"Could you build a stemala for me?"
Without hesitation Bositi declared he could build a railway for the Chief if he were provided with the necessary men to help him and a few axes and adzes for felling and shaping the timber.
"Is not the stemala made of iron?" inquired the Chief.
"Yes, the white man uses iron from his country where it is found in pieces as long and as straight as a palm tree. He has no big trees in his country. In the Chief's country iron is only found in little pieces, but the trees are large and long."
"If you make a good stemala for me you shall be the headman of your village and the induna of your district. The axes and the adzes shall be given to you. Go and make a stemala for me; go quickly and make the stemala quickly."
"I will go, but the Chief must know that a stemala is a big thing to make. Many men and many days are wanted for its making."
"It is well; I understand," said the Chief. Then turning to one of his principal advisers, he directed him to see that Bositi had all the men and all the tools he required.
That night much fuss was made over Bositi who was to become the headman of his village and the induna of his district—when he had made a railway for his Chief.
As for Bositi, he talked big things and adopted the manner of a big man, bearing himself as if his railway were already built and he installed in his high position.
In due course were settled such small details as where the railway was to be built, how many men were required, and what tools would be wanted from the Chief's store.