At the question the woman's lips began to tremble, and her eyes swam with tears.
"Ah! great doctor," she said, "why do you ask me of my husband?
Have you not heard that he has driven me away and that another takes my place ?" "Do I hear all the gossip of this town ?" asked Hokosa, with a smile.
"But come in and tell me the story; perchance I may be able to help you, for I have charms to compel the fancy of such faithless ones." The woman looked round, and seeing that there was no one in sight, she slipped swiftly through the gate of the kraal, which he closed behind her.
"Noma," said Hokosa, "here is one who tells me that her husband has deserted her, and who comes to seek my counsel.

Bring her milk to drink." "There are some wives who would not find that so great an evil," replied Noma mockingly, as she rose to do his bidding.
Hokosa winced at the sarcasm, and turning to his visitor, said:-- "Now tell me your tale; but say first, why are you so frightened ?" "I am frightened, master," she answered, "lest any should have seen me enter here, for I have become a Christian, and the Christians are forbidden to consult the witch-doctors, as we were wont to do.

For my case, it is----" "No need to set it out," broke in Hokosa, waving his hand.

"I see it written on your face; your husband has put you away and loves another woman, your own half-sister whom you brought up from a child." "Ah! master, you have heard aright." "I have not heard, I look upon you and I see.

Fool, am I not a wizard?
Tell me----" and taking dust into his hand, he blew the grains this way and that, regarding them curiously.