To this end he made his preparations.

For Noma he left no message; for though his heart still hungered after her, he knew well that she hated him and would rejoice at his death.
When all was ready he sat down to think a while, and as he thought, a man entered his hut saying that the Messenger desired to see him.

At first he was minded not to go, then it occurred to him that it would be well if he could die with a clean heart.

Why should he not tell all to the white man, and before he could be delivered up to justice take that poison which he had prepared?
It was impossible that he should be forgiven, yet he desired that his victim should learn how deep was his sorrow and repentance, before he proved it by preceding him to death.

So he rose and went.
He found Owen in his house, lying in a rude chair and propped up by pillows of bark.