"Who forbids you?"
"Lizizi."
"Who is Lizizi?"
"The great doctor."
"Great?"
"Yes, Morena. Does he not jump into the river and come out alive on the
third day?"
"I should say not, but where does he live?"
"At Minanga, on the Zambesi."
"Go to your work. I will visit this Lizizi. There is some mistake. The
messenger is a foolish fellow, he had forgotten his master's words. I
will see to it. Tell all the people that I go on a visit to Lizizi. He
who does not work now and at once and well will meet with misfortune."
The servants dispersed to their various occupations. Slowly at first,
and with evident reluctance; but, hearing that the head boy was busy
getting his master's breakfast, they, too, set about their various
duties.
When the Magistrate arrived he found everything normal. He had breakfast
with the Commissioner. When the meal was over he found his own servants
had gone back to his compound. The word had spread abroad that the
Commissioner would visit Lizizi and put matters right.
"How did you do it?"
"Just talked to them a little."
"No violence, I hope?"
"Unnecessary."
"What was it all about?"
"I know no more than you, but intend to find out."
In a few hours the Commissioner was on his way to Minanga, on the
Zambesi, the home of Lizizi, the great doctor.