Theeffectwasalmostinstantaneous。Achangecameoverthegirl’slovelyface，thelastawfulchangeofdeath。Hercheeksfellin，herchindropped，hereyesopened，andherfleshquiveredconvulsively。
Thewizardsawitallbythebrightmoonlight。Thenhetookuphispartinthisunholydrama。
Allthathedidcannotbedescribed，becauseitisindescribable。TheWitchofEndorrepeatednoformula，butsheraisedthedead;andsodidHokosathewizard。Butheburiedhisfaceinthegreydustofthegrave，heblewwithhislipsintothedust，heclutchedatthedustwithhishands，andwhenheraisedhisfaceagain，lo！itwasgreylikethedust。Nowbeganthemarvel;for，thoughthewomanbeforehimremainedacorpse，fromthelipsofthatcorpseavoiceissued，anditssoundwashorrible，fortheaccentandtoneofitweremasculine，andtheinstrumentthroughwhichitspoke——Noma’sthroat——wasfeminine。YetitcouldberecognisedasthevoiceofUmsukathedeadking。
"Whyhaveyousummonedmefrommyrest，Hokosa？"mutteredthevoicefromthelipsofthehuddledcorpse。
"BecauseIwouldlearnthefuture，Spiritoftheking，"answeredthewizardboldly，butsalutingashespoke。"Youaredead，andtoyoursightalltheGatesareopened。BythepowerthatIhave，Icommandyoutoshowmewhatyouseethereinconcerningmyself，andtopointouttomethepaththatIshouldfollowtoattainmyendsandtheendsofherinwhosebreastyoudwell。"
Atoncetheanswercame，alwaysinthesamehorriblevoice：——
"Hearkentoyourfateforthisworld，Hokosathewizard。Youshalltriumphoveryourrival，thewhiteman，themessenger;andbyyourhandheshallperish，passingtohisappointedplacewhereyoumustmeetagain。Bythattowhichyouclingyoushallbebetrayed，ah！youshalllosethatwhichyouloveandfollowafterthatwhichyoudonotdesire。Inthegraveoferroryoushallfindtruth，fromthedeepsofsinyoushallpluckrighteousness。Whenthesewordsfalluponyourearsagain，then，Wizard，takethemforasignandletyourheartbeturned。Thatwhichyoudeemaccursedshallliftyouuponhigh。Highshallyoubesetabovethenationanditsking，andfromagetoagethevoiceofthepeopleshallpraiseyou。Yetintheendcomesjudgment;andthereshallthesinandtheatonementstrivetogether，andinthathour，Wizard，youshall————"
Thusthevoicespoke，stronglyatfirst，butgrowingevermorefeebleasthesparksoflifedepartedfromthebodyofthewoman，tillatlengthitceasedaltogether。
"Whatshallchancetomeinthathour？"Hokosaaskedeagerly，placinghisearsagainstNoma’slips。
Noanswercame;andthewizardknewthatifhewoulddraghiswifebackfromthedoorofdeathhemustdelaynolonger。Dashingthesweatfromhiseyeswithonehand，withtheotherheseizedthegourdoffluidthathehadplacedready，andthrustingbackherhead，hepouredofitscontentsdownherthroatandwaitedawhile。Shedidnotmove。
Inanextremityofterrorhesnatchedaknife，andwithasinglecutseveredaveininherarm，thentakingsomeofthefluidthatremainedinthegourdinhishand，herubbeditroughlyuponherbrowandthroatandheart。NowNoma’sfingersstirred，andnow，withhorriblecontortionsandeverysymptomofagony，lifereturnedtoher。Thebloodflowedfromherwoundedarm，slowlyatfirst，thenmorefast，andliftingherheadshespoke。
"Takemehence，"shecried，"orIshallgomad;forIhaveseenandheardthingstooterribletobespoken！"
"Whathaveyouseenandheard？"heasked，whilehecutthethongswhichboundherwristsandfeet。
"Idonotknow，"Nomaansweredweeping;"thevisionofthempassesfromme;butallthedistancesofdeathwereopentomysight;yes，I
travelledthroughthedistancesofdeath。InthemImethimwhowastheking，andhelaycoldwithinme，speakingtomyheart;andashepassedfrommehelookeduponthechildwhichIshallbearandcursedit，andsurelyaccurseditshallbe。Takemehence，Oyoumostevilman，forofyourmagicIhavehadenough，andfromthisdayforthIamhaunted！"
"Havenofear，"answeredHokosa;"youhavemadethejourneywhencebutfewreturn;andyet，asIpromisedyou，youhavereturnedtowearthegreatnessyoudesireandthatIsentyouforthtowin;forhenceforthweshallbegreat。Look，thedawnisbreaking——thedawnoflifeandthedawnofpower——andthemistsofdeathandofdisgracerollbackbeforeus。Nowthepathisclear，thedeadhaveshownittome，andofwizardryIshallneednomore。"
"Ay！"answeredNoma，"butnightfollowsdawnasthedawnfollowsnight;andthroughthedarknessandthedaylight，Itellyou，Wizard，henceforthIamhaunted！Also，benotsosure，forthoughIknownotwhatthedeadhavespokentoyou，yetitlingersonmymindthattheirwordshavemanymeanings。Nay，speaktomenomore，butletusflyfromthisdreadhomeofghosts，thishabitationofthespirit—folkwhichwehaveviolated。"
