Catching the executioner on the point of the chin, he knocked him straight backwards in such fashion that his head struck upon the floor before any other portion of his body, so that he lay there either dead or stunned.

Alan never learned which, since the matter was not thought of sufficient importance to be mentioned.
At this sight the Asika burst into a low laugh, then asked Alan why he had felled the executioner.

He answered because he would not stand by and see two innocent men butchered.
"Why not," she said in an astonished voice; "if Little Bonsa, whose priests they are, needs them, and I, who am the Mouth of the gods declare that they should die?
Still, she has been in your keeping for a long while and you may know her will, so if you wish it, let them live.
Or perhaps you require other victims," and she fixed her eyes upon Jeekie with a glance of suggestive hope.
"Oh my golly!" gasped Jeekie in English, "tell her not for Joe, Major, tell her most improper.

Say Yellow God my dearest friend and go mad as hatter if my throat cut----" Alan stopped his protestations with a secret kick.
"I choose no victims," he broke in, "nor will I see man's blood shed--to me it is _orunda_--unholy; I may not look on human blood, and if you cause me to do so, Asika, I shall hate you because you make me break my oath." The Asika reflected for a moment, while Jeekie behind muttered between his chattering teeth: "Good missionary talk that, Major.

Keep up word in season, Major.