Still they might have been interested in the nocturnal conversation of those two owls, which, as is common with such magical fowl in West Africa, had transformed themselves into human shapes, the shape of Jeekie and the shape of an Asiki priest, who was, as it happened, a blood relation of Jeekie.
"Very good, Brother," said Owl No.

1; "all you want is this white man whom the Asika desires for a husband.

Well, I have done my best for him, but I must think of myself and others, and he goes to great happiness.
I have given him something to make him sleep; do you come presently with eight men, no more, or we shall kill you, to the fence of the camp, and we will hand over the white man, Vernoon, to you to take back to the Asika, who will give you a wonderful reward, such a reward as you have never imagined.

Now let me hear your word." Then Owl No.

2 answered: "Brother, I make the bargain on behalf of the army, and swear to it by the double Swimming Head of Bonsa.