mission can yours be that you stand there immovable, the
bodily reality of the vision of my hideous dreams ? ”
Again I lay upon the ground seeking repose, and thinking
with all my heart that I would rather, a thousand times,
be in the old den in Chibinga’s sun-parched lands. Curiously
enough, on this occasion, being wearied in body and
mind, I fell into a deep sleep.
Bright sunbeams were streaming through the chinks in
the cane sides of the old hut when I awoke. I had slept as
I had not slept for a very long time.
Concerning the journey to the king’s town, I shall not
weary the reader by recounting its many details. Let it
suffice for me to say that I shall never forget the eventful
march, with all its halts and tedious parleys. I longed to
ask these men where the king was. I certainly could not
be accused of warlike intentions; but l o n g . afterwards X
found out that in my solitariness all the trouble was
centred.
Two. villages were passed before we reached the outskirts
of the town; but ultimately I found myself in its centre,
which was a large open spot surrounded by huts on every
side, some being of much larger dimensions than any I had
previously seen.
My followers again and again repeated the name “ Chi-
kuse, Chikuse,” making me wonder what sort of preparation
was necessary to meet this , great mogul.
Where was he? I was wide awake, as any one may
imagine, at such a moment. At the same time I was much,
troubled at having to become what a reporter would call the
“ cynosure of all eyes” under my .present disadvantageous;
circumstances.
Armed warriors approached until they came within disagreeable
proximity, X -was seated on a rock, close -to