“As I have prophesied the breaking of the sacred circle has delivered us into the hands of the false magician, Eyes-in-the-hands. The daughter of Bakala is even now at the camp of the white man, whom they call Moonspirit.”
“Ehh!” commented Zalu Zako.
“The brother of Eyes-in-the-hands hath taken her in concubinage,” continued Bakahenzie.
Zalu Zako made no response. Grimly approached Marufa and squatted beside them.
“Even as I have prophesied,” commented Marufa, who never failed to seize an opportunity of suggestion.
“I bade him render up the Bride of the Banana; [pg 187] but she hath bitten his soul in his sleep. He held her in his arms. He breathed upon her so that she would not obey. The magic of this brother of Eyes-in-the-hands hath indeed rotted the livers of our people, for they fled like young jackals.”
“Eh!”
Zalu Zako stared cautiously at the compound fence; Marufa regarded Bakahenzie’s left knee with interest. For fully five minutes no word was said. Then Bakahenzie portentously:
“Tarum demands the brother of Eyes-in-the-hands, this Moonspirit, for if one be taken then will the other, Eyes-in-the-hands, wither away and the Unmentionable One will be revealed.”
“Thou hast spoken!” assented Marufa.