ngst many other
things gave her the pretty carved walking-stick of black and white
_umzimbeet_ wood, also the two young blue cranes and the kid that
afterwards were such pets of hers, and with them the beautiful white
feathers of a cock ostrich that had been killed on the veld. In the same
way it was he who sent milk and eggs to Dorcas when she was at her wits'
end for both, which more than once were found mysteriously at the door
of their hut, and not any of his Christian flock, as Thomas fondly
imagined.

Thus things went on for a while.

Meanwhile Thomas found this same Menzi a stumbling-block and a rock
of offence. Whenever he tried to convert man, woman, or child he was
confronted with Menzi or the shadow of Menzi. Thus those with whom he
was arguing would ask him why he could not work miracles like Menzi. Let
him show them pictures in the fire, or tell them who had stolen their
goods or where they would find their strayed cattle, and perhaps they
would believe him. And so forth.

At length Thomas grew exasperated and announced publicly that he
credited nothing of this magic, and that Menzi was only a common cheat
who threw dust into their eyes. If Menzi could perform marvels, let
him show these marvels to him, Thomas, and to his wife, that they might
judge of them for themselves.

Apparently this challenge was repeated to the witch-doctor. At least one
morning a few days later, when Thomas went out accompanied by Dorcas
and Tabitha, to meet the Chief Kosa and others and to discuss with them
whether ultimately the mission-house should be rebuilt upon the old site
or elsewhere, he found a great concourse of people, all or nearly all
the tribe indeed, assembled on a level place where in the old days stood
one of the great kraals designed to hold the king's cattle. Out of the
crowd emerged Kosa, looking rather sillier than usual, and of him Thomas
inquired why it was gathered. Was it to consult with him about the
mission-house?

"No, Teacher," answered the Chief, "Menzi has heard that you call him a
cheat, and has come to show that he is none, assembling all the people
that they may judge between you and him."

"I do not want to see his tricks," said Thomas angrily. "Tell him to go
away."

"Oh, Teacher!" replied Kosa, "that would not be wise, for then everyone
would believe that Menzi's magic is so great that you are afraid even to
look upon it. It is better to let him try. Perhaps if you pray hard he
will f