But perchance, Hokosa, there are some in this town who may use them as messengers to the prince"-- and he looked at him keenly.
"I think not, King," said Hokosa.

"None but a fool would make use of women to carry secret words or tidings.

Their tongues are too long and their memories too bad, or too uncertain." "Yet I have heard, Hokosa, that you have made use of women in many a strange work.

Say now, what were you doing upon a night a while ago with that fair witch-wife if yours yonder in the burying-place of kings, where it is not lawful that you should set your foot?
Nay, deny it not.
You were seen to enter the valley after midnight and to return thence at the dawn, and it was seen also that as she came homewards your wife walked as one who is drunken, and she, whom it is not easy to frighten, wore a face of fear.

Man, I do not trust you, and were I wise I should hunt you hence, or keep you so close that you could scarcely move without my knowledge.
"Why should I trust you ?" Nodwengo went on vehemently.