matter
was beyond guessing. He had watched him, or caused him to be watched,
when he went forth to consult spirits in the place of the dead; he had
warned Nodwengo against him. Worst of all, he had dared to treat him
with contempt; had pleaded for his life and safety, so that he was
spared as men spare a snake from which the charmer has drawn the fangs.
When they met in the gate of the king's house yonder this white thief,
who had stolen his place and power, had even smiled upon him and greeted
him kindly, and doubtless while he smiled, by aid of the magic he
possessed, had read him through and gone on to tell the story to the
king. Well, of this there should be an end; he would kill the Messenger,
or himself be killed.

When Hokosa reached his kraal he found Noma sitting beneath a fruit tree
that grew in it, idly employed in stringing beads, for the work of the
household she left to his other wife, Zinti, an old and homely woman who
thought more of the brewing of the beer and the boiling of the porridge
than of religions or politics or of the will of kings. Of late Noma had
haunted the shadow of this tree, for beneath it lay that child which had
been born to her.

"Does it please the king to grant leave for my journey?" she asked,
looking up.

"Yes, it pleases him."

"I am thankful," she answered, "for I think that if I bide here much
longer, with ghosts and memories for company, I shall go mad," and
she glanced at a spot near by, where the earth showed signs of recent
disturbance.

"He gives leave," Hokosa went on, taking no notice of her speech, "but
he suspects us. Listen----" and he told her of the talk that had passed
between himself and the king.

"The white man has read you as he reads in his written books," she
answered, with a little laugh. "Well, I said that he would be too clever
for you, did I not? It does not matter to me, for to-morrow I go upon my
journey, and you can settle it as you will."

"Ay!" answered Hokosa, grinding his teeth, "it is true that he has read
me; but this I promise you, that all books shall soon be closed to him.
Yet how is it to be done without suspicion or discovery? I know many
poisons, but all of them must be administered, and let him work never so
cunningly, he who gives a poison can be traced."

"Then cause some other to give it and let him bear the blame," suggested
Noma languidly.

Hokosa made no answer, but walking to the gate of the kraal, which was
open, he le