I had not needed my attention to be drawn to the spot, for already, as we were approaching it I had been noting the behaviour of my horse. It was normal. Beyond a slight cocking of the ears we might as well have been traversing any other section of our path; indeed it was as though the strange interruption of last night had been a matter of sheer imagination, but for one consideration. Of the extraordinary and overwhelming effluvium which had poisoned the air then, there was now no longer a trace, and this disposed of the theory that anything dead had been lying thereabouts. Had such a cause been responsible for it, the air would not have cleared so quickly. No--Ukozi had played some trick upon me for some reason of his own, but--what was that reason? Even a witch doctor does not play the fool without some motive. "I believe your theory is the correct one, after all, Glanton," interrupted my companion. "Depend upon it some big black beast of a mamba was stopping the way. Look. Here's where I gave up." "So I see," I answered, for we had now got through to the other side of the ridge of rocks. "See? How?" "Spoor. Look. The dust is all disturbed and kicked about. Here's where your gee refused." "So it is. I see it now myself. What a cute chap you are, Glanton. Oh, and I say, Glanton--" after a momentary hesitation, "don't let on to them at home about that little breeze I had with Kendrew down there, that's a good chap." I promised. This was his motive, then, in resolving to return with me? But it was not. "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.