y father's illness I was
not entirely free from suspicion; and when at length I saw that your
efforts to cure him were only partially successful, and that his
symptoms persistently recurred, I was convinced that there was foul play
somewhere, though why, I could not at first imagine. But when Gouroo
whispered to my father, hinting at your incapacity, and suggesting that
Mafuta should be sent for, my suspicions began to take definite shape,
and, although I was not able to verify those suspicions, I finally made
up my mind that the whole occurrence was the outcome of a plot between
Gouroo and Mafuta--your only enemies--to ruin you. And these suspicions
were confirmed when, after you had been carried away and imprisoned, my
father began to mend, even before the arrival of Mafuta upon the scene,
while it seemed extraordinary to me that the witch-doctor should know so
well the character of my father's ailment, that he was able to bring
with him precisely the right remedies for administration.

"Now, as I told you just now, Dick, I was quite unable to verify my
suspicions, but in my own mind I have not the slightest doubt that
Mafuta gave Gouroo poison of some kind to administer to my father and
make him ill, knowing that you would be summoned to cure him, and
knowing, too, that your failure to cure would result in your
condemnation to a death by torture. I tried to intercede for you, not
once but many times; but my father had suffered horribly, and had been
terribly frightened. He believed that, but for Gouroo's suggestion, you
would have allowed him to die; and he refused to show you any mercy.
Your fate seemed sealed--unless I could contrive a scheme to save you;
but I could think of nothing; and the anticipation of your death made me
feel so utterly wretched, that at last I entreated my father that, if he
would not spare you, he would at least not compel me to witness your
sufferings. He was still dreadfully angry with me for interceding in
your behalf, but I persisted; and at length he told me that if I did not
wish to witness the Customs I might remain at home, and of course I did
so, although I knew that you were not to suffer until to-morrow. I
spent all my time trying to devise some plan for effecting your
deliverance, but could think of none; nevertheless, as soon as everybody
was in the square and the Customs had begun, I went down to the river,
got my canoe ready, and paddled it down to the place where we fou