"Well," said Johnson, after some reflection, "your plan is a good one, and we will try it. If Brand condemns himself, out of his own mouth, we need ask for no further proof;" and so the matter was decided.
That afternoon the two conspirators took Tera and Tolai into their confidence. Tera did not like Brand, and quite believed in his guilt. She was more enraged than afraid on hearing of the plot against her life, and insisted upon seeing him then and there, to taunt him with its failure. It was with the utmost difficulty that Johnson kept her in the house, but ultimately she consented to remain with Jack while the minister saw Mrs. Hoppus. During his absence both Tera and her lover instructed Tolai in the part he was to play. Tolai was quick-witted and cunning: he hated Niga and Niga's tool, Korah Brand; therefore he was quite ready to snare the man to his own undoing. Both Johnson and Finland were loth to resort to such underhand means, but, considering the exigencies of the case, they considered no choice was left them.
In an hour Johnson returned with the intelligence that he had been successful in securing the co-operation of Sister Hoppus. From the account he gave this had been no very easy task.
"She has a great opinion of the man," said he, "and looks upon him as a devout Christian. When I enlightened her, she at first refused to believe me. But I argued with her, and explained myself at length. I pointed out that an innocent man was in danger of his life for Brand's sin. Ultimately, she came round so far as to say that she would hide us in the room next to Brand's parlour.
"Does she now believe him guilty?" asked Jack.
"No, she will not believe until she is convinced by his own words, so I have arranged that she shall wait with us, and hear what passes."
"That is of no use," put in Tera. "Misi Brand will talk to Tolai in our own tongue."
"So I told Sister Hoppus. Still, when we learn the truth, we can come out and force Brand to confess it in her presence. She will then be convinced. Brand is expected home to his supper at seven o'clock to-night, so we will go to the house at half-past six, and hide in the next room."
"What about Tolai?"
"Tolai will present himself at the door somewhere about seven, and ask to see Brand. Then he must do his best to make the man confess."