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Here Mamba was sufficiently brought round by Mark's ministrations to be able to sit up and answer questions, but at first he seemed disinclined to speak, and then gave evasive replies. "Why this secrecy, my friend?" asked Laihova, in the native language. "If I could answer," said Mamba, "there would be no secrecy."
With something like a groan, Hockins turned a glance on his comrades and pointed to the men. They required no second glance to enlighten them, for there they plainly saw Ravonino heavily ironed by the neck to Laihova, and Razafil, the poet, chained to the chief, Voalavo. Many others whom they did not know were also there.
This they declined to do, with many expressions of regret, on the ground that their business at the capital was urgent. "It would have gratified me much," said the old gentleman, "to have entertained you. But you are all well, I hope?" "Yes, we are very well," answered Laihova; "and how do you feel?" "I feel as well as possible. And is it well with you?" "It is well with us.
He might at least have taken his risk along with us. Anyhow, he could have spoke up for us, knowin' both lingos. Of course it was nat'ral that, poor Mamba should look after number one, seem that he was in no way beholden to us; but Lovey was our guide, an' pledged to stand by us." "I can't help thinking," said Mark, "that you do injustice to Laihova.
An expression of profound sadness crossed the features of Laihova. Dropping his eyes on the ground he stood silent. For a few moments his sister did not speak, but her breast heaved with suppressed emotion. At last she asked in a low voice "Has he been martyred?" "No he is not dead. But he is condemned to slavery in chains for life."
"He did not, but I can guess," answered Laihova, with a slight smile. "The night before we left our friends in the cave in Betsilio-land I heard his mother urging him to accompany us to the capital and fetch her, if possible, a copy of the Word of God. She was joined in her persuasions by my sister Ramatoa, and you know he loves Ramatoa. I have no doubt that the two overcame his objections."
God grant him success and safe deliverance from the hands of his enemies!" "Amen!" responded Laihova. For some time the two friends sat there in silence, meditating as to what they should do in the circumstances, for each felt that action of some sort was absolutely necessary.
We will dethrone the Queen this Ranavalona usurper! Why should such a woman live on, filling the land with blood and misery!" "My friend," said Laihova, in a soothing tone, as he laid his hand on the chief's shoulder, "the arms of Christians are not the arms of a soldier. We wrestle not against flesh and blood." "That is idle talk," exclaimed the unpacified chief. "Did not Christian use a sword?
The guide ran on at full speed until he reached the wood, but did not even then slacken his speed. As he ran past his friends, however, he exclaimed in a sharp, stern voice "Follow me!" Laihova obeyed with the unquestioning readiness of a faithful hound. The others followed suit with the open eyes of perplexity and amazement!
He taught me nearly all I know, and he was no mean scholar. He also sent me to the missionary schools. After his death the Queen hardened her heart against us; and as we refused to give up praying to God and singing His praise, we were cast out of the palace my mother and sister and I, with several others, among whom were Laihova and his sister Ramatoa.
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