Sothewizardandhiswifecreptfromthatsolemnplace，andastheywenttheysawthedawn—beamslightinguponthewhitecrossthatwasrearedinthePlainofFire。
CHAPTERXII
THEMESSAGEOFHOKOSA
Theweekspassedby，andHokosasatinhiskraalweavingagreatplot。
Nonesuspectedhimanymore，forthoughhedidnotbelongtoit，hewasheardtospeakwellofthenewfaith，andtoacknowledgethatthegodoffirewhichhehadworshippedwasafalsegod。Hewashumblealsotowardstheking，buthecravedtowithdrawhimselffromallmattersoftheState，sayingthatnowhehadbutonedesire——totendhisherdsandgarden，andtogrowoldinpeacewiththenewwifewhomhehadchosenandwhomheloved。Owen，too，hegreetedcourteouslywhenhemethim，sendinghimgiftsofcornandcattlefortheserviceofhischurch。Moreover，whenamessengercamefromHafela，makingproposalstohim，hedrovehimawayandlaidthematterbeforethecounciloftheking。Yetthatmessenger，whowashuntedfromthekraal，tookbackasecretwordforHafela’sear。
"Itisnotalwayswinter，"wastheword，"anditmaychancethatinthespringtimeyoushallhearfromme。"Andagain，"SaytothePrinceHafela，thatthoughmyfacetowardshimislikeastorm，yetbehindthecloudsthesunshinesever。"
AtlengththerecameadaywhenNoma，hiswife，wasbroughttobed。
Hokosa，herhusband，tendedheralone，andwhenthechildwasbornhegroanedaloudandwouldnotsufferhertolookuponitsface。Yet，liftingherself，shesaw。
"DidInottellyouitwasaccursed？"shewailed。"Takeitaway！"andshesankbackinaswoon。Sohetookthechild，andburieditdeepinthecattle—yardbynight。
AfterthisitcameaboutthatNoma，who，thoughhermindownedtheswayofhis，hadneverlovedhimovermuch，hatedherhusbandHokosa。
Yethehadthispoweroverherthatshecouldnotleavehim。Buthelovedhermoreandmore，andshehadthispoweroverhimthatshecouldalwaysdrawhimtoher。Greatasherbeautyhadeverbeen，afterthebirthofthechilditgrewgreaterdaybyday，butitwasanevilbeauty，thebeautyofawitch;andthisfatefelluponher，thatshefearedthedarkandwouldneverbealoneafterthesunhadset。
Whenshewasrecoveredfromherillness，Nomasatonenightinherhut，andHokosasattherealsowatchingher。Theeveningwaswarm，butabrightfireburnedinthehut，andshecroucheduponastoolbythefire，glancingcontinuallyoverhershoulder。
"Whydoyoubidebythefire，seeingthatitissohot，Noma？"heasked。
"BecauseIfeartobeawayfromthelight，"sheanswered;adding，"Oh，accursedman！foryourownendsyouhavecausedmetobebewitched，ah！andthatwhichwasbornofmealso，andbewitchedIambythoseshadowsthatyoubademeseek，whichnowwillneverleaveme。Nor，isthisall。YousworetomethatifIwoulddoyourwillIshouldbecomegreat，ay！andyoutookmefromonewhowouldhavemademegreatandwhomIshouldhavepushedontovictory。ButnowitseemsthatfornothingImadethatawfulvoyageintothedeepsofdeath;andfornothing，yetliving，amIbecomethesportofthosethatdwellthere。
HowamIgreaterthanIwas——Iwhoambutthesecondwifeofafallenwitch—doctor，whositsinthesun，daybyday，whileagegathersonhisheadlikefrostuponabush？Whereareallyourhighschemesnow？
WhereisthefruitofwisdomthatIgatheredforyou？Answer，Wizard，whomIhavelearnedtohate，butfromwhomIcannotescape！"
"Truly，"saidHokosainabittervoice，"forallmysinsagainstthemtheheavenshavelaidaheavyfateuponmyhead，thatthuswithfleshandspiritIshouldworshipawomanwholoathesme。Onecomfortonlyislefttome，thatyoudarenottakemylifelestanothershouldbeaddedtothoseshadowswhocompanionyou，andwhatIbidyou，thatyoumuststilldo。Ay，youfearthedark，Noma;yetdidIcommandyoutoriseandgostandalonethroughthelongnightyonderintheburying—
placeofkings，why，youmustobey。Come，Icommandyou——go！"
"Nay，nay！"shewailedinanextremityofterror。Yetsheroseandwenttowardsthedoorsideways，forherhandswereoutstretchedinsupplicationtohim。
"Comeback，"hesaid，"andlisten：Ifahunterhasnurturedupafiercedog，wherewithalonehecangainhislivelihood，hetriestotamethatdogbylove，doeshenot？Andifitwillnotbecomegentle，then，thebrutebeingnecessarytohim，hetamesitbyfear。Iamthehunterand，Noma，youarethehound;andsincethiscurseisonmethatIcannotlivewithoutyou，whyImustmasteryouasbestImay。
Yet，believeme，Iwouldnotcauseyoufearorpain，anditsaddensmethatyoushouldbehauntedbythesesickfancies，fortheyarenothingmore。Ihaveseensuchcasesbeforeto—day，andIhavenotedthattheycanbecuredbymixingwithfreshfacesandtravellinginnewcountries。Noma，Ithinkitwouldbewellthat，afteryourlatesickness，accordingtothecustomofthewomenofourpeople，youshouldpartfrommeawhile，andgouponajourneyofpurification。"
