At these words, which some might have thought insulting, Harût and Marût
bowed again as though to acknowledge a great compliment. Then Harût
said:

"Let us leave the question of ladies and come to matters that have to do
with men. You are here as we told you that you would be at a time when
you did not believe us, and we here to meet _you_, as we told you that
we would be. How we knew that you were coming and how we came do not
matter at all. Believe what you will. Are you ready to start with us,
O Lord Macumazana, that you may bring to its death the wicked elephant
Jana which ravages our land, and receive the great reward of ivory? If
so, your camel waits."

"One camel cannot carry four men," I answered, avoiding the question.

"In courage and skill you are more than many men, O Macumazana, yet in
body you are but one and not four."

"If you think that I am going with you alone, you are much mistaken,
Harût and Marût," I exclaimed. "Here with me is my servant without whom
I do not stir," and I pointed to Hans, whom they contemplated gravely.
"Also there is the Lord Ragnall, who in this land is named Igeza, and
his servant who here is named Bena, the man out of whom you drew snakes
in the room in England. They also must accompany us."

At this news the impassive countenances of Harût and Marût showed, I
thought, some signs of disturbance. They muttered together in an unknown
tongue. Then Harût said:

"Our secret land is open to you alone, O Macumazana, for one purpose