tself,
about fifty feet above the level of and overhanging the river, where he
had noted there was always a breeze, even on the hottest day, since the
conformation of this hill seemed to induce an unceasing draught of air.
He added that if his Lordship were well enough, they might go to look at
the site.

So they went, all of them. Ascending a sloping, ancient path that was
never precipitous, they came to the place, a flat tableland that perhaps
measured an acre and a half, which by some freak of nature had been
scooped out of the side of the koppie, and was backed by a precipitous
cliff in which were caves. The front part of this plateau, that which
approached to and overhung the river, was of virgin rock, but the
acre or so behind was filled with very rich soil that in the course of
centuries had been washed down from the sides of the koppie, or resulted
from the decomposition of its material.

"The very place," said the Bishop. "The access is easy. The house would
stand here--no need to dig deep foundations in this stone, and behind,
when those trees have been cleared away, you could have a beautiful and
fertile garden where anything will grow. Also, look, there is a stream
of pure water running from some spring above. It is an ideal site for a
house, not more than three minutes' walk from the church below, the best
I should say in the whole valley. And then, consider the view."

Everyone agreed, and they were leaving the place in high spirits,
Dorcas, who had household matters to attend, having already departed,
when whom should they encounter but Menzi seated on a stone just where
the path began to descend. Thomas would have passed him without notice
as one with whom he was not on speaking terms, but the Bishop, having
been informed by Tabitha who he was, was moved by curiosity to stop and
interchange some words with him, as knowing his tongue perfectly, he
could do.

"_Sakubona_" (that is, "good day"), he said politely.

Menzi rose and saluted with his habitual courtesy, first the Bishop,
then the others, as usual reserving his sweetest smile for Tabitha.

"Great Priest," he said at once, "I understand that the Teacher Tombool
intends to build his house upon this place."

The Bishop wondered how on earth the man knew that, since the matter had
only just been decided by people talking in English, but answered that
perhaps he might do so.

"Great Priest," went on Menzi in an earnest voice, "I pray you to fo