It was evident, he said, that there had been events which might have caused enmity to arise in the mind of Masapo against Saduko, by whom Masapo had been struck with a stick.

Therefore, although a reconciliation had taken place, there seemed to be a possible motive for revenge.

But if Masapo killed the child, there was no evidence to show how he had done so.
Moreover, that infant, his own grandson, had not died of any known disease.

He had, however, died of a similar disease to that which had carried off certain others with whom Masapo had been mixed up, whereas more, including Saduko himself, had been sick and recovered, all of which seemed to make a strong case against Masapo.
Still, he and his Councillors wished not to condemn without full proof.
That being so, they had determined to call in the services of some great witch-doctor, one who lived at a distance and knew nothing of the circumstances.

Who that doctor should be was not yet settled.