"They not kill you, they not kill Kwamudi, they not kill these others—yet—all for same reason. Kill by and by."
"Why? What do they want to kill us for?"
"They eat."
"Eh? You don't mean to say they're cannibals!"
"Not like some. Bansuto not eat men all time; not eat all men. Only chiefs, brave men, strong men. Eat brave men, make them brave; eat strong men, make them strong; eat chiefs, make them wise."
"How horrible!" muttered Obroski. "But they can't eat me—I am not a chief—I am not brave—I am a coward," he mumbled.
"What, Bwana?"
"Oh, nothing. When do you suppose they'll do it? Right away?"
Kwamudi shook his head. "Maybe. Maybe not for long time. Witch doctor make medicine, talk to spirits, talk to moon. They tell him when. Maybe soon, maybe long time."
"And will they keep us tied up this way until they kill us? It's mighty uncomfortable. But then, you aren't tied, are you?"