Now let them also behold the sacred snake around thee, and hear thy story, Ignosi, that they may say whether or no they will make cause with thee against Twala the king." By way of answer Ignosi again stripped off his girdle, and exhibited the snake tattooed about him.

Each chief in turn drew near and examined the sign by the dim light of the lamp, and without saying a word passed on to the other side.
Then Ignosi resumed his moocha, and addressing them, repeated the history he had detailed in the morning.
"Now ye have heard, chiefs," said Infadoos, when he had done, "what say ye: will ye stand by this man and help him to his father's throne, or will ye not?
The land cries out against Twala, and the blood of the people flows like the waters in spring.

Ye have seen to-night.

Two other chiefs there were with whom I had it in my mind to speak, and where are they now?
The hyaenas howl over their corpses.

Soon shall ye be as they are if ye strike not.