But the men were hungry and took the food; and presently the two umfaans drew nearer to the fire, and, squatting on their haunches, awaited with ox-like patience the emptying of their bowls. When at last the boys stood up to go, the youngest of the party, who had been a silent and amused witness of his leader’s attempt to get information out of them, said something in a low tone, to which one boy replied:
“Inkosikaas.”
A soft significant whistle was the only comment.
“What was that, Geddy?” said Bankerpitt quickly.
“I asked who sent them with the food.”
“Well, who did?”
“He says ‘The missis’!”
“Shrine of the Mighty!”
That was the first experience of Induna Nairn.