Three days later it was announced that according to the custom of thewomen of the People of Fire, Noma having given birth to a still-bornchild, was about to start upon a journey to the Mount of Purification.
Here she would abide awhile and make sacrifice to the spirits of herancestors, that they might cease to be angry with her and in futureprotect her from such misfortunes. This not unusual domestic incidentexcited little comment, although it was remarked that the four matronsby whom she was to be accompanied, in accordance with the tribaletiquette, were all of them the wives of soldiers who had deserted toHafela. Indeed, the king himself noticed as much when Hokosa made thecustomary formal application to him to sanction the expedition.
"So be it," he said, "though myself I have lost faith in such rites.
Also, Hokosa, I think it likely that although your wife goes out withcompany, she will return alone.""Why, King?" asked Hokosa.
"For this reason--that those who travel with her have husbands yonderat the town of the Prince Hafela, and the Mount of Purification is onthe road thither. Having gone so far, they may go farther. Well, letthem go, for I desire to have none among my people whose hearts turnotherwhere, and it would not be wonderful if they should choose toseek their lords. But perchance, Hokosa, there are some in this townwho may use them as messengers to the prince"--and he looked at himkeenly.
"I think not, King," said Hokosa. "None but a fool would make use ofwomen to carry secret words or tidings. Their tongues are too long andtheir memories too bad, or too uncertain.""Yet I have heard, Hokosa, that you have made use of women in many astrange work. Say now, what were you doing upon a night a while agowith that fair witch-wife if yours yonder in the burying-place ofkings, where it is not lawful that you should set your foot? Nay, denyit not. You were seen to enter the valley after midnight and to returnthence at the dawn, and it was seen also that as she came homewardsyour wife walked as one who is drunken, and she, whom it is not easyto frighten, wore a face of fear. Man, I do not trust you, and were Iwise I should hunt you hence, or keep you so close that you couldscarcely move without my knowledge.
"Why should I trust you?" Nodwengo went on vehemently. "Can a wizardcease from wizardry, or a plotter from his plots? No, not until thewaters run upward and the sun shines at night; not until repentancetouches you and your heart is changed, which I should hold as much amarvel. You were my father's friend and he made you great; yet youcould plan with my brother to poison him, your king. Nay, be silent; Iknow it, though I have said nothing of it because one that is dear tome has interceded for you. You were the priest of the false god, andwith that god are fallen from your place, yet you have not renouncedhim. You sit still in your kraal and pretend to be asleep, but yourslumber is that of the serpent which watches his time to strike. Howdo I know that you will not poison me as you would have poisoned myfather, or stir up rebellion against me, or bring my brother's /impis/on my head?""If the King thinks any of these things of his servant," answeredHokosa in a humble voice, but with dignity, "his path is plain: lethim put me to death and sleep in peace. Who am I that I should fullthe ears of a king with my defence against these charges, or dare towrangle with him?""Long ago I should have put you to death, Hokosa," answered Nodwengosternly, "had it not been that one has pleaded for you, declaring thatin you there is good which will overcome the evil, and that you whonow are an axe to cut down my throne, in time to come shall be a roof-tree for its support. Also, the law that I obey does not allow me totake the blood of men save upon full proof, and against you as yet Ihave no proof. Still, Hokosa, be warned in time and let your heart beturned before the grave claims your body and the Wicked One yoursoul.""I thank you, King, for your gentle words and your tender care for mywell-being both on earth and after I shall leave it. But I tell you,King, that I had rather die as your father would have killed me in theold days, or your brother would kill me now, did either of them hateor fear me, than live on in safety, owing my life to a new law and anew mercy that do not befit the great ones of the world. King, I amyour servant," and giving him the royal salute, Hokosa rose and lefthis presence.
"At the least there goes a man," said Nodwengo, as he watched himdepart.
"Of whom do you speak, King?" asked Owen, who at that moment enteredthe royal house.
"Of him whom you must have touched in the door-way, Messenger, Hokosathe wizard," answered the king, and he told him of what had passedbetween them. "I said," he added, "that he was a man, and so he is;yet I hold that I have done wrong to listen to your pleading and tospare him, for I am certain that he will bring bloodshed upon me andtrouble on the Faith. Think now, Messenger, how full must be thatman's heart of secret rage and hatred, he who was so great and is nowso little! Will he not certainly strive to grow great again? Will henot strive to be avenged upon those who humbled him and the religionthey have chosen?""It may be," answered Owen, "but if so, he will not conquer. I tellyou, King, that like water hidden in a rock there is good in thisman's heart, and that I shall yet find a rod wherewith to cause it togush out and refresh the desert.""It is more likely that he will find a spear wherewith to cause yourblood to gush out and refresh the jackals," answered the king grimly;"but be it as you will. And now, what of your business?""This, King: John, my servant, has returned from the coast countries,and he brings me a letter saying that before long three white teacherswill follow him to take up the work which I have begun. I pray thatwhen they come, for my sake and for the sake of the truth that I havetaught you, you will treat them kindly and protect them, rememberingthat at first they can know little of your language or your customs.""I will indeed," said the king, with much concern. "But tell me,Messenger, why do you speak of yourself as of one who soon will be buta memory? Do you purpose to leave us?""No, King, but I believe that ere long I shall be recalled. I havegiven my message, my task is well-nigh ended and I must be turninghome. Save for your sakes I do not sorrow at this, for to speak truthI grow very weary," and he smiled sadly.
*****Hokosa went home alarmed and full of bitterness, for he had neverguessed that the "servant of the Messenger," as he called Nodwengo theKing, knew so much about him and his plans. His fall was hard to him,but to be thus measured up, weighed, and contemptuously forgiven wasalmost more than he could bear. It was the white prophet who had donethis thing; he had told Nodwengo of his, Hokosa's, share in the plotto murder the late King Umsuka, though how he came to know of thatmatter was beyond guessing. He had watched him, or caused him to bewatched, when he went forth to consult spirits in the place of thedead; he had warned Nodwengo against him. Worst of all, he had daredto treat him with contempt; had pleaded for his life and safety, sothat he was spared as men spare a snake from which the charmer hasdrawn the fangs. When they met in the gate of the king's house yonderthis white thief, who had stolen his place and power, had even smiledupon him and greeted him kindly, and doubtless while he smiled, by aidof the magic he possessed, had read him through and gone on to tellthe story to the king. Well, of this there should be an end; he wouldkill the Messenger, or him............