uously
than ever. We dared not even let fall so much as a hint to the old
people. Pitiable as it was to witness their distress, yet it was better
that this should continue a little longer rather than that our success
should be imperilled, as certainly would have been the case had we let
slip the slightest inkling that there was ground for hope.

"Has Ivondwe made any revelation?" I asked the police inspector, later
on as we were about to start. "Not a word. Would you like to talk to
him, Glanton? You might get something out of him."

"Not to-day. To-morrow perhaps. Only keep him doubly guarded. He'll
certainly escape if he can."

"He'll be a bigger magician than Ukozi if he does. He's handcuffed in a
hut, with four of my men guarding him, two inside and two out. And the
two out are just dead shots with rifle or pistol, although they do
belong to the poor old police," he added meaningly.

"All right. Now I'm off to try and work the native intelligence
department."

"And I hope to God you may succeed," had been the fervent answer.
"Good-bye."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

So here we were, only awaiting our guide in order to set forth. The
other two had also simulated inebriation, but only to a slight extent.
We had a business-like revolver apiece and plenty of cartridges, but no
guns. Another significant item of our outfit comprised several strong,
new _reims_. At last, after further waiting, which seemed an eternity,
Jan Boom appeared.

There was mirth lurking in his face as he explained that he had come
over at Tom's instance. Tom should have come to see if anything more
was wanted before he turned in for the night, but he was afraid. His
master seemed bewitched, he declared. He and the other two white men
were all drunk, but his master was the most drunk of all--yes, by far.
His master drunk!

At any other time we would have roared over the absurdity of the
situation, and Tom's very justifiable amazement. Now Jan Boom was
directed to tell him to turn in, and then come back. He came back, but
took rather long about it. "Now _Amakosi_!" he said. "We will start,
but no word must be spoken save in the faintest of whispers, and only
then if it cannot be avoided."

"What if Tom should take into his head to come here again?" I asked.

"He will not, _Nkose_, I have tied him up so that he can neither move
nor speak."

"Good," I said.

The nigh