and Grosvenor.

With a sigh, whether of weariness or of relief was not quite clear, the
king sank into the chair indicated, and when Mafuta would have
discreetly withdrawn, stopped him.

"Is this the man through whom you have hitherto communicated with my
people?" the king demanded, and Mafuta duly translated the question.

Dick answered in the affirmative, adding: "Tell him, Mafuta, that we
know you to be faithful, and are ready to trust you even with our
lives."

This speech also Mafuta translated, with an air of mingled hauteur and
humility which was amusing enough to Dick and Grosvenor.

For answer the king stood up and, laying his hand upon Mafuta's
shoulder, looked piercingly into the man's eyes for the space of a full
minute or more. On his part, Mafuta returned the gaze as steadfastly as
it was given; and it was an interesting sight to the onlookers to see
those two savages, both of them splendid specimens of their respective
races, endeavouring to read each other's character. At length
Lobelalatutu removed his hand from the other's shoulder and said:

"It is well! Tell your chiefs that I say you are a true man, and that
I, too, am willing to put my life into your hands. Stay you here and
interpret for me, for I have a matter of moment to discuss with the
white men."

"Tell the king to say on," commanded Dick, when this speech had been
translated to them; and Lobelalatutu, turning to Dick, said:

"I am in a great strait, O _'mlungus_, and know not what to do. I would
that the four Spirits of the Winds, who made me king over the Makolo,
were here, for I have faithfully obeyed their injunctions, and they
would help me. But you are friends of the Spirits, and it may be that
your wisdom will find a way for me. May I speak?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note. The author is here referring to events which occurred in two of
his previous books: _The Log of the "Flying-Fish"_, and _With Airship
and Submarine_ (both published by Messrs Blackie and Son, Limited).

CHAPTER NINE.

THE CHIEF WITCH DOCTOR'S PLOT.

"Speak freely and without fear, O Lobelalatutu!" answered Dick. "Tell
us your trouble; and it may be that we shall, as you say, be able to
point the way to deliverance."

"Then--but first let the light be extinguished," said the king, pointing
to the hurricane lamp suspended from the pole of the tent. "It may be
that some of my people, stand