He found Ranavalona suffering severely. Indeed, for some time previous to that her health had been failing, and she would gladly have had the advice of her Court Physician, but seemed to be ashamed to send for him after the way she had caused him to be treated. There is this to be said for her, that she would probably have liberated him long ago, but for the advice of her minister, Rainiharo, who was jealous of the young Englishman’s growing popularity as well as a hater of his religion.
After prescribing for the Queen and affording her some relief, he gave orders that she should be kept very quiet; that no noise was to be permitted in or near the palace. Then he left her apartments with the Secretary.
As they traversed one of the corridors, the latter told Mark that the order had been given for the execution of Ravonino and Voalavo.
“Was that order given by the Queen?” demanded Mark, flushing with indignation, while a gush of anxiety almost choked him.
“No, it was given by Rainiharo, who takes advantage of his position and the Queen’s illness.”
Just then a step was heard at the further end of the passage, and Hater of Lies advanced towards them with his badge of office, the silver spear, in his hand.
Like a flash of light an idea entered the young Englishman’s head! He had no time to think or plan—only to act. In the same moment, however, he offered up a silent prayer for help.
As the officer was about to pass, Mark snatched the spear from his hand and brought the handle of it down on its owner’s crown with such good-will that the Hater of Lies was laid flat upon the floor!
Thunder-struck, the Secretary gazed at his young companion. “You are ruined now!” he said.
“True, and you must be ruined along with me! Here, take the spear and act the part of the Hater of Lies.”