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Then he chatted a little about other matters, as to where he should find the magic shield I had given him, which he would always value as a souvenir, etc., took a pinch of snuff with Mavovo and departed, saying that he would be sure to return again at the proper time. It was now four o'clock, and as Sammy was quite beyond it, Stephen made himself some tea.
While he was gone, in consultation with Mavovo, I made certain little arrangements of my own, which need not be detailed. They were designed to enable us to sell our lives as dearly as possible, should things come to the worst. One should always try to make an impression upon the enemy in Africa, for the sake of future travellers if for no other reason.
Not only did he return to try to rescue it, he also actually persuaded his friend Mavovo to accompany him. They got back to the boat and began to lift the plant out when the Pongo fell upon them, striking at them with their spears over the width of our canoe. Mavovo struck back with the weapon he had taken from the Pongo sentry at the cave mouth, and killed or wounded one of them.
Moreover, yonder Mavovo takes the shillings and frightens everybody, but tells nobody anything. I call it cheating. But, Baas, do you and the Baas Wazela have no fear. You did not pay shillings, and therefore Mavovo, though without doubt he is a great Inyanga, cannot really prophesy concerning you, since his Snake will not work without a fee." The argument seems remarkably absurd.
"That is so, Baba," replied Mavovo, who had a habit of calling me "father," though he was older than I. "It cost me my chieftainship and my cattle and my two wives and my son. It made of me a wanderer who is glad to accompany a certain Macumazana to strange lands where many things may befall me, yes," he added with meaning, "even the last of all things. And yet a gift is a gift and must be used.
We were victorious, and had indeed much cause for gratitude who still lived to look upon the sun. Yet the night that followed the Battle of the Gate was a sad one, at least for me, who felt the death of my friend the foresighted hero, Mavovo, of the bombastic but faithful Sammy, and of my brave hunters more than I can say.
Stephen, I think we had better see the thing through here." "All right, Quatermain. Only I hope that Mavovo is wrong in thinking that those blackguards may change their minds and run away." "Really, young man, you are becoming very blood-thirsty for an orchid grower," I remarked, looking at him.
It is clear that you have a good deal to learn in Pongo-land." "Yes, my lord Macumazana, and so perhaps have you," he replied dryly, having by this time recovered his nerve and sarcastic powers. Then after telling Mavovo, who appeared mysteriously at the sound of the shot I think he was stalking us in case of accidents to fetch men to cut up the rhinoceros, Komba and I proceeded on our walk.
"I am a chief of a people from whom your people sprang and my name is Mavovo, Mavovo who is ready to fight you or any man whom you may name, and to kill him or you if you will. Is there one here who wishes to be killed?" No one answered, for the mighty-chested Zulu looked very formidable.
Taking the double-barrelled gun of which I have spoken, I called Mavovo and handed it to him, saying: "It is yours, O true prophet." "Yes, my father," he answered, "it is mine for a little while, then perhaps it will be yours again." The words struck me, but I did not care to ask their meaning. Somehow I wanted to hear no more of Mavovo's prophecies.
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