News of the trader's preoccupation spread about. Was he making medicine with which to harm the people? Surely not; he was a kind little man.
Was he communicating in some strange way with the absent Commissioner? That might be; better make sure.
The Chief became uneasy. At last he sent his principal headman to inquire.
This headman had received some education at the Mission school, so he wrote a polite letter to warn the trader of his coming.
Sir,
My greetings to the honest man the merchant. I hope you have slept well I am telling you that I have not seen you for a long time and it is my intention of coming to see how you get on. I am well and my wife is well. Now I must close my letter.
Your friend,
Gonye.
The envelope bore the address:
Mr. Shiler, Esq.,
The Merchant.