"And, thereupon, the majority declared for M'Bongwele; while we who were opposed to him agreed to bide our time and await the return of the Spirits, recognising the futility of resistance at the moment, which, indeed, could but have ended in M'Bongwele's triumph and our destruction to no purpose." "You did well, O Lobelalatutu," answered von Schalckenberg, approvingly. "To engage in a hopeless fight is but folly. And now, tell me, I pray you, has M'Bongwele in any wise profited from the lesson which we gave him, or has he reverted to his former barbarous methods of ruling you?" "His rule is even as it was aforetime," answered the savage. "On the morrow of the day upon which he was re-elected king, he slew M'Buta with his own hand, saying he would have no discontented chiefs under him; and he would have slain the rest of us but for the interposition of those who had gone over to his side, many of whom were our friends. Also he re-established the witch-doctors in their former power and authority, with the result that many who paid them what they deemed an insufficient tribute have died long-lingering deaths, upon the charge that they were plotting against the king's authority. And, but for the fact that I am a powerful chief, with many friends, 'tis certain that I, even I, Lobelalatutu, would also have been sent along the dark path ere now. And now, behold, my life is forfeit. For well I know that M'Bongwele too truly suspects my intention to come out and acquaint the Great Spirits with what has happened; for see ye those warriors searching hither and thither? They are looking for me; and when next I behold the face of the king it will be to hear my death-sentence--unless, perchance, the Great Spirits should, of their mercy, see fit to preserve my life." "Fear not, Lobelalatutu," answered the professor. "You have done well to come out and tell us these things, and no harm shall befall you. Abide you here with us until we have dealt with M'Bongwele and his witch-doctors. You will then have naught to fear. One thing more. Tell me, now, have any white men visited this country since we were last here?" "Truly have they, to their great misfortune," answered Lobelalatutu. "It is now some eight moons since that a party of twelve men and two white women were found by certain of our people encamped yonder on the shore, after a great storm. How they came thither none can say; but it is believed that they must have arrived in a great floating house, the remains of which were seen at some distance from the beach, lying in the great water which dashed over it furiously.