Is not the plan good, Prince ?" "It is very good, Hokosa--save for one thing only." "For what thing ?" "This: the white man who is named Messenger might chance to be a true prophet of a true God, and to recover the king." "Oho, let him do it, if he can; but to do it, first he must know the poison and its antidote.

There is but one, and it is known to me only of all men in this land.

When he has done that, then I, yes, even I, Hokosa, will begin to inquire concerning this God of his, who shows Himself so mighty in person of His messenger." And he laughed low and scornfully.
"Prince, farewell! I go forth alone, whither you dare not follow at this hour, to seek that which we shall need.

One word--think not to play me false, or to cheat me of my price; for whate'er betides, be sure of this, that hour shall be the hour of your dooming.

Hail to you, Son of the King! Hail! and farewell." Then, removing the door-board, the wizard passed from the hut and was gone.
***** The vision changed.