I pray you, therefore, keep the matter secret, at any rate for a while, seeing that the lives of many are at stake." "In this, my father," answered the prince, "I must do as the Messenger bids me; but if you desire it, take from me the right of succession and call back my brother from the northern mountains." "That by poison or the spear he may put all of us to death, Nodwengo! Be not afraid; ere long when he learns all that is happening here, your brother Hafela will come from the northern mountains, and the spears of his _impis_ shall be countless as the stars of the sky.

Messenger, you desire to draw us to the arms of your God--and myself, I am at times minded to follow the path of my son Nodwengo and seek a refuge there--but say, will they be strong enough to protect us from Hafela and the warriors of the north?
Already he gathers his clans, and already my captains desert to him.

By-and-by, in the spring-time--may I be dead before the day--he will roll down upon us like a flood of water----" "To fall back like waters from a wall of rock," answered Owen.

"'Let not your heart be troubled,' for my Master can protect His servants, and He will protect you.

But first you must confess Him openly, as your son has done." "Nay, I am too old to hurry," said the king with a sigh.