So the thing went on until at length Alan could bear no more of it.

"Lady," he said to the Asika when she paused for a moment from her
hand-clapping, "I am weary, I would sleep."

"What!" she exclaimed, "do you wish to sleep on such a glorious night
when so many evil doers are coming to their just doom? Well, well, go if
you will, for then my promise is off me and I can hasten this business
and deal with the wicked before the people according to our custom.
Good-night to you, Vernoon, to-morrow we will meet," and she called to
some priests to lead him away, and with him the Ogula cannibals whom she
had given to him as servants.

Alan went thankfully enough. As he plunged into one of the passages
the sound of frightful yelling reached his ears, followed by loud,
triumphant shouts.

"Now you gone they kill those who Bonsa smell out," said Jeekie. "Why
you no wait and see? Very interesting sight."

"Hold your tongue," answered Alan savagely. "Did you think so years ago
when you were put into that pen to be butchered?"

"No, Major," replied the unabashed Jeekie, "not think at all then, too
far gone. But see other people in there and know it not _you_, quite
different matter."

They reached their room. At the door of it Fahni and his followers were
led off to some quarters near by, blessing Alan as they went because he
had saved their lives.