rthrown and thou
shalt ascend the stool in her stead."

"I thank thee for these expressions of good-will," my friend said after
the remaining five had all spoken and assured us of staunch support. "I
remain in Mo with my black companions, and when the time cometh I am
ready to take a stand in the cause against tyranny and oppression."

"May the fetish be good," Niaro said, and as if with one voice they all
cried, "We will offer daily sacrifices for the success of our arms."

Together we then went to a small apartment, well-furnished in Arab style
with mats, low lounges, and tiny coffee-tables, and during the three
hours that followed the more minute details of this great conspiracy
against the tyrannical Naya were discussed and arranged, Goliba acting as
adviser upon various points.

As I sat listening to the conversation I fully realised the seriousness
of the great undertaking upon which we had embarked, and I confess my
confidence in our success was by no means deep-rooted, for it was
apparent that in the revolt, if revolt became necessary, the military
would act on the side of the Naya and suppress it with a firm, merciless
hand. What apparently was most feared by our fellow-conspirators was that
in commanding the suppression of the rebellion the Naya would give
orders for a general massacre of the people.

To guard against this, Niaro urged the secret assassination of the Naya
immediately preceding the revolt, but Omar, rising with that regal air he
now and then assumed, said:

"Give heed, O my friends, unto my words. I, Omar, Prince of Mo, will
never sanction the murder of my mother. A Sanom hath never been a
murderer. If this step be decided, I shall withdraw from the leadership
and depart."

"But canst thou not see, O Prince, that a massacre would strike panic
into the hearts of the people, and they would lay down their arms," Niaro
urged.

"We must prevent all bloodshed that is unnecessary," my friend replied.
"I am fully aware that in such a struggle as the coming one it must be
life for life, but I will never be a party to my mother's murder. If the
people of Mo desire the Naya's overthrow on account of her barbarous
treatment of her subjects and the bribery and corruption of her
officials, then I, to preserve the traditions of my ancestors, will lead
them, and act my part in their liberation, but only on the understanding
that not a hair of her head is injured."

The men grouped around nodded acqu