"WhithershallIgoandwhowillgowithme？"sheaskedsullenly。
"Iwillfindyoucompanions，womendiscreetandskilled。Andastowhereyoushallgo，Iwilltellyou。YoushallgouponanembassytothePrinceHafela。"
"AreyounotafraidthatIshouldstopthere？"sheaskedagain，withaflashofhereyes。"ItistruethatIneverlearnedallthestory，yetIthoughtthattheprincewasnotsogladtohandmebacktoyouasyouwouldhavehadmetobelieve。Thepriceyoupaidformemusthavebeengood，Hokosa，andmayhapithadtodowiththedeathofaking。"
"Iamnotafraid，"heanswered，settinghisteeth，"becauseIknowthatwhateveryourheartmaydesire，mywillfollowsyou，andwhileI
livethatisacordyoucannotbreakunlessIchoosetolooseit，Noma。Icommandyoutobefaithfultomeandtoreturntome，andthesecommandsyoumustobey。Hearken：youtauntedmejustnow，sayingthatIsatlikeadotardinthesunandadvancedyounothing。Well，I
willadvanceyou，forbothoursakes，butmostlyforyourown，sinceyoudesireit，anditmustbedonethroughthePrinceHafela。Icannotleavethiskraal，fordayandnightIamwatched，andbeforeIhadgoneanhour’sjourneyIshouldbeseized;alsohereIhaveworktodo。ButthePlaceofPurificationissecret，andwhenyoureachityouneednotbidethere，youcantravelonintothemountainstillyoucometothetownofthePrinceHafela。Hewillreceiveyougladly，andyoushallwhisperthismessageinhisear：——
"’ThesearethewordsofHokosa，myhusband，whichhehassetinmymouthtodelivertoyou，OPrince。Beguidedbythemandgrowgreat;
rejectthemanddieawanderer，alittlemanofnoaccount。Butfirst，thisisthepricethatyoushallswearbythesacredoathtopaytoHokosa，ifhiswisdomfindsfavourinyoursightandthroughityoucometovictory：Thatafteryou，theking，he，Hokosa，shallbethefirstmaninourland，thegeneralofthearmies，thecaptainofthecouncil，theheadofthedoctors，andthattohimshallbegivenhalfthecattleofNodwengo，whonowisking。Alsotohimshallbegivenpowertostampoutthenewfaithwhichoverrunsthelandlikeaforeignweed，andtodealashethinksfitwiththosewhoclingthereto。’
"Now，Noma，whenhehasswornthisoathinyourear，callingdownruinuponhisownhead，shouldhebreakonewordofit，andnotbefore，youshallcontinuethemessagethus：’ThesearetheotherwordsthatHokosasetinmymouth："Know，OPrince，thattheking，yourbrother，growsverystrong，forheisagreatsoldier，wholearnedhisartinbygonewars;alsothewhitemanthatisnamedMessengerhastaughthimmanythingsastothebuildingoffortsandwallsandthedrillinganddisciplineofmen。Sostrongishethatyoucanscarcelyhopetoconquerhiminopenwar——yetsnakesmaycrawlwheremencannotwalk。
Therefore，Prince，letyourpartbethatofasnake。Doyousendanembassytotheking，yourbrotherandsaytohim：——
"’Mybrother，youhavebeenpreferredbeforemeandsetuptobekinginmyplace，andbecauseofthismyheartisbitter，sobitterthatI
havegatheredmystrengthtomakewaruponyou。Yet，atthelast，I
havetakenanothercouncil，bethinkingmethat，ifwefight，intheenditmaychancethatneitherofuswillbeleftalivetorule，andthatthepeoplealsowillbebroughttonothing。Tothenorththereliesagoodcountryandawide，wherebutfewmenlive，andthitherI
wouldgo，settingthemountainsandtheriverbetweenus;forthere，farbeyondyourborders，Ialsocanbeaking。Now，toreachthiscountry，ImusttravelbythepassthatisnotfarfromyourGreatPlace，andIprayyouthatyouwillnotattackmy/impis/orthewomenandchildrenthatIshallsend，andaguardbeforethem，toawaitmeintheplainbeyondthemountains，seeingthatthesecanonlyjourneyslowly。Letuspassbyinpeace，mybrother，forsoshallourquarrelbeended;butifyoudosomuchasliftasinglespearagainstme，thenIwillgiveyoubattle，settingmyfortuneagainstyourfortuneandmygodagainstyourGod！’
"Sucharethewordsthattheembassyshalldeliverintotheearsoftheking，Nodwengo，anditshallcomeaboutthatwhenhehearsthem，Nodwengo，whoseheartisgentleandwhoseeksnotwar，shallanswersoftly，saying：——
"’Goinpeace，mybrother，andliveinpeaceinthatlandwhichyouwouldwin。’
"Thenshallyou，Hafela，sendonthemostofyourcattleandthewomenandthechildrenthroughthatpassinthemountains，biddingthemtoawaityouintheplain，andafterawhileyoushallfollowthemwithyour/impis/。Buttheseshallnottravelinwararray，forcarriersmustbeartheirfightingshieldsinbundlesandtheirstabbingspearsshallberolledupinmats。Now，onthesixthdayofyourjourneyyoushallcampatthemouthofthepasswhichthecattleandthewomenhavealreadytravelled，andhisoutpostsandspieswillbringittotheearsofthekingthatyourforceissleepingthere，purposingtoclimbthepassonthemorrow。
