“Yet I have heard, Hokosa, that you have made use of women in many a strange work.  Say now, what were you doing upon a night a while ago with that fair witch-wife if yours yonder in the burying-place of kings, where it is not lawful that you should set your foot?  Nay, deny it not.  You were seen to enter the valley after midnight and to return thence at the dawn, and it was seen also that as she came homewards your wife walked as one who is drunken, and she, whom it is not easy to frighten, wore a face of fear.  Man, I do not trust you, and were I wise I should hunt you hence, or keep you so close that you could scarcely move without my knowledge.

“Why should I trust you?” Nodwengo went on vehemently.  “Can a wizard cease from wizardry, or a plotter from his plots?  No, not until the waters run upward and the sun shines at night; not until repentance touches you and your heart is changed, which I should hold as much a marvel.  You were my father’s friend and he made you great; yet you could plan with my brother to poison him, your king.  Nay, be silent; I know it, though I have said nothing of it because one that is dear to me has interceded for you.  You were the priest of the false god, and with that god are fallen from your place, yet you have not renounced him.  You sit still in your kraal and pretend to be asleep, but your slumber is that of the serpent which watches his time to strike.  How do I know that you will not poison me as you would have poisoned my father, 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,” answered Hokosa in a humble voice, but with dignity, “his path is plain:  let him put me to death and sleep in peace.  Who am I that I should full the ears of a king with my defence against these charges, or dare to wrangle with him?”

“Long ago I should have put you to death, Hokosa,” answered Nodwengo sternly, “had it not been that one has pleaded for you, declaring that in you there is good which will overcome the evil, and that you who now 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 to take the blood of men save upon full proof, and against you as yet I have no proof.  Still, Hokosa, be warned in time and let your heart be turned before the grave claims your body and the Wicked One your soul.”

“I thank you, King, for your gentle words and your tender care for my well-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 the old days, or your brother would kill me now, did either of them hate or fear me, than live on in safety, owing my life to a new law and a new mercy that do not befit the great ones of the world.  King, I am your servant,” and giving him the royal salute, Hokosa rose and left his presence.

“At the least there goes a man,” said Nodwengo, as he watched him depart.