e the potion strong enough
to kill, or to dilute it with rice-water until it became almost
harmless.

Now, when Mark Breezy heard that Mamba was condemned to swallow the
Tangena he went straight to his friend Rakota.

"Prince Rakota," he said, earnestly, "if your expressions of gratitude
to me are sincere you will save the life of this man."

"I will try," returned the Prince, "but the Queen is very angry just
now!"

When the Prince pleaded for the man's life Ranavalona asked of what he
was accused.

"Of praying to the Christians' God."

"Does he admit the charge?" demanded the Queen sternly.

"No--I believe not."

"Then, let the Tangena decide. It always speaks the truth. Our
ancestors thought so, and I will not change the customs of our
ancestors!" said this outrageously conservative queen.

Rakota, however, was a determined man and not easily foiled. Going
privately to those who had the management of the matter, he made use of
those mysterious arguments with which princes manage to attain their
ends, and afterwards told Mark the result, which was, according to
Hockins, that, "Mamba's grog was to be well-watered!" As Mark could do
nothing more for his friend he went with his companions to see the
result.

There was another man, accused of stealing, who was to be tested at the
same time. He was a strong sturdy pugnacious-looking man.

A good deal of ceremonial of course preceded the ordeal. Among other
things the poison had to be tested on two fowls. It killed them both
and was deemed too strong. Being diluted it was tried on two other
fowls, and killed neither. It was therefore considered rather weak. At
last, having been reduced to the exact strength which killed one fowl
and only sickened the other, the potion was administered to the reputed
thief, after a long prayer or invocation. For two hours there was no
result, but at the end of that time the pains began, and increased with
much violence, yet the man maintained his innocence. His agonies were
soon extreme. Amidst his torture he solicited medicine, but this was
refused. His bowels, he said, were writhing as if in knots. His groans
were awful. His eyes seemed ready to start from their sockets. His
countenance assumed a ghastly hue, and his entire frame was convulsed
with torture. Then he vomited violently, and, fortunately for him, the
three pieces of skin which he had swallowed made their appearance. He
was at once pronounced i