the most aggravating word In
Africa, except perhaps bado kidogo, which means "presently," "bye and
bye," "in a little while."

"Don't you dare say 'sijui' to me!"

"Maybe they quarrel, maybe not. They all quarreling with Lady
Saffunwardo--staying in same hotel, Tippoo Tib one time his house--she
wanting maybe go with him to London. He saying no. Others saying no.
All very angry each with other an' throwing bwana masikini, Greek man,
down hotel stairs."

"What had he to do with it?"

"Two Greek man an' one Goa all after ivory, too. She--Lady Saffunwardo
afterwards promising pay them three if they come along an' do what she
tell 'em. They agreeing quick! Byumby Tippoo Tib hearing bazaar talk
an' sending me along too. She refuse to take me, all because German
consul man knowing me formerly and not making good report, but Greek
bwana he not caring and say to me to come along. Greek people very
bad! No food--no money--nothing but swear an' kick an' call bad
names--an' drunk nearly all the time!"

"What makes you think these three men know where the ivory is?" said
the German voice. It was the voice of a man very used to questioning
natives--self-assertive but calm--going straight each time to the point.

"They having map. Map having marks on it."

"How do you know?"

"She--Lady Saffunwardo go in their bedroom, stealing it last night."

"Did you see her take it?"

"Yes, bwana."

"Did you see the marks on it?"

"No, bwana."

"Then how do you know the marks were on it? Now, remember, don't lie
to me!"

"Coutlass, him Greek man, standing on stairs keeping watch. Them three
men you call fools all sitting in dining-room waiting because they
thinking she come presently. She send maid to their room. Maid, fool
woman, upset everything, finding nothing. 'No,' she say, 'no map--no
money--no anything in here.' An' Lady Saffunwardo she very angry an'
say, 'Come out o' there! Let me look!' And Lady Saffunwardo going in,
but maid not coming out, an' they both search. Then Lady Saffanwardo
saying all at once, 'Here it is. Didn't you see this?' An' the maid
answering, 'Oh, that! That nothing but just ordinary pocket map! That
not it!' But Lady Saffunwardo she opening the map, an' make little
scream, an' say, 'Idiot! This is it! Look! See! See the marks!'
So, bwana, I then knowing must be marks on map!"

"Good. What did she do with it?"

"Sujui."

"I told you not to dare say 'sijui' to me!"