"Bosambo," he said, and there was less geniality in his tone, "I am also a poor man, having a large family and many relations who are also your relations, and I think it would be a good thing if you would offer me some fine present that I might take back to the Coast, and, calling all the people together, say 'Behold, this was given to me in a far country by Bosambo, my brother, who is a great chief and very rich.'"
Bosambo's face showed no signs of enthusiasm.
"That is true," he said softly, "it would be a beautiful thing to do, and I am sick in my heart that I cannot do this because I am so poor."
This was a type of the conversation which occupied the attention of the two brothers whenever the round of entertainments allowed talking space.
Bosambo was a weary man at the end of ten days, and cast forth hints which any but Bosambo's brother would have taken.
It was:
"Brother," he said, "I had a dream last night that your family were sick and that your business was ruined. Now I think that if you go swiftly to your home——"
Or:
"Brother, I am filled with sorrow, for the season approaches in our land when all strangers suffer from boils."
But Siskolo countered with neatness and resolution, for was he not Bosambo's brother?