"Butonthatnight，sosoonasthedarknessfalls，youmustriseupwithyourcaptainsandyourregiments，leavingyourfiresburningandmenaboutyourfires，andshalltravelveryswiftlyacrossthevalley，sothatanhourbeforethedawnyoureachthesecondrangeofmountains，andpassitbythegorgewhichistheburying—placeofkings。Hereyoushalllightafire，whichthosewhowatchwillbelievetobebutthefireofaherdsmanwhoisacold。ButI，Hokosa，alsoshallbewatching，andwhenIseethatfireIwillcreep，withsomewhomIcantrust，tothelittlenortherngateoftheouterwall，andwewillspearthosethatguarditandopenthegate，thatyourarmymaypassthrough。Then，beforetheregimentscanstandtotheirarmsorthosewithinitareawakened，youmuststormtheinnerwallsandbythelightoftheburninghuts，putthedwellersintheGreatPlacetothespear，andtheraysoftherisingsunshallcrownyouking。
"Followthiscounselofmine，OPrinceHafela，andallwillgowellwithyou。Neglectitandbelost。Thereisbutonethingwhichyouneedfear——itisthemagicoftheMessenger，towhomitisgiventoreadthesecretthoughtsofmen。Butofhimtakenoaccount，forheismycharge，andbeforeeveryousetafootwithintheGreatPlaceheshallhavetakenhisanswerbacktoHimWhosenthim。"
Hokosafinishedspeaking。
"Haveyouheard？"hesaidtoNoma。
"Ihaveheard。"
"Thenspeakthemessage。"
Sherepeateditwordforword，makingnofault。"Havenofear，"sheadded，"IshallforgetnothingwhenIstandbeforetheprince。"
"Youareawoman，butyourcounselisgood。Whatthinkyouoftheplan，Noma？"
"Itisdeepandwelllaid，"sheanswered，"andsurelyitwouldsucceedwereitnotforonething。Thewhiteman，Messenger，willbetoocleverforyou，forasyousay，heisareaderofthethoughtsofmen。"
"Canthedeadreadmen’sthoughts，oriftheycan，dotheycrythemonthemarket—placeorintotheearsofkings？"askedHokosa。"HaveInottoldyouthat，beforeIseethesignal—fireyonder，theMessengershallsleepsound？Ihaveamedicine，Noma，aslowmedicinethatnonecantrace。"
"TheMessengermaysleepsound，Hokosa，andyetperchancehemaypassonhismessagetoanotherand，withit，hismagic。Whocansay？Still，husband，strikeonforpowerandgreatnessandrevenge，lettingtheblowfallwhereitwill。"
CHAPTERXIII
THEBASKETOFFRUIT
ThreedayslateritwasannouncedthataccordingtothecustomofthewomenofthePeopleofFire，Nomahavinggivenbirthtoastill—bornchild，wasabouttostartuponajourneytotheMountofPurification。
Hereshewouldabideawhileandmakesacrificetothespiritsofherancestors，thattheymightceasetobeangrywithherandinfutureprotectherfromsuchmisfortunes。Thisnotunusualdomesticincidentexcitedlittlecomment，althoughitwasremarkedthatthefourmatronsbywhomshewastobeaccompanied，inaccordancewiththetribaletiquette，wereallofthemthewivesofsoldierswhohaddesertedtoHafela。Indeed，thekinghimselfnoticedasmuchwhenHokosamadethecustomaryformalapplicationtohimtosanctiontheexpedition。
"Sobeit，"hesaid，"thoughmyselfIhavelostfaithinsuchrites。
Also，Hokosa，Ithinkitlikelythatalthoughyourwifegoesoutwithcompany，shewillreturnalone。"
"Why，King？"askedHokosa。
"Forthisreason——thatthosewhotravelwithherhavehusbandsyonderatthetownofthePrinceHafela，andtheMountofPurificationisontheroadthither。Havinggonesofar，theymaygofarther。Well，letthemgo，forIdesiretohavenoneamongmypeoplewhoseheartsturnotherwhere，anditwouldnotbewonderfuliftheyshouldchoosetoseektheirlords。Butperchance，Hokosa，therearesomeinthistownwhomayusethemasmessengerstotheprince"——andhelookedathimkeenly。
"Ithinknot，King，"saidHokosa。"Nonebutafoolwouldmakeuseofwomentocarrysecretwordsortidings。Theirtonguesaretoolongandtheirmemoriestoobad，ortoouncertain。"
"YetIhaveheard，Hokosa，thatyouhavemadeuseofwomeninmanyastrangework。Saynow，whatwereyoudoinguponanightawhileagowiththatfairwitch—wifeifyoursyonderintheburying—placeofkings，whereitisnotlawfulthatyoushouldsetyourfoot？Nay，denyitnot。Youwereseentoenterthevalleyaftermidnightandtoreturnthenceatthedawn，anditwasseenalsothatasshecamehomewardsyourwifewalkedasonewhoisdrunken，andshe，whomitisnoteasytofrighten，woreafaceoffear。Man，Idonottrustyou，andwereI
wiseIshouldhuntyouhence，orkeepyousoclosethatyoucouldscarcelymovewithoutmyknowledge。
"WhyshouldItrustyou？"Nodwengowentonvehemently。"Canawizardceasefromwizardry，oraplotterfromhisplots？No，notuntilthewatersrunupwardandthesunshinesatnight;notuntilrepentancetouchesyouandyourheartischanged，whichIshouldholdasmuchamarvel。Youweremyfather’sfriendandhemadeyougreat;yetyoucouldplanwithmybrothertopoisonhim，yourking。Nay，besilent;I
