And Agoo was promptly made prisoner by the fierce enemies of the Cantanas. There would be a feast indeed, with two captives instead of one.
The newcomer also carried the flag of truce—the tuft of white feathers; but the emblem would be of no avail if the report of the hunters would be unfavorable.
“I would speak to my tribesman,” he said, “here, where all may hear.”
They brought Oomah and formed a circle around the two.
“I am the bearer of a message,” the newcomer greeted the emaciated youth, “from the fathers of the tribe.”
Oomah grunted. “Why have you come to add to my suffering? I know that I am an outcast, and I am ready to die.”
“No! You must come back with me. Your work is finished. Your reward will be great. Choflo’s place shall be yours. That is the message I bear.”
Oomah stared blankly at the speaker.
“How can I return without the evidence? I do not even know that the Black Phantom is dead. And besides, we are both captives,” he replied.
“We have proof that the sacred mission has been fulfilled. By signs that cannot be doubted has it been shown that the spectre that brought desolation to the earth was slain by the magic arrow just seven settings of the sun past.”