we will hand over the white man, Vernoon, to you to take back to the
Asika, who will give you a wonderful reward, such a reward as you have
never imagined. Now let me hear your word."

Then Owl No. 2 answered:

"Brother, I make the bargain on behalf of the army, and swear to it by
the double Swimming Head of Bonsa. We will come and take the white man,
Vernoon, who is to be Mungana, and carry him away. In return we promise
not to follow or molest you, or any others in your camp. Indeed, why
should we, who do not desire to be killed by the dreadful magic that
you have, a magic that makes a noise and pierces through our bodies from
afar? What were the words of the Asika? 'Bring back Vernoon, or perish.
I care for nothing else, bring back Vernoon to be my husband.'"

"Good," said Owl No. 1, "within the half of an hour Vernoon shall be
ready for you."

"Good," answered Owl No. 2, "within half an hour eight of us will be
without the east face of your camp to receive him."

"Silently?"

"Silently, my brother in Bonsa. If he cries out we will gag him. Fear
not, none shall know your part in this matter."

"Good, my brother in Bonsa. By the way, how is Big Bonsa? I fear that
the white man, Vernoon, hurt him very much, and that is why I give him
up--because of his sacrilege."