Upon my word, thought I to myself, as the meeting broke up because
Babemba had nothing more to say, if I had my way I would leave Pongo-
land and its white devil alone. Then I remembered how Brother John
stood in reference to this matter, and with a sigh resigned myself to
fate. As it proved it, I mean Fate, was quite equal to the occasion.
The very next morning, early, Babemba turned up again.
"Lords, lords," he said, "a wonderful thing has happened! Last night
we spoke of the Pongo and now behold! an embassy from the Pongo is
here; it arrived at sunrise."
"What for?" I asked.
"To propose peace between their people and the Mazitu. Yes, they ask
that Bausi should send envoys to their town to arrange a lasting
peace. As if anyone would go!" he added.
"Perhaps some might dare to," I answered, for an idea occurred to me,
"but let us go to see Bausi."
Half an hour later we were seated in the king's enclosure, that is,
Stephen and I were, for Brother John was already in the royal hut,
talking to Bausi.
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