After these events matters went on quietly for some time. I visited

Saduko's huts--very fine huts--about the doors of which sat quite a

number of his tribesmen, who seemed glad to see me again. Here I learned

from the Lady Nandie that her babe, whom she loved dearly, was none the

worse for its little accident. Also I learned from Saduko himself, who

came in before I left, attended like a prince by several notable men,

that he had made up his quarrel with Masapo, and, indeed, apologised to

him, as he found that he had not really meant to insult the princess,

his wife, having only thrust her over by accident. Saduko added indeed

that now they were good friends, which was well for Masapo, a man whom

the King had no cause to like. I said that I was glad to hear it, and

went on to call upon Masapo, who received me with enthusiasm, as also

did Mameena.

Here I noted with pleasure that this pair seemed to be on much better

terms than I understood had been the case in the past, for Mameena even

addressed her husband on two separate occasions in very affectionate

language, and fetched something that he wanted without waiting to be

asked. Masapo, too, was in excellent spirits, because, as he told me,

the old quarrel between him and Saduko was thoroughly made up, their

reconciliation having been sealed by an interchange of gifts. He added

that he was very glad that this was the case, since Saduko was now one

of the most powerful men in the country, who could harm him much if he

chose, especially as some secret enemy had put it about of late that he,

Masapo, was an enemy of the King's House, and an evil-doer who practised

witchcraft. In proof of his new friendship, however, Saduko had promised

that these slanders should be looked into and their originator punished,

if he or she could be found.

Well, I congratulated him and took my departure, "thinking furiously,"

as the Frenchman says. That there was a tragedy pending I was sure;

this weather was too calm to last; the water ran so still because it was

preparing to leap down some hidden precipice.

Yet what could I do? Tell Masapo I had seen his wife being embraced by

another man? Surely that was not my business; it was Masapo's business

to attend to her conduct. Also they would both deny it, and I had no

witness. Tell him that Saduko's reconciliation with him was not sincere,

and that he had better look to himself? How did I know it was not

sincere? It might suit Saduko's book to make friends with Masapo, and

if I interfered I should only make enemies and be called a liar who was

working for some secret end.




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