I want to see the king," I said, after explaining who I was. "Wonderful," said the ancient Nkumai who sat on a cushion near the corner pole of the house. "I'm glad for you." That was all, and apparently he meant to say no more. "Why are you so glad?" I asked. "Because it's good for every human being to have an unfulfilled wish. It makes all of life so poignant.