King, I am your servant," and giving him the royal salute, Hokosa rose and left his presence.
"At the least there goes a man," said Nodwengo, as he watched him depart.
"Of whom do you speak, King ?" asked Owen, who at that moment entered the royal house.
"Of him whom you must have touched in the door-way, Messenger, Hokosa the wizard," answered the king, and he told him of what had passed between them.

"I said," he added, "that he was a man, and so he is; yet I hold that I have done wrong to listen to your pleading and to spare him, for I am certain that he will bring bloodshed upon me and trouble on the Faith.

Think now, Messenger, how full must be that man's heart of secret rage and hatred, he who was so great and is now so little! Will he not certainly strive to grow great again?
Will he not strive to be avenged upon those who humbled him and the religion they have chosen ?" "It may be," answered Owen, "but if so, he will not conquer.

I tell you, King, that like water hidden in a rock there is good in this man's heart, and that I shall yet find a rod wherewith to cause it to gush out and refresh the desert." "It is more likely that he will find a spear wherewith to cause your blood to gush out and refresh the jackals," answered the king grimly; "but be it as you will.

And now, what of your business ?" "This, King: John, my servant, has returned from the coast countries, and he brings me a letter saying that before long three white teachers will follow him to take up the work which I have begun.