"If you will take my advice, Saduko," I replied earnestly, "you will
let this Mameena fall out of the hole in your heart; you will forget her
name; you will have done with her. Ask me not why."
"Perhaps there is no need, O Macumazana. Perhaps she has been making
love to you, and you have turned her away, as, being what you are, and
my friend, of course you would do." (It is rather inconvenient to be
set upon such a pedestal at times, but I did not attempt to assent or to
deny anything, much less to enter into explanations.) "Perhaps all this has happened," he continued, "or perhaps it is she who
has sent for Masapo the Hog. I do not ask, because if you know you will
not tell me. Moreover, it matters nothing. While I have a heart, Mameena
will never drop out of it; while I can remember names, hers will never
be forgotten by me. Moreover, I mean that she shall be my wife. Now, I
am minded to take a few men and spear this hog, Masapo, before we go up
against Bangu, for then he, at any rate, will be out of my road."
"If you do anything of the sort, Saduko, you will go up against Bangu
alone, for I trek east at once, who will not be mixed up with murder."
"Then let it be, Inkoosi; unless he attacks me, as my Snake send that
he may, the Hog can wait. After all, he will only be growing a little
fatter. Now, if it pleases you order the wagons to trek. I will show the
road, for we must camp in that bush to-night where my people wait
me, and there I will tell you my plans; also you will find one with a
message for you."