surplices and sang what seemed to be a hymn tune to the strains of a
decadent accordion.

The tune was long and ended in a kind of howl like to that of a
disappointed jackal. When at length it was finished the Chief Kosa
appeared. He was a middle-aged man, become prematurely old because he
had lived too fast in his pre-Christian days, or so report said. Now he
had a somewhat imbecile appearance, for his fingers twitched and when he
spoke his mouth jerked up at the corners; also he kept looking over his
shoulder as though he were afraid of something behind him. Altogether he
inspired Thomas with no confidence. Whatever else he might be, clearly
he was not a staff for a crusader to lean upon.

Still he came forward and made a very nice speech, as a high-bred
native noble, such as he was, can almost invariably do. With many pious
expressions he welcomed the new Teacher, saying that he and his people,
that is those of them who were Christians, would do their best to make
him happy.

Thomas thanked him in appropriate language, adding that he on his part
would do his best to promote their welfare and to save their souls.

Kosa replied that he was glad to hear it, because these needed saving,
since most of the Sisa people were now servants of the devil. Since the
last _Umfundisi_, or Teacher died, they had been walking the road
to hell at a very great pace, marrying many wives, drinking gin and
practising all kinds of witchcraft under the guidance of the _Isanusi_
or doctor, Menzi. This man, he added, had burned down the church and the
mission-house by his magic, though these had seemed to be destroyed by
lightning.