"Now, friend," said Alan in Asiki, "why did you wish to stab me?"
"Because I hate you," answered the man, "who to-morrow will take my
place and the wife I love."
"As a year or two ago you took someone else's place, eh? Well, suppose
now that I don't want either your place or your wife."
"What would that matter even it if were true, white man, since she wants
you?"
"I am thinking, friend, that there is someone else she will want when
she hears of this. How do you suppose that you will die to-morrow? Not
so easily as you hope, perhaps."
The Mungana's eyes seemed to sink into his head, and his face to sicken
with terror. That shaft had gone home.
"Suppose I make a bargain with you," went on Alan slowly. "Supposing
I say: 'Mungana, show me the way out of this place, as you can, now at
once. Or if you prefer it, refuse and be given up to the Asika?' Come,
you are not too mad to understand. Answer--and quickly."
"Would you kill me afterwards?" he asked.
"Not I. Why should I wish to kill you? You can come with us and go where
you will. Or you can stay here and die as the Asika directs."
"I cannot believe you, white man.
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