He was puzzled at first as to why the place had never been discovered by British explorers.
But there are hundreds of such tribe-lands that have never yet been trodden by the foot of Christian men.
There was one clue to the mystery, however, and this was probably the true one, but they did not find it out just then.
"Now," said Duncan, "for a visit of ceremony to that fat old pig of king. And we must take him some presents, too."
Duncan had not forgotten that there were on board the Flora many large and beautiful strings of beads, which had been intended for bartering with any natives they might meet, and he had stowed away many such in the balloon car.
"Come, Conal, or Frank," he said, "I don't care which. But one of you with Vike must stay by the car and stand by your guns, in case the cupidity of these cut-throat natives gets the better of their fear."
"I'll stay," cried the Cockney boy, as pluckily as ever Englishman spoke.
So down the hill towards the village, revolvers in their belts and rifles cocked, marched Duncan and Conal.
They found the king sitting cross-legged outside his kraal or great grass hut, and being assiduously fanned by his wives.
These were no beauties, but Duncan lifted his cap and salaamed to the king first and then to them.