And they all went fast through the forest together, and though the king kept turning round to see if any one was following, the Katekiro managed to keep always out of sight, for the king’s eyes were dim with age. And at last Ma’anda was satisfied that no one was behind them, and hurried on without looking back. And at evening they came to the spot, and the peasant was afraid to go on. But he pointed before him, and the king, looking, saw a pale light through the trees, and between the trees he thought he saw the figures of men robed in white, moving to and fro. And he advanced slowly towards the light, and as he got nearer it increased in brightness, and then on a sudden he found himself in the glade, and there before him sat the old man surrounded by his aged warriors, and at his feet lay the wood-cutter’s bill-hook and head-cloth. Ma’anda stood astonished at the sight, and held his spear fast; but a voice came to his ears, so gentle and so soft that his doubts all vanished, and he came forward boldly.
“Who art thou?” asked the old man.
“I am Ma’anda, the king.”
“Who was the first king of Uganda?”
“Kintu.”
“Then come nearer, for I have something to tell thee; but why didst thou let any one come with thee except the peasant and thy mother?”
“No one is with me,” replied Ma’anda; “I kept looking behind me as I came, and I am sure that no one followed us.”
“Well, then, come here and look me in the face. I have something to tell thee from Kintu, and thou shalt thyself see Kintu to-day; but first — why didst thou let any man follow thee?”
