wed to keep a baby. Between Henry and me, sir, there is a bond
stronger than steel. I may be an ass, sir, I may even be a goop, but
come between me an' my child an' all my motherly instincts--if you'll
pardon the paradox--all my paternal--that's the word--instincts are
aroused, and I will fight like a tiger, sir----"

"What a devil you are for jaw," said Hamilton; "anyway, I've warned you.
Sanders is due in a month."

"Henry will be five," murmured Bones.

"Oh, blow Henry!" said Hamilton.

Bones rose and pointed to the door.

"May I ask you, sir," he said, "not to use that language before the
child? I hate to speak to you like this, sir, but I have a
responsible----"

He dodged out of the open door and the loaf of bread which Hamilton had
thrown struck the lintel and rolled back to Henry's eager hands.

The two men walked up and down the parade ground whilst Fa'ma, the wife
of Ahmet, carried the child to her quarters where he slept.

"I'm afraid I've got to separate you from your child," said Hamilton;
"there is some curious business going on in the Lombobo, and a stranger
who walks by night, of which Ahmet the Spy writes somewhat
confusingly."

Bones glanced round in some apprehension.

"Oblige me, old friend," he entreated, "by never speakin' of such things
before Henry--I wouldn't have him scared for the world."

II

Bosambo of the Ochori was a light sleeper, the lighter because of
certain stories which had reached him of a stranger who walks by night,
and in the middle of the night he suddenly became wide awake, conscious
that there was a man in his hut of whose coming the sentry without was
ignorant.

Bosambo's hand went out stealthily for his short spear, but before he
could reach it, his wrist was caught in a grip of steel, strong fingers
gripped his throat, and the intruder whispered fiercely, using certain
words which left the chief helpless with wonder.

"I am M'gani of the Night," said the voice with authoritative hauteur,
"of me you have heard, for I am known only to chiefs; and am so high
that chiefs obey and even devils go quickly from my path."

"O, M'gani, I hear you," whispered Bosambo, "how may I serve you?"

"Get me food," said the imperious stranger, "after, you shall make a bed
for me in your inner room, and sit before this house that none may
disturb me, for it is to my high purpose that no word shall go to
M'ilitani that I stay in your territory."

"M'gani, I am your dog,"