“Dost thou think she will be kind to me?” asked Kimyera. “I am a native of Unyoro, and I am seeking a house where I may rest.”
To which the maid replied: “It is the custom of Naku, and, indeed, of all the princes of Ganda, to entertain the stranger since, in the far olden times, the first prince settled in this land in which he was a stranger. But what may that be which is secured in thy girdle?”
“That is a reed flute on which I imitate when alone the songs of such birds as sound sweetest to me.”
“And art thou clever at it?” asked the maid.
“Be thou judge,” he said; and forthwith blew on his flute until the maid marvelled greatly.
When he had ended, she clapped her hands gaily and said:
“Thou wilt be more than welcome to Naku and her people. Haste and follow me that I may show thee to her, for thy fortune is made.”
“Nay. I have a companion not far from here, and I must not lose him. But thou mayest say thou hast met a stranger who, when he has found his friend, will present himself before Queen Naku and Sebwana before sunset.”
The maid withdrew and Kimyera rose, and cutting a large portion of the meat he retraced his steps, and sought and found Mugema, to whom he told all his adventures.
After washing the stains of travel and refreshing themselves, they proceeded into the village to the residence of the queen and her consort Sebwana. Naku was prepared by the favourable reports of the maid to receive Kimyera kindly, but when she saw his noble proportions and handsome figure she became violently in love with him, and turning to Sebwana she said: