many happy years with the husband that he sends her; also that she will
remember him whom she called 'Black Dog,' in her prayers to the gods and
spirits of our people."

"It shall be done, brother, but why do you not return with us?"

"Because, brother, I have ties across the Black Water--dear children,
almost white--whom I love so much that I cannot leave them. Farewell,
brethren, the blessings of the Bonsas be on you, and may you grow fat
and prosper in the love and favour of our lady the Asika."

"Farewell," they murmured in answer. "Good fortune be your bedfellow."

Another minute and they had lifted up the litter and vanished at a
swinging trot into the shadow of the trees. Jeekie returned to the camp
and ordered the three men to re-stop the gateway with thorns, muttering
in their ears:

"Remember, brethren, one word of this and you die, all of you, as those
die who break the oath."

"Have we not sworn?" they whispered, as they went back to their posts.

Jeekie stood a while in front of the empty tent and if any had been
there to note him, they might have seen a shadow as of compunction creep
over his powerful black face.

"When he wake up he won't know where he are," he reflected, "and when
he get to Bonsa-Town he'll wonder where he is, and when he meet Asika!
Well, he very big blackguard; try to murder Major, whom Jeekie nurse as