This brought back my nausea, and I collapsed on the mealie-stalks till the fit passed.

Again the voice spoke, this time from close at hand.
'You are paying the penalty of being a fool, Mr Storekeeper.

You are young to die, but folly is common in youth.

In an hour you will regret that you did not listen to my advice at Umvelos'.' I clawed at my wits and strove to realize what he was saying.

He spoke of death within an hour.