“The shenzie” (savage—used contemptuously) “longs for more fire for his paws, O Bwana,” translated the interpreter into Kiswahili.
“What does he say?” demanded zu Pfeiffer.
“He says, Bwana, that he hath dreamed that his god hath told him that he must not obey you. Indio, Bwana.”
“Tell him that I slew his god, as every man knows.”
“The Son-of-the-Earthquake bids thee to know that he hath eaten up thy god as he eateth up thy warriors when his wrath is aroused. Eat dust that thy beard grow yet longer; stretch thy tongue and thou shalt be eaten entirely and all that is thine!”
“The Fire is lighted,” mumbled the old man.
“What does he say?” demanded zu Pfeiffer sharply.
“He attempts to make magic against thee, Bwana,” replied the interpreter who knew not the meaning of the phrase.
“Take away the animal,” commanded zu Pfeiffer.
The old man was accordingly led out to the further attentions of the soldiery. But during that afternoon zu Pfeiffer became conscious of a subtle air of defiance, a restlessness and exchanging of glances, so that the demon which Bakunjala had once seen so vividly came [pg 256] back to roost somewhere beneath the immaculate uniform.