we appointed
Seketulo as king without consulting the wishes of the other chiefs. I
would therefore suggest that we instruct the chiefs to hold a pow-wow
to-night for the purpose of deciding upon, and submitting to us
to-morrow, the names of such individuals as they consider suitable for
the position. What say you, Professor? You, too, have had some
experience with natives; what do you think of my plan?"

"I think it excellent in every way," answered the professor, heartily;
"so excellent, indeed, that I very strongly support it."

"All right," agreed Sir Reginald; "I can see no possible objection to
the scheme. What do you say, Colonel, and you--Hillo! what has become
of Mildmay?"

"It would not very profoundly surprise me if it should be found that he
is below, doing his best to entertain the ladies," observed Lethbridge,
with a grin. "And, if so, there is really no need to disturb him; he is
sure to agree to anything that we may decide upon. What think _you of_
our plan, Colonel?"

"Well, really, I have had so little experience in matters of the kind,
that I do not feel competent to express an opinion. But since my very
excellent friend, von Schalckenberg, so thoroughly approves of it, I am
certain that it must be a good one," answered Sziszkinski.

"Very good, then; that is settled. Will you tell those fellows down
there, Professor?" said Sir Reginald.

Von Schalckenberg did so, and then dismissed the people to their huts,
commanding the chief, Lobelalatutu, however, to ascend to the deck again
for a few minutes, as they had one or two further questions to put to
him.

"And now," remarked the professor, as the chief joined them, "our next
business, I take it, is to discover who were those unfortunate white
people who died under such barbarous circumstances, to amuse M'Bongwele
and set his jealous fears at rest."

"Certainly," agreed Sir Reginald. "It is our manifest duty to do so.
And, if we can identify any of them, it will also be our painful duty to
make public the particulars of their most miserable fate, and, if
possible, communicate with their relatives; also to despatch to those
relatives any relics that they may have left behind them. Ask
Lobelalatutu if he happens to know what became of the poor souls'
belongings."

Von Schalckenberg put the question, and learned in reply that whatever
may have belonged to the unhappy party would undoubtedly be found in the
king's palace.

"Of course