Say Yellow God my dearest friend and go mad as
hatter if my throat cut----"
Alan stopped his protestations with a secret kick.
"I choose no victims," he broke in, "nor will I see man's blood shed--to
me it is _orunda_--unholy; I may not look on human blood, and if you
cause me to do so, Asika, I shall hate you because you make me break my
oath."
The Asika reflected for a moment, while Jeekie behind muttered between
his chattering teeth:
"Good missionary talk that, Major. Keep up word in season, Major. If
she make Christian martyr of Jeekie, who get you out of this confounded
hole?"
Then the Asika spoke.
"Be it as you will, for I desire neither that you should hate me, nor
that you should look on that which is unlawful for your eyes to see. The
feasts and ceremonies you must attend, but if I can help it, no victim
shall be slain in your presence, not even that whimpering hound, your
servant," she added with a contemptuous glance at Jeekie, "who it seems,
fears to give his life for the glory of the god, but who because he is
yours, is safe now and always."
"That _very_ satisfactory," said Jeekie, rising from his knees, his face
wreathed in smiles, for he knew well that a decree of the Asika could
not be broken.
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