but in its way striking. On his shoulders he wore a cloak of shining
snakeskin; about his loins was a short kilt of the same material; and
round his forehead, arms and knees were fillets of snakeskin. At his
side hung his pouch of medicines, and in his hand he held no spear, but
a wand of ivory, whereof the top was roughly carved so as to resemble
the head of a cobra reared up to strike.

"King," he said, "I have heard the words of the prince, and I do not
think that this insult should have been put upon the Lady Noma, my ward,
or upon me, her guardian. Still, let it be, for I would not that
one should pass from under the shadow of my house whither she is not
welcome. Without my leave the prince named this woman as his queen, as
he had the right to do; and without my leave he unnames her, as he has
the right to do. Were the prince a common man, according to custom he
should pay a fine of cattle to be held by me in trust for her whom he
discards; but this is a matter that I leave to you, King."

"You do well, Hokosa," answered Umsuka, "to leave this to me. Prince,
you would not wish the fine that you should pay to be that of any common
man. With the girl shall be handed over two hundred head of cattle.
More, I will do justice: unless she herself consents, she shall not be
put away. Let the Lady Noma be summoned."

Now the face of Hafela grew sullen, and watching, Owen saw a swift
change pass over that of Hokosa. Evidently he was not certain of the
woman. Presently there was a stir, and from the gates of the royal house
the Lady Noma appeared, attended by women, and stood before the king.
She was a tall and lovely girl, and the sunlight flashed upon her
bronze-hued breast and her ornaments of ivory. Her black hair was
fastened in a knot upon her neck, her features were fine and small, her