That is for the smellers-out to decide," and without more words he turned and left me.
Next day Masapo was put upon his trial before a Court of Councillors, over which the King himself presided, a very unusual thing for him to do, and one which showed the great interest he took in the case.
At this court I was summoned to give evidence, and, of course, confined myself to answering such questions as were put to me.

Practically these were but two.

What had passed at my wagons when Masapo had knocked over Nandie and her child, and Saduko had struck him, and what had I seen at Saduko's feast when Masapo had kissed the infant?
I told them in as few words as I could, and after some slight cross-examination by Masapo, made with a view to prove that the upsetting of Nandie was an accident and that he was drunk at Saduko's feast, to both of which suggestions I assented, I rose to go.

Panda, however, stopped me and bade me describe the aspect of the child when I was called in to give it medicine.
I did so as accurately as possible, and could see that my account made a deep impression on the mind of the court.

Then Panda asked me if I had ever seen any similar case, to which I was obliged to reply: "No, I have not." After this the Councillors consulted privately, and when we were called back the King gave his judgment, which was very brief.