The Mungana's eyes seemed to sink into his head, and his face to sicken
with terror. That shaft had gone home.

"Suppose I make a bargain with you," went on Alan slowly. "Supposing
I say: 'Mungana, show me the way out of this place, as you can, now at
once. Or if you prefer it, refuse and be given up to the Asika?' Come,
you are not too mad to understand. Answer--and quickly."

"Would you kill me afterwards?" he asked.

"Not I. Why should I wish to kill you? You can come with us and go where
you will. Or you can stay here and die as the Asika directs."

"I cannot believe you, white man. It is not possible that you should
wish to run away from so much love and glory, or to spare one who
would have slain you. Also it would be difficult to get you out of
Bonsa-town."

"Jeekie," said Alan, "this fellow is mad after all, I think you had
better go to the door and shout for the priests."

"No, no, lord," begged the wretched creature, "I will trust you; I will
try, though it is you who must be mad."

"Very good. Stand over him, Jeekie, while I put on my things and, yes,
give me that mask. If he stirs, kill him at once."

So Alan made himself ready. Then he mounted guard over the Mungana, as
did Jeekie, although he shook his head over their prospect of escape.