Sanders said nothing, tapping his boot with his walking-stick and gazing thoughtfully downward.
"Having made thieves, could you make men of these people?" he said, after a while.
"I think they could fight now, for they are puffed with pride because they have robbed the Akasava," said Bosambo.
Sanders bit the end of his stick like a man in doubt.
"There shall be neither theft nor murder," he said. "No more chiefs or chiefs' sons shall die suddenly," he added significantly.
"Master, it shall be as you desire."
"As for the goats you have stolen, them you may keep, and the teeth (ivory) and the salt also. For if you hand them back to Akasava you will fill their stomachs with rage, and that would mean war."
Bosambo nodded slowly.
"Then you shall remain, for I see you are a clever man, and the Ochori need such as you. But if——"
"Master, by the fat of my heart I will do as you wish," said Bosambo; "for I have always desired to be a chief under the British."