royal house of Sanom, hereby
proclaim myself Naba of Mo."

Again cheers rang through the vaulted hall, and presently, when the
excitement had once more died down, he added, gazing round with a regal
air:

"About me here I see those who have borne arms in my cause, and to each
and every one I render thanks. How much we may all of us deplore the loss
of so many valuable lives death is nevertheless the inevitable result of
any recourse to arms. At least, we have the satisfaction of knowing that
our cause was a just one, and by the sacred memory of our ancestors I
swear that my rule shall be devoid of that cruelty and tyranny that have
disgraced the later pages of my beloved country's history. I, Omar, am
your ruler; ye are my people. Obey the laws we promulgate and the good
counsels of our advisers, and security both of life and property shall be
yours. From this moment human sacrifices to our great god Zomara--to whom
all praise be given for this victory of our arms--are abolished. But our
first and foremost word from this, our seat of royalty, is that the life
of the Naya shall be spared. Your Naba hath spoken."

A visible look of disappointment overspread the countenances of those
around me. All had, in their wild enthusiasm, desired to wreak their
vengeance upon the unjust queen, but this royal decree forbade it. There
even went forth murmurs of disapproval, and Omar, hearing them, said in a
loud, serious voice:

"A Sanom hath never allowed his kinsman to be murdered, therefore
although the Naya hath plotted to take my life, she shall be held
captive, and not die. Let not a hair of her head be touched, or he who
lifteth his hand against her shall be brought before me, and I will not
spare him. Enough blood hath been already shed since the going down of
the sun; let not another life be wasted."

Then calling Goliba, Kona, Niaro, and myself up to his side upon the
royal dais, he continued:

"These, my friends, who have assisted me to gain this, my kingdom, are
deserving of reward, and this shall at once be given them. Goliba, whom
all know as a sage and upright man----"

Cheers, long and ringing, here interrupted his words. When quiet had been
restored he continued:

"Goliba shall retain his position as chief of our royal councillors, and
shall be also Grand Vizier of Mo. Niaro, a trusty governor to whom all
who have appealed have met with justice, is appointed Custodian of the
Gate of Mo, in place of Babila,