In support of this statement he proceeded to libel a perfectly innocent British official at Sierra Leone.
The Ochori were profoundly moved. They poured forth the story of their persecutions, a story which began in remote ages, when Tiganobeni, the great king, came down from the north and wasted the country as far south as the Isisi.
Bosambo listened—it took two nights and the greater part of a day to tell the story, because the official story-teller of the Ochori had only one method of telling—and when it was finished Bosambo said to himself—
"This is the people I have long sought. I will stay here."
Aloud he asked:
"How often does Sandi come to you?"
"Once every year, master," said the chief, "on the twelfth moon, and a little after."
"When came he last?"
"When this present moon is at full, three moons since; he comes after the big rains."
"Then," said Bosambo, again to himself, "for nine months I am safe."