knowit，thoughIhavesaidnothingofitbecauseonethatisdeartomehasintercededforyou。Youwerethepriestofthefalsegod，andwiththatgodarefallenfromyourplace，yetyouhavenotrenouncedhim。Yousitstillinyourkraalandpretendtobeasleep，butyourslumberisthatoftheserpentwhichwatcheshistimetostrike。HowdoIknowthatyouwillnotpoisonmeasyouwouldhavepoisonedmyfather，orstiruprebellionagainstme，orbringmybrother’s/impis/
onmyhead？"
"IftheKingthinksanyofthesethingsofhisservant，"answeredHokosainahumblevoice，butwithdignity，"hispathisplain：lethimputmetodeathandsleepinpeace。WhoamIthatIshouldfulltheearsofakingwithmydefenceagainstthesecharges，ordaretowranglewithhim？"
"LongagoIshouldhaveputyoutodeath，Hokosa，"answeredNodwengosternly，"haditnotbeenthatonehaspleadedforyou，declaringthatinyouthereisgoodwhichwillovercometheevil，andthatyouwhonowareanaxetocutdownmythrone，intimetocomeshallbearoof—
treeforitssupport。Also，thelawthatIobeydoesnotallowmetotakethebloodofmensaveuponfullproof，andagainstyouasyetI
havenoproof。Still，Hokosa，bewarnedintimeandletyourheartbeturnedbeforethegraveclaimsyourbodyandtheWickedOneyoursoul。"
"Ithankyou，King，foryourgentlewordsandyourtendercareformywell—beingbothonearthandafterIshallleaveit。ButItellyou，King，thatIhadratherdieasyourfatherwouldhavekilledmeintheolddays，oryourbrotherwouldkillmenow，dideitherofthemhateorfearme，thanliveoninsafety，owingmylifetoanewlawandanewmercythatdonotbefitthegreatonesoftheworld。King，Iamyourservant，"andgivinghimtheroyalsalute，Hokosaroseandlefthispresence。
"Attheleasttheregoesaman，"saidNodwengo，ashewatchedhimdepart。
"Ofwhomdoyouspeak，King？"askedOwen，whoatthatmomententeredtheroyalhouse。
"Ofhimwhomyoumusthavetouchedinthedoor—way，Messenger，Hokosathewizard，"answeredtheking，andhetoldhimofwhathadpassedbetweenthem。"Isaid，"headded，"thathewasaman，andsoheis;
yetIholdthatIhavedonewrongtolistentoyourpleadingandtosparehim，forIamcertainthathewillbringbloodsheduponmeandtroubleontheFaith。Thinknow，Messenger，howfullmustbethatman’sheartofsecretrageandhatred，hewhowassogreatandisnowsolittle！Willhenotcertainlystrivetogrowgreatagain？Willhenotstrivetobeavengeduponthosewhohumbledhimandthereligiontheyhavechosen？"
"Itmaybe，"answeredOwen，"butifso，hewillnotconquer。Itellyou，King，thatlikewaterhiddeninarockthereisgoodinthisman’sheart，andthatIshallyetfindarodwherewithtocauseittogushoutandrefreshthedesert。"
"Itismorelikelythathewillfindaspearwherewithtocauseyourbloodtogushoutandrefreshthejackals，"answeredthekinggrimly;
"butbeitasyouwill。Andnow，whatofyourbusiness？"
"This，King：John，myservant，hasreturnedfromthecoastcountries，andhebringsmealettersayingthatbeforelongthreewhiteteacherswillfollowhimtotakeuptheworkwhichIhavebegun。Ipraythatwhentheycome，formysakeandforthesakeofthetruththatIhavetaughtyou，youwilltreatthemkindlyandprotectthem，rememberingthatatfirsttheycanknowlittleofyourlanguageoryourcustoms。"
"Iwillindeed，"saidtheking，withmuchconcern。"Buttellme，Messenger，whydoyouspeakofyourselfasofonewhosoonwillbebutamemory？Doyoupurposetoleaveus？"
"No，King，butIbelievethaterelongIshallberecalled。Ihavegivenmymessage，mytaskiswell—nighendedandImustbeturninghome。SaveforyoursakesIdonotsorrowatthis，fortospeaktruthIgrowveryweary，"andhesmiledsadly。
*****
Hokosawenthomealarmedandfullofbitterness，forhehadneverguessedthatthe"servantoftheMessenger，"ashecalledNodwengotheKing，knewsomuchabouthimandhisplans。Hisfallwashardtohim，buttobethusmeasuredup，weighed，andcontemptuouslyforgivenwasalmostmorethanhecouldbear。Itwasthewhiteprophetwhohaddonethisthing;hehadtoldNodwengoofhis，Hokosa’s，shareintheplottomurderthelateKingUmsuka，thoughhowhecametoknowofthatmatterwasbeyondguessing。Hehadwatchedhim，orcausedhimtobewatched，whenhewentforthtoconsultspiritsintheplaceofthedead;hehadwarnedNodwengoagainsthim。Worstofall，hehaddaredtotreathimwithcontempt;hadpleadedforhislifeandsafety，sothathewassparedasmenspareasnakefromwhichthecharmerhasdrawnthefangs。Whentheymetinthegateoftheking’shouseyonderthiswhitethief，whohadstolenhisplaceandpower，hadevensmileduponhimandgreetedhimkindly，anddoubtlesswhilehesmiled，byaidofthemagichepossessed，hadreadhimthroughandgoneontotellthestorytotheking。Well，ofthisthereshouldbeanend;hewouldkilltheMessenger，orhimselfbekilled。
