"Sacrifice there must be, since it is the custom and we may not defraud the gods, but you shall not see the deed.

Judge from this, Vernoon, how greatly I desire to please you." Now Alan, looking about him, saw that immediately beneath the dais and between them and the edge of the water, were gathered his cannibal friends, the Ogula, and Fahni their chief who had rowed him to Asiki-land, and with them the messengers whom they had sent on ahead.
Also he saw that their arms were tied behind them and that they were guarded by men dressed like devils and armed with spears.
"Ask Fahni why he and his people are bound, Jeekie," said Alan, "and why have they not returned to their own country." Jeekie obeyed, putting the question in the Ogula language, whereon the poor men turned and began to implore Alan to save their lives, Fahni adding that he had been told they were to be killed that night.
"Why are these men to be slain ?" asked Alan of the Asika.
"Because I have learned that they attacked you in their own country, Vernoon," she answered, "and would have killed you had it not been for Little Bonsa.

It is therefore right that they should die as an offering to you." "I refuse the offering since afterwards they dealt well with me.

Set them free and let them return to their own land, Asika." "That cannot be," she replied coldly.

"Here they are and here they remain.