As I approached, I thought I saw through the jungle a man by the fence just at the foot of the ladder. I was astounded. I could not believe my eyes. Had any one discovered our abode? Was the inside of our fortress full of enemies waiting for Rogala, Shinshooko, Alapai, and me? How was it that Andekko did not bark? Had they killed dear Andekko? Ndova's voice was not to be heard. Was he killed also? I looked at "Bulldog," then lay flat on the ground and crawled, like a snake, on my stomach towards the man. I lost sight of him for a few seconds, and I thought he had gone. "Then," said I to myself, "our abode has been discovered, and this man has gone to tell the news to his people, who will surely come and attack us."
Fortunately I got sight of the man again. I stood perfectly still, watching him through the jungle. Suddenly it occurred to me that his skin was of the same color as that of Rogala. I looked and looked. Yes, it was Rogala. There was no mistake about it. I recognized his body, though at first I could not recognize his face, for it was so disfigured by being painted with ochre. One side was yellow, the other side white, and his forehead was red.
But what was he doing? I came nearer and watched. I saw his idol by his side, and near it skulls of animals, pieces of broken plates from the white man's country, and some large sea-shells. I recognized the skulls as those of nshiegos and two or three as those of monkeys. I saw Rogala bury them at the foot of the ladder; then he covered them with earth, put dead leaves upon the spot, and tried to make it as natural-looking as it was before. Then he went to the place where we hid the ladder, and came back with it. Taking a monkey he had killed, he climbed the ladder, and soon after was inside. I heard Andekko's bark of joy and Ndova's muttering of contentment.
I remained still awhile, then went hunting again, so that when I returned Rogala could not possibly suspect that I had seen him, and about two hours afterwards I returned to the camp.
Dear Rogala was very happy to see me again. Immediately after his arrival he had made a big fire to get charcoal in order to roast the monkey he had killed on his way back to the camp. In the meantime I presented him with the pieces of the snake I had killed. The berries I had gathered were good, for Ndova ate them, and when I tasted them I found them very palatable. Then Rogala lighted his pipe and looked at me.