WhenHokosareachedhiskraalhefoundNomasittingbeneathafruittreethatgrewinit，idlyemployedinstringingbeads，fortheworkofthehouseholdshelefttohisotherwife，Zinti，anoldandhomelywomanwhothoughtmoreofthebrewingofthebeerandtheboilingoftheporridgethanofreligionsorpoliticsorofthewillofkings。OflateNomahadhauntedtheshadowofthistree，forbeneathitlaythatchildwhichhadbeenborntoher。
"Doesitpleasethekingtograntleaveformyjourney？"sheasked，lookingup。
"Yes，itpleaseshim。"
"Iamthankful，"sheanswered，"forIthinkthatifIbideheremuchlonger，withghostsandmemoriesforcompany，Ishallgomad，"andsheglancedataspotnearby，wheretheearthshowedsignsofrecentdisturbance。
"Hegivesleave，"Hokosawenton，takingnonoticeofherspeech，"buthesuspectsus。Listen————"andhetoldherofthetalkthathadpassedbetweenhimselfandtheking。
"Thewhitemanhasreadyouashereadsinhiswrittenbooks，"sheanswered，withalittlelaugh。"Well，Isaidthathewouldbetoocleverforyou，didInot？Itdoesnotmattertome，forto—morrowI
gouponmyjourney，andyoucansettleitasyouwill。"
"Ay！"answeredHokosa，grindinghisteeth，"itistruethathehasreadme;butthisIpromiseyou，thatallbooksshallsoonbeclosedtohim。Yethowisittobedonewithoutsuspicionordiscovery？I
knowmanypoisons，butallofthemmustbeadministered，andlethimworkneversocunningly，hewhogivesapoisoncanbetraced。"
"Thencausesomeothertogiveitandlethimbeartheblame，"
suggestedNomalanguidly。
Hokosamadenoanswer，butwalkingtothegateofthekraal，whichwasopen，heleanedagainstitlostinthought。Ashestoodthushesawawomanadvancingtowardshim，whocarriedonherheadasmallbasketoffruit，andknewherforoneofthosewhosebusinessitwastowaitupontheMessengerinhishuts，orratherinhishouse，forbynowhehadbuilthimselfasmallhouse，andnearitachapel。ThiswomansawHokosaalsoandlookedathimsideways，asthoughshewouldliketostopandspeaktohim，butfearedtodoso。
"Goodmorrowtoyou，friend，"hesaid。"Howgoesitwithyourhusbandandyourhouse？"
NowHokosaknewwellthatthiswoman’shusbandhadtakenadisliketoheranddrivenherfromhishome，fillingherplacewithoneyoungerandmoreattractive。Atthequestionthewoman’slipsbegantotremble，andhereyesswamwithtears。
"Ah！greatdoctor，"shesaid，"whydoyouaskmeofmyhusband？Haveyounotheardthathehasdrivenmeawayandthatanothertakesmyplace？"
"DoIhearallthegossipofthistown？"askedHokosa，withasmile。
"Butcomeinandtellmethestory;perchanceImaybeabletohelpyou，forIhavecharmstocompelthefancyofsuchfaithlessones。"
Thewomanlookedround，andseeingthattherewasnooneinsight，sheslippedswiftlythroughthegateofthekraal，whichheclosedbehindher。
"Noma，"saidHokosa，"hereisonewhotellsmethatherhusbandhasdesertedher，andwhocomestoseekmycounsel。Bringhermilktodrink。"
"Therearesomewiveswhowouldnotfindthatsogreatanevil，"
repliedNomamockingly，assherosetodohisbidding。
Hokosawincedatthesarcasm，andturningtohisvisitor，said：——
"Nowtellmeyourtale;butsayfirst，whyareyousofrightened？"
"Iamfrightened，master，"sheanswered，"lestanyshouldhaveseenmeenterhere，forIhavebecomeaChristian，andtheChristiansareforbiddentoconsultthewitch—doctors，aswewerewonttodo。Formycase，itis————"
"Noneedtosetitout，"brokeinHokosa，wavinghishand。"Iseeitwrittenonyourface;yourhusbandhasputyouawayandlovesanotherwoman，yourownhalf—sisterwhomyoubroughtupfromachild。"
"Ah！master，youhaveheardaright。"
"Ihavenotheard，IlookuponyouandIsee。Fool，amInotawizard？
Tellme————"andtakingdustintohishand，heblewthegrainsthiswayandthat，regardingthemcuriously。"Yes，itisso。Lastnightyoucrepttoyourhusband’shut——doyouremember，adoggrowledatyouasyoupassedthegate？——andthereinfrontofthehuthesatwithhisnewwife。Shesawyoucoming，butpretendingnottosee，shethrewherarmsabouthisneck，kissingandfondlinghimbeforeyoureyes，tillyoucouldbearitnolonger，andrevealedyourself，upbraidingthem。
Thenyourrivaltauntedyouandstirredupthemanwithbitterwords，tillatlengthhetookastickandbeatyoufromthedoor，andthereisamarkofituponyourshoulder。"
"Itistrue，itistootrue！"shegroaned。
"Yes，itistrue。Andnow，whatdoyouwishfromme？"
"Master，Iwishamedicinetomakemyhusbandhatemyrivalandtodrawhisheartbacktome。"
