"Greeting, Teacher, who, the messengers tell us, are called Tombool in
your own language and in ours _Inkunzi_. A good name, for in truth you
look like a bull. I am glad to see that you are made much more robust
than was the last Teacher, and therefore will live longer in this place
than he did. Though as for the lady-teacher----" and he glanced at the
delicate-looking Dorcas.

Thomas stared at this man, to whom already he had taken a strong
dislike. Then moved thereto either by a very natural outburst of temper,
or perchance by a flash of inspiration, he replied:

"Yes, I shall live longer than did my brother, who died here and has
gone to Heaven, and longer I think than you will."

This personal remark seemed to take Menzi aback; indeed for a moment he
looked frightened. Recovering himself, however, he said:

"I perceive, Teacher Tombool, that like myself you are a witch-doctor
and a prophet. At present I do not know which of us will live the
longer, but I will consult my Spirits and tell you afterwards."

"Pray do not trouble to do so on my account, for I do not believe in
your Spirits."

"Of course you do not, Teacher. No doctor believes in another doctor's
Spirits, since each has his own, and there are more Spirits than there
are doctors. Teacher Tombool, I greet you and tell you at once that we
are at war over this matter of Spirits. This tribe, Teacher, is a cleft
log, yes, it is split into two. The Chief there, Kosa, sits on one half