a short time, I
will very gladly avail myself of your offered hospitality; for I want to
tell you exactly what has happened, and to obtain your advice."

"Pray, enter, and again welcome," he replied. "No, I am not at all
afraid to receive you as my guest; for you will be perfectly safe here,
and--But what is that I see on your finger?--surely not the magic ring
of Bimbane!"

He seized my right hand, stared incredulously at the ring on my little
finger, and then, murmuring: "It is, it is!" sank upon one knee before
me, pressed the ring to his forehead, and exclaimed:

"Salutations and homage, O high and mighty King! I know not how it has
come to pass, but this is a great and happy day for Bandokolo; for at
last the dominion has passed out of the hands of that cruel and wicked
woman, under whose galling yoke the country has groaned for unnumbered
generations, and has passed into yours, who will rule us mercifully,
wisely, and justly. Great is my pride and joy, O Chia'gnosi, that mine
is the privilege to be the first to hail you king. Deign to honour my
poor house with your gracious presence for a few hours, Your Majesty,
while I go forth and proclaim the glad tidings to the nobles and chiefs
here in Masakisale, and make arrangements for the news to be transmitted
to the uttermost parts of the kingdom--"

"Stop, stop, for mercy's sake stop your wild talk, and tell me what is
the matter, and what you mean by all this rubbish about my being king!"
I exclaimed, as soon as I had sufficiently recovered from my amazement
to speak, at the same time dragging Anuti to his f