“And ye knew not how to use it,” said Vasualevu.
“Then,” said Nkio, the herald, “if it be peace show us now this magic stick, for we know that ye have it hidden.”
“We cannot show it to you.”
“Why?”
“We dare not, lest the gods of the foreigners be angry.”
“This is foolishness,” muttered the elders of Valekau. “What peace is this when we ask and are refused? We pray you, show us the stick.”
“Be not angry, O chiefs of Valekau, but in truth we know not where it is.”
Then the anger of Valekau was roused, and they said, “Ye are befooling us! Have ye forgotten how ye refused us before?” And they began to go out from the house.
Then Koronumbu of Rara spoke. “Why do ye hide the truth in doubtful sayings? Know then, chiefs of Valekau, that we never had this stick ye speak of, but when ye sent to beg it of us shame came upon us that we had it not, and we could not tell you, fearing that ye would despise us.”