t
should we want with white ladies, who have already far too many of our
own?"

"I don't know," I replied, "but I do know that you are the biggest liars
I ever met."

At these words, which some might have thought insulting, Harut and Marut
bowed again as though to acknowledge a great compliment. Then Harut
said:

"Let us leave the question of ladies and come to matters that have to do
with men. You are here as we told you that you would be at a time when
you did not believe us, and we here to meet _you_, as we told you that
we would be. How we knew that you were coming and how we came do not
matter at all. Believe what you will. Are you ready to start with us,
O Lord Macumazana, that you may bring to its death the wicked elephant
Jana which ravages our land, and receive the great reward of ivory? If
so, your camel waits."

"One camel cannot carry four men," I answered, avoiding the question.

"In courage and skill you are more than many men, O Macumazana, yet in
body you are but one and not four."

"If you think that I am going with you alone, you are much mistaken,
Harut and Marut," I exclaimed. "Here with me is my servant without whom
I do not stir," and I pointed to Hans, whom they contemplated gravely.
"Also there is the Lord Ragnall, who in this land is named Igeza, and
his servant who here is named Bena, the man out of whom you drew snakes
in the room in England. They also must accompany us."

At this news the impassive countenances of Harut and Marut showed, I
thought, some signs of disturbance. They muttered together in an unknown
tongue. Then Harut said:

"Our secret land is open to you alone, O Macumazana, for one purpose
only--to kill the elephant Jana, for which deed we promise you a great
reward. We do not wish to see the others there."

"Then you can kill your own elephant, Harut and Marut, for not one step
do I go with you. Why should I when there is as much ivory here as I
want, to be had for the shooting?"

"How if we take you, O Macumazana?"

"How if I kill you both, O Harut and Marut? Fools, here are many brave
men at my command, and if you or any with you want fighting it shall be
given you in plenty. Hans, bid the Mazitu stand to their arms and summon
Igeza and Bena."

"Stay, Lord," said Harut, "and put down that weapon," for once more I
had produced the pistol. "We would not begin our fellowship by shedding
blood, though we are safer from you than you think. Your companions
shall a