"Yes, bwana."
"Then you must keep Bwana Nyele and these two shenzis close in camp, hidden where their safari cannot find them. And after two weeks you must send two men to M'tela's to find me, and to tell me where you are hidden. Now is all that understood? You, Simba, tell me what you are to do."
"Mali-ya-bwana, myself, six men and these shenzis travel to where the safari of Bwana Nyele marches. When we are near that safari we tie up the two shenzis. Then we get Bwana Nyele and tie him up in a secret camp. Then after two weeks we send two men to tell the bwana where we are. But, bwana, how do we get Bwana Nyele?"
"That I will tell you soon. One thing you forgot: you must reach the Duyche before he gets into M'tela's country. This means travel night and day--fast travel. Can this be done?"
"We shall pick good men, bwana, runners of the Wakamba. We shall do our best."
"Good. Each man four days' potio, and what biltong he can use. Simba, take my small rifle and fifty cartridges. Take some snuff, beads, and wire--only a little--to trade for potio if you meet with other people. Understood?"
"Yes, bwana."
"Cazi Moto," he directed, "bring me the small box of wood from my sandoko."
He slid the cover off this box when it was delivered into his hands, fumbled a moment, and held up an object.
"What is this?" he asked.