When they understood the nature of our proposed
expedition they shook their heads, and when they learned that we had
promised to leave our guns behind us, they were speechless with
amazement.
"/Kransick! Kransick!/" which means "ill in the skull," or "mad,"
exclaimed Hans to the others as he tapped his forehead significantly.
"They have caught it from Dogeetah, one who lives on insects which he
entangles in a net, and carries no gun to kill game. Well, I knew they
would."
The hunters nodded in assent, and Sammy lifted his arms to Heaven as
though in prayer. Only Mavovo seemed indifferent. Then came the
question of which of them was to accompany us.
"So far as I am concerned that is soon settled," said Mavovo. "I go
with my father, Macumazana, seeing that even without a gun I am still
strong and can fight as my male ancestors fought with a spear."
"And I, too, go with the Baas Quatermain," grunted Hans, "seeing that
even without a gun I am cunning, as /my/ female ancestors were before
me."
"Except when you take medicine, Spotted Snake, and lose yourself in
the mist of sleep," mocked one of the Zulus.
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