There was a fleeting gleam of satisfaction in Ofesi's eye as he rose to embrace his blood-friend; but then he did not know how Bosambo treated his brother.
The Akasava chief and his two and twenty canoes paddled homeward at daybreak, and Bosambo saw them off.
When they were gone, he turned to his headman.
"Tell me, Solonkinini," he said, "what have we done with this Tolinobo who stays with us?"
"Lord, we build him a new hut this morning in your lordship's shadow."
Bosambo nodded.
"First," he said, "you shall take him to the secret place near the Crocodile Pool and stake him out. Presently I will come, and we will ask him some questions."
"Lord, he will not answer," said the headman. "I myself have spoken with him."
"He shall answer me," said Bosambo, significantly, "and you shall build a fire and make very hot your spears, for I think this Tolinobo has something he will be glad to tell."
Bosambo's prediction was justified by fact.