It seemed that he would not have long to wait, for reasons that have been told.
"Why do you sit here like a vulture on a rock," asked the girl Noma, whom he had taken to wife, "when you might be yonder with Hafela, preparing him by your wisdom for the coming war ?" "Because I am a king-vulture, and I wait for the sick bull to die," he answered, pointing to the Great Place beneath him.

"Say, why should I bring Hafela to prey upon a carcase I have marked down for my own ?" "Now you speak well," said Noma; "the bull suffers from a strange disease, and when he is dead another must lead the herd." "That is so," answered her husband, "and, therefore, I am patient." It was shortly after this conversation that the old king died, with results very different from those which Hokosa had anticipated.

Although he was a Christian, to his surprise Nodwengo showed that he was also a strong ruler, and that there was little chance of the sceptre slipping from his hand--none indeed while the white teacher was there to guide him.
"What will you do now, Hokosa ?" asked Noma his wife upon a certain day.
"Will you turn to Hafela after all ?" "No," answered Hokosa; "I will consult my ancient lore.Listen.

Whatever else is false, this is true: that magic exists, and I am its master.

For a while it seemed to me that the white man was greater at the art than I am; but of late I have watched him and listened to his doctrines, and I believe that this is not so.