‘He is, you fool! It’s their way to hunt about like that when they well know where to find the victim. No, it’s too late to hide the cursed things now. God help you, Boville! I can do nothing.’ And Mr. Blank hurried out.

[Larger Image]

ODONTOGLOSSUM, CORONARIUM.
Painted from nature also Chromo by Macfarlane F.R.H.S.
Printed in London

‘Go to the Hun-to at least, sir—and to Mr. Martinez! Don’t leave me helpless to these devils!’

‘I’ll do all I can for you, but it’s worse than useless my stopping here.’

Perhaps it is necessary to observe that the Europeans in Whydah had long been subject to the King of Dahomey, ruled by a Viceroy. Each nationality had its official chief, called Hun-to by the English, and the Portuguese representative enjoyed particular consideration. Nevertheless, the Viceroy was their absolute master, and he obeyed the fetich men.

It is so easy to conceive poor Boville’s bewilderment and despair that I shall not dwell upon the situation. With feverish haste he concealed his orchids. Mr. Blank reappeared, with a rope fringed with strips of palm leaf, dry and crackling. This he threw round Boville’s neck.

‘They daren’t hurt you with that on!’ he cried. ‘Only the head priest can remove it! Go down! I’ve set drink on the table! Good-bye!’

The poor fellow obeyed, taking a pistol. All the servants were clustered at the door, wide-eyed, humming with terror and excitement. Presently the drums sounded nearer and nearer—the throng opened—the Vokhimen danced through, jibbering, curveting, posturing. He started at sight of the palm-leaf cord, but passed by, unheeding a glass of rum which Boville offered, and pranced upstairs. The agent was right. This devil knew where to look! He thumped about a while overhead, then capered down, with a bundle of orchids dangling on the iron stick. The glass was not refused this time. After drinking, the summoner touched Boville with his wand of office, saying, ‘Come! The snake calls you!’