Indeed the last of them held the bundle of toothpicks on his
fuzzy head as though it were a huge faggot of wood. One by one they
set them down upon the lime flooring of the verandah of the largest
hut. Then their captain said solemnly:
"Bausi, the Great Black One, has no need of the white men's gifts."
"Indeed," I replied, for my dander was up. "Then he won't get another
chance at them."
The men turned away without more words, and presently Babemba turned
up with a company of about fifty soldiers.
"The king is waiting to see you, white lords," he said in a voice of
very forced jollity, "and I have come to conduct you to him."
"Why would he not accept our presents?" I asked, pointing to the row
of them.
"Oh! that is because of Imbozwi's story of the magic shield. He said
he wanted no gifts to burn his hair off. But, come, come. He will
explain for himself. If the Elephant is kept waiting he grows angry
and trumpets."
"Does he?" I said. "And how many of us are to come?"
"All, all, white lord.
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