ur father's mind, and with those,
being king, you will be able to deal. Also this is the virtue of the
poison which I choose, that it is swift, yet the symptoms of it are the
symptoms of a natural sickness. But that your safety and mine may be
assured, I have made yet another plan, though of this there will be
little need. You were present two days since when a runner came from the
white man who sojourns beyond our border, he who seeks to teach us, the
Children of Fire, a new faith, and gives out that he is the messenger of
the King of heaven. This runner asked leave for the white man to visit
the Great Place, and, speaking in the king's name, I gave him leave. But
I warned his servant that if his master came, a sign should be required
of him to show that he was a true man, and had of the wisdom of the King
of Heaven; and that if he failed therein, then that he should die as
that white liar died who visited us in bygone years.

"Now I have so ordered that this white man, passing through the Valley
of Death yonder, shall reach the Great Place not long before the king
drinks of the cup of the first-fruits. Then if any think that something
out of nature has happened to the king, they will surely think also that
this strange prayer-doctor has wrought the evil. Then also I will call
for a sign from the white man, praying of him to recover the king of his
sickness; and when he fails, he shall be slain as a worker of spells and
the false prophet of a false god, and so we shall be rid of him and
his new faith, and you shall be cleared of doubt. Is not the plan good,
Prince?"

"It is very good, Hokosa--save for one thing only."

"For what thing?"

"This: the white man who is named Messenger might chance to be a true
prophet of a true God, and to recover the king."

"Oho, let him do it, if he can; but to do it, first he must know the
poison and its antidote. There is but one, and it is known to me only
of all men in this land. When he has done that, then I, yes, even I,
Hokosa, will begin to inquire concerning this God of his, who shows
Himself so mighty in person of His messenger." And he laughed low and
scornfully.

"Prince, farewell! I go forth alone, whither you dare not follow at this
hour, to seek that which we shall need. One word--think not to play
me false, or to cheat me of my price; for whate'er betides, be sure of
this, that hour shall be the hour of your dooming. Hail to you, Son of
the King! Hail! and farewel