Now he was wasted almost to a shadow, and in the pale pinched face his dark eyes, always large and spiritual, shone with unnatural lustre, while his delicate hands were so thin that when he held them up in blessing the light showed through them.
"Welcome, friend," he said.

"Tell me, why have you deserted me of late?
Have you been ill ?" "No, Messenger," answered Hokosa, "that is, not in my body.

I have been sick at heart, and therefore I have not come." "What, Hokosa, do your doubts still torment you?
I thought that my prayers had been heard, and that power had been given me to set them at rest for ever.

Man, let me hear the trouble, and swiftly, for cannot you who are a doctor see that I shall not be here for long to talk with you?
My days are numbered, Hokosa, and my work is almost done." "I know it," answered Hokosa.

"And, Messenger, _my_ days are also numbered." "How is this ?" asked Owen, "seeing that you are well and strong.