It was in the heart of a wild country. A tribe, dark-skinned and turbulent, had lived there many years. They knew nothing of the ways of civilization. They had never even heard of people different from themselves.
A traveller, with much trouble, reached them. They were amazed at his appearance. The whiteness of his skin was to them marvellous. His accoutrements seemed uncanny. Perhaps, they thought, he is divine. The flash and report of his rifle convinced them that he was. His use of the camera and some simple electrical apparatus left in their minds no room for doubt. They would have worshipped him; they would have set their chief aside and had him rule in his stead; they would have changed all their laws and customs for him; but he said: "Brothers! sisters! I am but a man as you are, knowing a few things you do not, but otherwise the same. If you will I shall live amongst you and with my knowledge help you."
At this they were glad, though sorry one of the gods had not come amongst them. Then they asked him to lead them against their foes and use his weapons so that they should prevail. But this he said was not what he had come for. Next they wished the rain to be made to fall to help their crops. This he could not do. Afterwards one by one the head men came requesting, now one thing, now another, that they might become more mighty amongst their own. And still he refused to do as they wished.
He told them he could and would help them but that first they must put aside their superstitious ways, their cruelty and bloodthirstiness: then he would help them. This was beyond their comprehension and they drove him away.
Some few, however, had listened to him, had heard of better things. From that time on their counsels were less harsh, their influence more kindly. Later when others visited this land they found the way prepared for better things. Thus the work was not in vain.