Listen----" and he told her of the talk that had passed between himself and the king.
"The white man has read you as he reads in his written books," she answered, with a little laugh.

"Well, I said that he would be too clever for you, did I not?
It does not matter to me, for to-morrow I go upon my journey, and you can settle it as you will." "Ay!" answered Hokosa, grinding his teeth, "it is true that he has read me; but this I promise you, that all books shall soon be closed to him.
Yet how is it to be done without suspicion or discovery?
I know many poisons, but all of them must be administered, and let him work never so cunningly, he who gives a poison can be traced." "Then cause some other to give it and let him bear the blame," suggested Noma languidly.
Hokosa made no answer, but walking to the gate of the kraal, which was open, he leaned against it lost in thought.

As he stood thus he saw a woman advancing towards him, who carried on her head a small basket of fruit, and knew her for one of those whose business it was to wait upon the Messenger in his huts, or rather in his house, for by now he had built himself a small house, and near it a chapel.

This woman saw Hokosa also and looked at him sideways, as though she would like to stop and speak to him, but feared to do so.
"Good morrow to you, friend," he said.

"How goes it with your husband and your house ?" Now Hokosa knew well that this woman's husband had taken a dislike to her and driven her from his home, filling her place with one younger and more attractive.