Stas was touched by this proof of attachment; nevertheless, he thought that he had no right to take the boy with him upon such an immense journey, a return from which might be uncertain.
"Why do you want to go with us?" he asked.
"Kali loves the great master and the 'bibi'."
Stas placed the palm of his hand on Kali's woolly head.
"I know, Kali, that you are an honest and good boy. But what will become of your kingdom and who will govern the Wahimas in your place?"
"M'Tana, brother of Kali's mother."
Stas knew that strife for rulership raged among the negroes and power lured them the same as the white people; so he pondered for a while and said:
"No, Kali. I cannot take you with me. You must remain with the Wahimas in order to make good people of them."
"Kali will return to them."
"M'Tana has many sons— Well, what will happen if he himself should desire to become king and leave the kingdom to his sons, and should induce the Wahimas to expel you?"