These ashes he mixed up in a paste with the
juice of one of the leaves of the plant I have spoken of.
"Now, Macumazahn, shut your eyes," he said.
I did so, and he rubbed his paste on to my eyelids. At first it burnt
me, then my head swam strangely. Presently this effect passed off, and
my brain was perfectly clear again, but I could not feel the ground with
my feet. Indaba-zimbi led me to the side of the stream. Beneath us was a
pool of beautifully clear water.
"Look into the pool, Macumazahn," said Indaba-zimbi, and his voice
sounded hollow and far away in my ears.
I looked. The water grew dark; it cleared, and in it was a picture.
I saw a cave with a fire burning in it. Against the wall of the cave
rested Stella. Her dress was torn almost off her, she looked dreadfully
pale and weary, and her eyelids were red as though with weeping. But she
slept, and I could almost think that I saw her lips shape my name in her
sleep. Close to her, her head upon Stella's breast, was little Tota;
she had a skin thrown over her to keep out the night cold. The child was
awake, and appeared to be moaning with fear.
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