u art a very lion in war. Who is
stronger than thou in the battle? The Wabena, the Wasowa, the
Wakonongo, and even the Wajiji, have felt thy spear. Verily thou hast
spread the name of the Watuta and the renown of Katalambula to the ends
of the earth.

"Let the people hear, and let the elders open their ears. What king has
a warrior like Ferodia? He goeth forth with empty hands, but returneth
full. He goeth from the village poor, and returneth rich. His warriors
are beggars when they depart from us, but they return with Merikani, and
Kaniki, fine Sohari, and Joho cloth, and their nakedness is hidden under
heaps of finery. Who is like unto Ferodia? Were not our maidens in
tears when he and his warriors left us? Lo, and behold, they are now
laughing, and their hearts dance for joy. Were not our children hungry
when he departed? Lo, and behold, they cry no more, for their bellies
are full. Katalambula--even I--was poor, whereas who is to be compared
to me now in wealth? Verily thou art great and good, Ferodia, and
Katalambula is pleased with thee. I have spoken."

Then Katalambula got up and examined the slaves, while Ferodia walked by
his side and commented on such as exhibited extraordinary qualities; and
in going around the circle, the King came to the boy-gang, and when he
came to Abdullah he could barely contain himself for delight and
gratified curiosity.

"Verily," said he, "the Arabs are strange people, and this is one of
that race. Strange people; all white!"

Katalambula put out his finger to touch the pale skin of Abdullah, and
he instantly drew it back as if the skin had bitten him, laughing at
himself for his timidity. But, encouraged by Ferodia, he placed his
hand on his shoulders, and marvelled at their softness; and then toyed
with the boy's hair, remarking that it felt like goat's hair. Then the
boy was obliged to open his mouth while Katalambula peered down his
throat, as if he were in search of some hidden treasure, or as if he
expected something would jump out, since the white boy was such a
wonderful creature.

"But what are you going to do with him?" asked Katalambula.

"It is for the King to command," said Ferodia, in an insinuating tone.

"Well, I will give him to Kalulu; but I thought there were three of
them; or were there four?"

"Only three white," said Ferodia; "one died on the road, a little
fellow, and the tallest ran away, about five days from here."

"Why did he