“Some died on ants’ nests; some were crucified; some were—nay, how can I say? It is long ago, and I have forgotten,” answered the king, sullenly.
“And they are not the only people who have died in torment since your return. Many of your own people have suffered at your word. Is it not so?”
“It is so,” answered the king. “They were rebellious subjects; so they perished.”
“How knew you that they were rebellious?” demanded von Schalckenberg.
“My witch-doctors told me so. Is that not enough?” retorted M’Bongwele.
“And how knew the witch-doctors that they were rebellious?” inquired the professor.
“They found it out through their magic; even as you, through your magic, found out that I had returned to my people,” answered the king.
“Are those witch-doctors present? If so, let them stand forth,” exclaimed the professor.
For a space of two or three minutes there was no direct reply to this challenge, but merely a subdued commotion among the assembled multitude of warriors. Then the professor, growing impatient, called to Lobelalatutu.
“Are the witch-doctors present, Lobelalatutu?”