They then sat down on the other side of the fire and Garamapingwe struck a few bold chords. No common musician he.
Williams said something in the vernacular to Garamapingwe, who replied.
"What did he say?" asked the Great Man.
"I asked him what he was going to sing," replied Williams, "and he said: 'The Song of the Great Occasion.'"
"Will you please ask him what this great occasion is of which he is going to sing?"
The question was put and the reply translated. "The great occasion is the visit paid to our poor country by the Great Man who represents the King of the white men."
"How very interesting! Please tell him to proceed."
Garamapingwe sang and played vigorously. He played an instrument with either hand. His companion played one with both his hands. The blind man droned in chorus to Garamapingwe's recitative. It was a very fine performance. The Great Man had an ear for music. Williams was delighted, for the Great Man seemed both pleased and interested.
The second verse was ended and the third began, when suddenly the blind man leaped into the air, interrupting the harmony with a piercing shriek.
All but Williams and the natives thought this part of the performance. They were not left long in doubt. Clutching wildly at his clothing, the blind man moaned and moaned and moaned. He stripped himself and turned to the fire to be inspected by his fellows. The Great Man's wife fled to her tent. Williams had the musicians hustled away.