"Make no mistake about that," retorted Lethbridge. "We saw them yesterday afternoon sending forward, by means of their system of voice-telegraphy, the news of our arrival. And, as we were travelling slowly all the time, you may take it as certain that Seketulo--if the fellow happens to be still alive--was informed of the fact some time before we actually reached this spot. And even if we admit, for a moment, such an improbability as that the news failed to reach him, these fellows who are now lurking all round us are, every one of them, painfully aware of the presence of the ship--as we can clearly see by the trouble that they are taking to keep out of our sight; and the first thing that they would do, in such a case as you have suggested, would be to dispatch one of their number to the village with the news. Oh no; the king--whether he be Seketulo or somebody else--is fully aware of our presence here, you may rest assured." "Of course," said Sir Reginald, "Seketulo may be dead. It is several years since we were here, and much may happen in even less time than that. But, even so, the man who would be reigning in his stead would know all about us, and would hasten, one would suppose, to assure us of his loyalty to our commands." "Ay," cut in Mildmay; "provided, of course, that he _has_ been loyal. But, if he has not, I can quite conceive that he is feeling mightily uncomfortable just now. What think you, Elphinstone, of the idea of taking a cruise up to the village, to see how matters stand there? Or, would you rather remain here, and await developments? Hillo! whom have we here, and what does he want? Surely the fellow is signalling to us, and trying to attract our attention! D'ye see him, Elphinstone?" And, as Mildmay spoke, he pointed to a small magnolia bush, within about a hundred yards of the ship, on the hither side of which, and close under it, a native warrior was crouching, and occasionally raising his hand, as though endeavouring to attract the attention of the white men, who, from the position which he occupied, were in full view of him. "Where is he?" demanded Sir Reginald, searching with his glasses. "Oh, _I_ see him. Yes; he certainly seems to be signalling to us. Do you see him, Professor?" "Yes," answered von Schalckenberg, "I see him. Shall I beckon him to come to us?" "By all means," answered Sir Reginald. "I will get out the rope ladder, and we will have him up here on deck."