The evening of our arrival, all my hunters and their wives, and all the slaves on the plantations came to spend the evening with me. Regundo, Oshoria, Ngola, Ogoola, and Quabi stood beside me. Before us on the ground were the four tusks of the elephants we had killed, and their two tails.
There was great excitement among the people; they had remarked this time also that after my departure the clock had stopped; and were persuaded more than ever that the noise of its tick was made by spirits inside; that these had left to follow me, but that now I had returned they also had come back to dwell therein again. The same had happened before, when I had gone with my hunters to shoot nginas. No one during my absence had dared to come near the clock. They were even afraid to go under the veranda of the house. All my goods I found where I had left them.
In the midst of deep silence my hunters recounted all that had taken place since we had left the plantation. They omitted nothing, and the dear slaves thought they were the greatest men that had ever existed, for they had travelled with the Oguizi. It was very late when they all bade me good-night and left. After they were gone, and I had retired, I heard the voice of Regundo thanking the spirits of his forefathers that every one had come back safely; and he told them also how happy he was to see the Oguizi once more.
After a few days’ hunting and shooting in the neighborhood of the plantation, seeing only birds and animals that I found before, I considered it time to leave the place, and one day I said to Regundo and to my faithful hunters that I must return to King Mombo.
I began to pack the birds and animals I had stuffed, also the butterflies and insects I had collected. The news spread fast among the people that I was getting ready to go away. Preparations were immediately made for my departure. A great quantity of food was prepared for King Mombo.
That evening, every man, woman, and child had gathered round my little house. Regundo, Oshoria, Ngola, Ogoola, and Quabi were seated as close to me as they could get. All were silent, and sadness was on their faces. They knew that the Oguizi was going away, and that they would never see him again. They loved me and I loved them in return. We love those who love us; and if one has friends, he is sure to be friendly himself. Above all, we love those who are kind to us.
I broke the painful silence, and said aloud: “Regundo and Oshoria, Ngola, Quabi, Ogoola, and you men, women, and children that are round me to-night, you have all been kind to me. I love you all.”
At these words they all shouted with one voice: “Oguizi, we love you! We love you!”
Then came again another pause, and I said: “We have all had a good time together. You have taken great care of me. I have been very happy when with you. The best you had you have given to me. No man has trapped or killed game that he has not brought to me first. I would have a bad heart if I did not love you, but the Oguizi must soon leave you, for he must go and see other countries. I will tell Mombo how good you have been to me, and that you are all my friends, and I will make him promise me, and take as his witnesses the spirits of his ancestors, that he will let you die on his plantations, and never sell you, or give you away as payment for wives, for indemnity, or in exchange for canoes or anything else.” They listened to my words in breathless silence, and then with one voice cried, “Thank you, Oguizi. You are a good Oguizi.”
After they had become quiet again, I continued: “To-morrow I shall leave you and go back to King Mombo,” at which my hunters, Regundo, and others shouted; “We are going with you.”