"Stop that rubbish," said Alan. "I want a guide; if I go, will you come
with me?"

At this suggestion the negro looked exceedingly uncomfortable.

"Not like to, not like to at all," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Asiki-land very funny place for native-born. But," he added sadly, "if
you go Jeekie must, for I servant of Little Bonsa and if I stay behind,
she angry and kill me because I not attend her where she walk. But
perhaps if I go and take her to Gold House again, she pleased and let me
off. Also I able help you there. Yes, if you and Little Bonsa go, think
I go too."

After this announcement Jeekie rose and walked down the room, carrying
the cold mutton in his hand. Then he returned, replaced it on the table
and standing in front of Alan, said earnestly:

"Major, I tell you all truth, just this once. Jeekie believe he _got_
go with you to Asiki-land. Jeekie have plenty bad dream lately, Little
Bonsa come in middle of the night and sit on his stomach and scratch his
face with her gold leg, and say, 'Jeekie, Jeekie, you son of Bonsa, you
get up quick and take me back Bonsa Town, for I darned tired of City fog
and finished all I come here to do. Now I want jolly good sacrifice and
got plenty business attend to there at home, things you not understand
just yet. You take me back sharp, or I make you sit up, Jeekie, my
boy;'" and he paused.

"Indeed," said Alan; "and did she tell you anything else in her midnight
visitations?"