"When are you going on that trading trip--into the Zulu country?" he
went on.

"In two or three weeks' time," I answered.

"By Jove, but I would like to go with you. I'd like to make a little
for myself. I want it all, I can tell you. But even that's not the
first consideration. I'd like to see those parts and gain some
experience. You wouldn't find me in the way, I promise you. I'd do
every mortal thing you said--and keep out of ructions, if that's what
you're afraid of."

"What about the farm?" I answered. "Your uncle isn't equal to looking
after it single handed."

"Oh, that might be arranged. That chap you sent us--Ivondwe--is worth
his weight in gold--in fact I never would have believed such a thing as
a trustworthy nigger existed, before he came."

Now I have already put on record that the last thing on earth I desired
was Falkner's company on the expedition I was planning--and the same
still held good--and yet--and yet--he was Aida Sewin's relative and she
seemed to take a great interest in him. Perhaps it was with an idea of
pleasing her--or I wonder if it was a certain anxiety as to leaving this
young man at her side while I was away myself, goodness knows, but the
fact remains that before we reached my place he had extracted from me
what was more than half a promise that I would entertain the idea.

And this I knew, even then, was tantamount to an entire promise.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

A FAREWELL VISIT.

"Nyamaki has not returned?" queried Tyingoza, who, seated, in his
accustomed place under the window of the store, had been taking snuff
and chatting about things in general.

"Not that I have heard of," I answered. "I was at his place but a day
or two back. Will he return, Tyingoza?"

"And the young one--he who sits in Nyamaki's place--does he think he
will return?"

What was the object of this answer turned into another question? What
was in Tyingoza's mind? However I replied:

"He is inclined to think not. He thinks his relation has wandered away
somewhere--perhaps into the river, and will never be heard of again."

"Ah! Into the river! Well, that might be, Iqalaqala. Into the river!
The ways of you white people are strange, _impela_!"

Tyingoza, you see, was enigmatical, but then he often was, especially if
he thought I was trying to get behind his mind--as he put it. Clearly
he was not going to commit himself to any definite opinion regarding the
disappearing Hensley.