THE EATING OF THE FRUIT The woman slipped away secretly.

When she had gone Hokosa bade his wife bring the basket of fruit into the hut.
"It is best that the butcher should kill the ox himself," she answered meaningly.
He carried in the basket and set it on the floor.
"Why do you speak thus, Noma ?" he asked.
"Because I will have no hand in the matter, Hokosa.

I have been the tool of a wizard, and won little joy therefrom.

The tool of a murderer I will not be!" "If I kill, it is for the sake of both of us," he said passionately.
"It may be so, Hokosa, or for the sake of the people, or for the sake of Heaven above--I do not know and do not care; but I say, do your own killing, for I am sure that even less luck will hang to it than hangs to your witchcraft." "Of all women you are the most perverse!" he said, stamping his foot upon the ground.
"Thus you may say again before everything is done, husband; but if it be so, why do you love me and tie me to you with your wizardry?
Cut the knot, and let me go my way while you go yours." "Woman, I cannot; but still I bid you beware, for, strive as you will, my path must be your path.

Moreover, till I free you, you cannot lift voice or hand against me." Then, while she watched him curiously, Hokosa fetched his medicines and took from them some powder fine as dust and two tiny crowquills.