my men are cowards."

"That is certainly so," said the king. "Let all the wounded among
them be carried away; and for you, captain, who turn my soldiers into
cowards, you shall die a dog's death, hanging to-morrow on the Tree of
Doom. As for your regiment, I banish it to the fever country, there to
hunt elephants for three years, since it is not fit to fight with men."

"It is well," replied the captain, "since death is better than shame.
Only King, I have done you good service in the past; I ask that it may
be presently and by the spear."

"So be it," said the king.

"I crave his life, father," said the Prince Nodwengo; "he is my friend."

"A prince should not choose cowards for his friends," replied the king;
"let him be killed, I say."

Then Owen, who had been watching and listening, his heart sick with
horror, stood forward and said:--

"King, in the name of Him I serve, I conjure you to spare this man and
those others that are hurt, who have done no crime except to be driven
back by soldiers stronger than themselves."

"Messenger," answered the king, "I bear with you because you are
ignorant. Know that, according to our customs, this crime is the
greatest of crimes, for here we show no mercy to the conquered."