I shook my head.
“It won’t do, old man. Such an absurd story, coming from us, his enemies, would be enough to condemn us.”
We sat thinking over the situation for a time, and then Joe exclaimed abruptly:
“I have it! We will get Wi-to to tell the story.”
“That’s better,” I said, relieved. “He ought to be sober enough to act the part tomorrow. But in the meantime what are we to do with the governor’s wife and daughter? They are in no further danger, so we needn’t keep them cooped up in that room any longer.”
“Send for them,” suggested Joe.
So we asked Nux to summon the two maids, and soon they toddled timidly into our presence.
“Ko-Tua,” said I, solemnly, “you may go home and put on your widow’s gown.”
“What you mean, Sam?” she asked, eagerly.
“Why, your respected husband, the admirable old villain Mai Lo, has had the kindness to commit suicide.”