The former followers of the late and unlamented chief had been very docile of late. They had been taught a stiff lesson, and its results were bearing lasting fruit. Colonel Narfield had also learnt a lesson from the little affair. He realised that, when dealing with natives of East Africa, a conciliatory attitude is invariably misconstrued by the blacks as a sign of weakness.
No doubt the natives judged Englishmen by comparing them with their former German masters. The latter were harsh and tyrannical, and were held in awe by the inhabitants of the country. The Englishmen, being easy-going and generally kind-hearted, were regarded as being of inferior fibre to the Germans for that very reason.
"Tell them to wait, Blue Fly," replied Colonel Narfield. "They can stand in the sun until I am ready to see them."
On principle, the Colonel kept the deputation waiting for nearly an hour; then, telling Colin and Tiny to arm themselves, and buckling on his revolver, the owner of the Kilembonga Estate went out to receive the deputation.
Seated in cane chairs on the stoep, the three Englishmen awaited the native headmen. The latter came forward with profound humility—a great contrast to their former appearance at the gate of Kilembonga—and they took good care to leave their assegais and shields outside. One of the natives, stepping forward, announced himself as Logula.
"I know you, Logula," said Colonel Narfield. "You may speak."
"Great One!" exclaimed Logula, "we seek your help. Our kraals and our fields are in danger."
"They were," admitted Colonel Narfield, "when Sibenga came here with armed men, thinking to do great deeds. Who are the men of whom you are afraid?"
"None, lord," replied Sibenga's successor. "Not men, but beasts. Last night, before the setting of the moon, a bull elephant and two cow elephants did great mischief amongst our kraals. Five of our people were killed, and our spears are as sticks against the huge beasts. Therefore we are come, O Great One, to implore your aid. With iron tubes that smoke, surely, O Great One, you can slay them."
The owner of Kilembonga turned to his guest, who was watching the scene through the large open window.