"Thatmustbeastrongmedicine，"saidHokosa，"whichwillturnamanfromonewhoisyoungandbeautifultoonewhoispastheryouthandugly。"
"IamasIam，"answeredthepoorwoman，withatouchofnaturaldignity，"butatleastIhavelovedhimandworkedforhimforfifteenlongyears。"
"Andthatiswhyhewouldnowberidofyou，forwhocumbershiskraalwitholdcattle？"
"Andyetattimestheyarethebest，Master。Wrinklesandsmoothskinseemstrangeupononepillow，"sheadded，glancingatNoma，whocamefromthehutcarryingabowlofmilkinherhand。
"Ifyouseekcounsel，"saidHokosaquickly，"whydoyounotgotothewhiteman，thatMessengerinwhomyoubelieve，andaskhimforapotiontoturnyourhusband’sheart？"
"Master，Ihavebeentohim，andheisverygoodtome，forwhenIwasdrivenouthegavemeworktodoandfood。Buthetoldmethathehadnomedicineforsuchcases，andthattheGreatManintheskyalonecouldsoftenthebreastofmyhusbandandcausemysistertoceasefromherwickedness。LastnightIwenttoseewhetherHewoulddoit，andyouknowwhatbefellmethere。"
"Thatbefellyouwhichbefallsallfoolswhoputtheirtrustinwordsalone。Whatwillyoupayme，woman，ifIgiveyouthemedicinewhichyouseek？"
"Alas，master，Iampoor。Ihavenothingtoofferyou，forwhenI
wouldnotstayinmyhusband’skraaltobeaservanttohisnewwife，hetookthecowandthefivegoatsthatbelongedtome，as，Ibeingchildless，accordingtoourancientlawhehadtherighttodo。"
"Youareboldwhocometoaskadoctortoministertoyou，bearingnofeeinyourhand，"saidHokosa。"Yet，becauseIhavepityonyou，I
willbecontentwithverylittle。Givemethatbasketoffruit，formywifehasbeensickandlovesitstaste。"
"Icannotdothat，Master，"answeredthewoman，"foritissentbymyhandasapresenttotheMessenger，andheknowsthisandwilleatofitafterhehasmadeprayerto—day。DidInotgiveittohim，itwouldbediscoveredthatIhadleftitherewithyou。"
"Thenbegonewithoutyourmedicine，"saidHokosa，"forIneedsuchfruit。"
Thewomanroseandsaid，lookingathimwistfully：——
"Master，ifyouwillbesatisfiedwithotherfruitsofthissamesort，IknowwhereIcangetthemforyou。"
"Whenwillyougetthem？"
"Now，withinanhour。AndtillIreturnIwillleavetheseinpledgewithyou;buttheseandnootherImustgivetotheMessenger，forhehasalreadyseenthemandmightdiscoverthedifference;alsoIhavepromisedsotodo。"
"Asyouwill，"saidHokosa。"Ifyouarewiththefruitwithinanhour，themedicinewillbereadyforyou，amedicinethatshallnotfail。"
CHAPTERXIV
THEEATINGOFTHEFRUIT
Thewomanslippedawaysecretly。WhenshehadgoneHokosabadehiswifebringthebasketoffruitintothehut。
"Itisbestthatthebutchershouldkilltheoxhimself，"sheansweredmeaningly。
Hecarriedinthebasketandsetitonthefloor。
"Whydoyouspeakthus，Noma？"heasked。
"BecauseIwillhavenohandinthematter，Hokosa。Ihavebeenthetoolofawizard，andwonlittlejoytherefrom。ThetoolofamurdererIwillnotbe！"
"IfIkill，itisforthesakeofbothofus，"hesaidpassionately。
"Itmaybeso，Hokosa，orforthesakeofthepeople，orforthesakeofHeavenabove——Idonotknowanddonotcare;butIsay，doyourownkilling，forIamsurethatevenlessluckwillhangtoitthanhangstoyourwitchcraft。"
"Ofallwomenyouarethemostperverse！"hesaid，stampinghisfootupontheground。
"Thusyoumaysayagainbeforeeverythingisdone，husband;butifitbeso，whydoyoulovemeandtiemetoyouwithyourwizardry？Cuttheknot，andletmegomywaywhileyougoyours。"
"Woman，Icannot;butstillIbidyoubeware，for，striveasyouwill，mypathmustbeyourpath。Moreover，tillIfreeyou，youcannotliftvoiceorhandagainstme。"
Then，whileshewatchedhimcuriously，Hokosafetchedhismedicinesandtookfromthemsomepowderfineasdustandtwotinycrowquills。
Placingafruitbeforehim，heinsertedoneofthesequillsintoitssubstance，andfillingthesecondwiththepowder，heshookitscontentsintoitandwithdrewthetube。Thisprocessherepeatedfourtimesoneachofthefruits，replacingthemonebyoneinthebasket。
Sodeftlydidheworkuponthem，thathowevercloselytheywerescannednonecouldguessthattheyhadbeentamperedwith。
"Willitkillatonce？"askedNoma。
"No，indeed;buthewhoeatsthesefruitswillbeseizedonthethirddaywithdysenteryandfever，andthesewillclingtohimtillwithinsevenweeks——orifheisverystrong，threemonths——hedies。Thisisthebestofpoisons，foritworksthroughnatureandcanbetracedbynone。"
"Except，perchance，bythatSpiritWhomthewhitemanworships，andWhoalsoworksthroughnature，asyoulearned，Hokosa，whenHerolledthelightningbackuponyourhead，shatteringyourgodandbeatingdownyourcompany。"
Thenofasuddenterrorseizedthewizard，andspringingtohisfeet，hecursedhiswifetillshetrembledbeforehim。
