Also he was informed that the mask he wore was, as he had guessed, a kind of undress uniform without which he must never appear, since for anyone except the Asika herself to look upon the naked countenance of an individual so mysteriously mixed up with Little Bonsa, was sacrilege of the worst sort.

Indeed Jeekie assured him that the priests who had put on the headdress when he was insensible were first blindfolded.
This news depressed Alan very much, since the prospect of living in a linen mask for an indefinite period was not cheerful.

Recovering, he chanted a query as to the fate of the Ogula crew and their chief Fahni.
"Not de-ad," intoned Jeekie in reply, "and not gone back.

A-all alive-O, somewhere behind there.

Fanny very sick about it, for he think Asiki bring them along for sacrifice, poo-or beg-gars." Finally he inquired where Little Bonsa was and was answered that he himself as its lawful guardian, was sitting on the fetish in its tin box, tidings that he was able to verify by groping beneath the cushions.
After this his voice gave out, though Jeekie continued to sing items of interesting news from time to time.