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Did I not give it to him, it would be discovered that I had left it here with you." "Then begone without your medicine," said Hokosa, "for I need such fruit." The woman rose and said, looking at him wistfully: "Master, if you will be satisfied with other fruits of this same sort, I know where I can get them for you." "When will you get them?" "Now, within an hour.
Nay, threaten me not in your own words I say it 'lay down that assegai, or by my spirit your body shall be thrown to the kites, as that of one who would murder the king' and the king's guest!" "White Man," whispered Hokosa throwing down the spear, "how can these things be? I was alone in the hut with the prince, I was alone beneath the Tree of Doom, and you, as I know well, were beyond the river.
At the appointed hour a guard came to lead him to the royal house, and thither Owen went, followed by John bearing a Bible. Umsuka was seated beneath a reed roof supported by poles and open on all sides; behind him stood councillors and attendants, and by him were Nodwengo the prince, and Hokosa, his mouth and prophet.
So soon as Owen had joined the judges, the prisoner was brought before them, and to his secret horror Hokosa recognised in her that woman to whom he had given the poison in exchange for the basket of fruit. Now it seemed to Hokosa that his doom was on him, for she would certainly confess that she had the drug from him.
I have bethought me that we might retreat through the valley, but the river beyond is in flood; also it is certain that before this multitude could reach it, the prince will have sent a force to cut us off while he himself harasses our rear. Now let him who has counsel speak." "King, I have counsel," said Hokosa. "What were the words that the Messenger spoke to us before he died?
"Here you may rest in safety, Messenger," said Hokosa, "seeing that night and day a guard from the king's own regiment will stand before your doors." "I do not need them," answered Owen, "for none can harm me till my hour comes. I am a stranger here and you are a great man; yet, Hokosa, which of us is the safest this night?" "Your meaning?" said Hokosa sharply.
"It is but a very little storm," said Hokosa contemptuously, "such as visit us almost every afternoon at this period of the year. Ah! White Man, I would that you could see one of our great tempests, for these are worth beholding.
This I swear, and you, Noma, are witness to the oath. Yet it may chance that after he, Hokosa, has gathered up all this pomp and greatness, he himself shall be gathered up by Death, that harvest-man whom soon or late will garner every ear;" and he looked at her meaningly. "It may be so, Prince," she answered. "It may be so," he repeated, "and when "
"It may be so, King," answered Hokosa; "still, my heart tells me it is wisest that I should do this thing, for our case is desperate, and if I do it not, that may be the cause of the death of all of us to-morrow.
Now, beneath the agony of the life Hokosa lifted his head for the last time, crying in a great voice: "Messenger, I come, be you my guide," and with the words his soul passed. "All is over and ended," said a voice. "Soldiers, salute the king with the royal salute." "Nay," answered Nodwengo. "Salute me not, salute the Cross and him who hangs thereon."
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