"Vilewoman，anddouble—faced！"hesaid，"whydoyoupushmeforwardwithonehandandwiththeotherdragmeback？Whydoyouwhisperevilcounselintooneearandintotheotherprophesyofmisfortunestocome？Haditnotbeenforyou，Ishouldhaveletthisbusinesslie;I
shouldhavetakenmyfateandbeencontent。Butdaybydayyouhavetauntedmewithmyfallandgrievedoverthegreatnessthatyouhavelost，tillatlengthyouhavedrivenmetothis。Whycannotyoubeallgoodorallwicked，orattheleast，throughrighteousnessandsin，faithfultomyinterestandyourown？"
"BecauseIhateyou，Hokosa，andyetcanstrikeyouonlythroughmytongueandyourmadloveforme。Iamfastinyourpower，butthusatleastIcanmakeyoufeelsomethingofmyownpain。Hark！Ihearthatwomanatthegate。Willyougiveherbackthebasket，orwillyounot？
Whateveryoumaychoosetodo，donotsayinafterdaysthatIurgedyoutothedeed。"
"Trulyyouaregreat—hearted！"heanswered，withcoldcontempt;"oneforwhomIdidwelltoenterintotreacheryandsin！Sobeit：havinggonesofaruponit，comewhatmay，Iwillnotturnbackfromthisjourney。Letinthatfool！"
Presentlythewomanstoodbeforethem，bearingwithheranotherbasketoffruit。
"Thesearewhatyouseek，Master，"shesaid，"thoughIwasforcedtowinthembytheft。Nowgivememyownandthemedicineandletmego。"
Hegaveherthebasket，andwithit，wrappedinapieceofkidskin，someofthesamepowderwithwhichhehaddoctoredthefruits。
"WhatshallIdowiththis？"sheasked。
"Youmustfindmeanstosprinkleituponyoursister’sfood，andthereafteryourhusbandshallcometohateeventhesightofher。"
"Butwillhecometolovemeagain？"
Hokosashruggedhisshoulders。
"Iknownot，"heanswered;"thatisforyoutoseeto。Yetthisissure，thatifatreegrowsupbeforethehouseofaman，shuttingitofffromthesunlight，whenthattreeiscutdownthesunshinesuponhishouseagain。"
"Itisnothingtothesunonwhatheshines，"saidthewoman。
"Ifthesayingdoesnotpleaseyou，thenforgetit。Ipromiseyouthisandnomore，thatverysoonthemanshallceasetoturntoyourrival。"
"Themedicinewillnotharmher？"askedthewomandoubtfully。"Shehasworkedmebitterwrongindeed，yetsheismysister，whomInursedwhenshewaslittle，andIdonotwishtodoherhurt。Ifonlyhewillwelcomemebackandtreatmekindly，Iamwillingeventhatsheshoulddwellonbeneathmyhusband’sroof，bearinghischildren，forwilltheynotbeofmyownblood？"
"Woman，"answeredHokosaimpatiently，"youwearymewithyourtalk。
DidIsaythatthecharmwouldhurther？Isaidthatitwouldcauseyourhusbandtohatethesightofher。Nowbegone，takingorleavingit，andletmerest。Ifyourmindistroubled，throwasidethatmedicine，andgosootheitwithsuchsightsasyousawlastnight。"
Onhearingthisthewomansprangup，hidawaythepoisoninherhair，andtakingherbasketoffruit，passedfromthekraalassecretlyasshehadenteredit。
"Whydidyougiveherdeath—medicine？"askedNomaofHokosa，ashestoodstaringafterher。"Haveyouahatetosatisfyagainstthehusbandorthegirlwhoisherrival？"
"None，"heanswered，"fortheyhavenevercrossedmypath。Oh，foolishwoman！cannotyoureadmyplan？"
"Notaltogether，Husband。"
"Listenthen：thiswomanwillgivetohersisteramedicineofwhichintheendshemustdie。Shemaybediscoveredorshemaynot，butitiscertainthatshewillbesuspected，seeingthatthebitternessofthequarrelbetweenthemisknown。AlsoshewillgivetotheMessengercertainfruits，aftereatingofwhichhewillbetakensickandinduetimedie，ofjustsuchadiseaseasthatwhichcarriesoffthewoman’srival。Now，ifanythinkthatheispoisoned，whichItrustnonewill，whomwilltheysupposetohavepoisonedhim，thoughindeedtheycanneverprovethecrime？"
"Theplanisclever，"saidNomawithadmiration，"butinitIseeaflaw。Thewomanwillsaythatshehadthedrugfromyou，or，attheleast，willbabbleofhervisittoyou。"
"Notso，"answeredHokosa，"foronthismatterthegreatesttalkerintheworldwouldkeepsilence。Firstly，she，beingaChristian，darenotownthatshehasvisitedawitch—doctor。Secondly，thefruitshebroughtinpaymentwasstolen，thereforeshewillsaynothingofit。
Thirdly，toadmitthatshehadmedicinefrommewouldbetoadmitherguilt，andthatshewillscarcelydoevenundertorture，whichbythenewlawitisnotlawfultoapply。Moreover，nonesawhercomehere，andIshoulddenyhervisit。"
"Theplanisveryclever，"saidNomaagain。
"Itisveryclever，"herepeatedcomplacently;"neverhaveImadeabetterone。Nowthrowthosefruitstotheshegoatsthatareinthekraal，andburnthebasket，whileIgoandtalktosomeintheGreatPlace，tellingthemthatIhavereturnedfromcountingmycattleonthemountain，whitherIwentafterIhadbowedthekneeinthehouseoftheking。"