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Updated: May 14, 2025
Mgara, entering, lost no time in making known his errand. "O stranger guest, whom we have treated as a friend," he began, "save us from the slave-yoke, and the guns and spears of your people, for they are upon us already." And rapidly he narrated the tidings brought in by the scouts. "I will do what I can, Mgara," answered Laurence. "Listen.
And the other side was unfolded by the head man, Mgara, and others, much to this effect: The slave-hunters were more numerous than many there imagined. They had been reinforced by a large body of Wangoni fierce and formidable fighters. To surprise and overwhelm such a force would be impossible, and in the event of failure what would their own fate be?
The effect of this news was to stamp with an expression of the most terror-stricken despair the countenance of every man who heard it. But Mgara, remembering the words of their white "guest," hurried to the hut where the latter was sleeping. Yet as the head man approached the door with a quick deferential word of greeting, Laurence Stanninghame was wide awake.
But a few hours had gone by since that dream, and within them he had fought fiercely for his life; and now, in this hell-haunt, the sweet entrancement of it came back to charm away, as with a hallowed spell, the black horrors that hung over his soul as though on vulture wing. Presently Mgara entered, followed by people bearing food cooked goat-flesh and millet and plantains.
After some further talk Mgara withdrew, and Laurence, left alone, gave his meditations the rein once more. Never had he loathed the sinister occupation upon which he was embarked as he did now, possibly because the term of the undertaking was nearing its end. "I predict you will come back with what you want," Lilith had said, and her words had been fully verified.
"I fear it may leave scarcity in your midst," he added; "but well-fed men are in better mood than hungry ones, Mgara, and are you not spared the slave-yoke and the spear?" The head man, with many deferential expressions of gratitude, agreed, and soon a file of women and boys were told off, bringing goats and millet and rice for the slave-hunters.
It speaks volumes, therefore, for the ascendency which these two resolute white men had set up over their wild and lawless following, that the latter should have contented itself with mere sullen obedience. Having gained his point Laurence returned within the village, and, calling Mgara, suggested that some of the people should carry forth food to their unwelcome visitors.
Keep ours in hand until we meet." "These are the messengers, Mgara?" he went on, as the head man returned accompanied by two men. "Are they reliable, and above all, fearless?" "They are both, Sidi," answered the chief, now very deferential. "One is my son, the other my brother's son." "Good. Let them now get a piece of white flaxen cloth, and bind it and this token to a staff.
Then let them seek out El Khanac yonder." In a moment this was done, and, bearing the impromptu white flag and the writing on the board, the two young men started off into the scrub. "Retire now into your houses, Mgara, you and all your people. I alone will stand within the gate, and maybe it will be well with you."
"Wajalu," replied the man who had done chief spokesman, rather a good-looking native, with almost a Zulu cast of countenance. "And the head man of yonder village, who is he?" "I am he. I Mgara," was the reply, with a satisfied smile. "And those we have slain, they seemed fine fighters. Of what race were they?" "Ba-gcatya." Laurence looked grave, but said nothing.
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