n human blood, and if you
cause me to do so, Asika, I shall hate you because you make me break my
oath."

The Asika reflected for a moment, while Jeekie behind muttered between
his chattering teeth:

"Good missionary talk that, Major. Keep up word in season, Major. If
she make Christian martyr of Jeekie, who get you out of this confounded
hole?"

Then the Asika spoke.

"Be it as you will, for I desire neither that you should hate me, nor
that you should look on that which is unlawful for your eyes to see. The
feasts and ceremonies you must attend, but if I can help it, no victim
shall be slain in your presence, not even that whimpering hound, your
servant," she added with a contemptuous glance at Jeekie, "who it seems,
fears to give his life for the glory of the god, but who because he is
yours, is safe now and always."

"That _very_ satisfactory," said Jeekie, rising from his knees, his face
wreathed in smiles, for he knew well that a decree of the Asika could
not be broken. Then he began to explain to the priestess that it was not
fear of losing his own life that had moved him, but the certainty that
this occurrence would disagree morally with Little Bonsa, whose entire
confidence he possessed.

Taking no notice of his words, with a slight reverence to the fetish,
she passed on, beckoning to Alan. As he went by the two prostrate
priests whose lives he had saved, lifted their heads a little and looked
at him with heartfelt gratitude in their eyes; indeed one of them kissed
the place where his foot had trodden. Jeekie, following, gave him a kick
to intimate that he was taking a liberty, but at the same time stooped
down and asked the man his name. It occurred to him that these rescued
priests might some day be useful.

Alan followed her through a kind of swing door which opened into another
of the endless halls, but when he looked for her there she was nowhere
to be seen. A priest who was waiting beyond the door bowed and informed
him that the Asika had gone to her own place, and would see him that
evening. Then bowing again he led them back by various passages to the
room where they had slept.

"Jeekie," said Alan after their food had been brought to them, this
time, he observed, by men, for it was now past midday, "you were born
in Asiki-land; tell me the truth of this business. What does that
woman mean when she talks about her spirit having been here from the
beginning."

"She mean, Major, that every ti