"Looks like it, certainly," answered Grosvenor in carefully modulated, matter-of-fact tones. "Jolly fine stones, aren't they? If you can contrive to take home a sackful of those stones, old man, you need no longer fear money troubles, eh? What?" "A sackful!" ejaculated Dick, with a laugh. "A peck of them will completely satisfy me, my boy." Then, turning to Lobelalatutu, who was keenly watching them both, he said: "These stones, O King! are very good and of some value in my country, though worthless here. Know you where they are to be found?" "I know," answered the king; "and it may be that I will show you the place; I cannot yet say, but I will consider the matter. I have given instructions as to the place where your wagon shall outspan; it is near at hand, between the village and the ruins; and if ye need anything, send word by your servant to me, and I will see to it." "We thank you, O Lobelalatutu!" answered Dick. "We go now; but to- morrow we will come again, bearing with us the gifts that we have brought for thee from England. Until then, farewell!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shortly after nine o'clock that night, while the two friends, having dined, were sitting under the raised front flap of their tent, enjoying the wonderful view of the ruins, rising gaunt and black in the midst of the landscape, flooded by the rays of the newly risen moon, and chatting in desultory fashion over the events of the day, as Grosvenor pulled contemplatively at his well-charred brier pipe, Mafuta appeared before them and, giving the usual salute, said: "There is one from the village yonder who would speak with my lords, if they be willing." "Who is it, Mafuta--a man, or a woman?" demanded Dick. "It is a man, _'mlungu_" answered Mafuta. Then, drawing still nearer, and lowering his voice almost to a whisper, he added: "He says he is named Lobelalatutu!" "The king!" exclaimed Dick, starting to his feet in amazement. "What the dickens is up now, I wonder? Is he armed, Mafuta?" "Nay, lord, he is weaponless," answered Mafuta. "Bring him hither," commanded Dick; "we will speak with him." Saluting again, Mafuta disappeared, and presently returned escorting a tall savage, unarmed save for a light switch, such as every native habitually carries, in order to defend himself against the attacks of snakes. He wore the _keshla_, or head ring, and was naked save for the usual _moucha_ or apron of deerskin. As he stepped within range of the rays of the lamp, which Dick had hastily lighted, his eyes rolled and gleamed with something of apprehension in their expression; but despite his change of garb the white men had no difficulty in recognising the king.