All next day, and for several days following, natives might be seen
passing south in the direction of Minanga. The curious thing about these
flocks of travellers was that they were chiefly composed of
children--little children, from infants in arms to boys and girls of
nine or ten, none older. When questioned, the parents would reply
simply: "We are called. We are called to Minanga by Lizizi--by Lizizi,
the great doctor."
The native servants who worked in the houses of the officials could, or
would, give no fuller explanation. "Yes, they are called by Lizizi," was
the only answer to all questioning.
In the Club, speculation as to what the Commissioner would do
monopolised the conversation. Nearly all the officials wagered on a
native rising. The Commandant of Police went about to prepare
systematically for an event of this kind.