"'Does a buck walk into an open pit ?' Set out your message, and we will consider it." "Nay, I am but a common man without authority; but I am charged to make you another offer, and if you will not hear it then there is an end.
Let Hokosa advance alone to that flat rock you see yonder, and there he shall be met, also alone, by one having power to talk with him, namely, by the Lady Noma, who was once his wife.

Thus they can confer together midway between the camps and in full sight of both of them, nor, no man being near, can he find cause to be afraid of an unarmed girl.

What say you ?" Hokosa turned and talked with the king.
"I think it well that you should not go," said Nodwengo.

"The offer seems fair, and the stone is out of reach of their spears; still, behind it may lurk a scheme to kill or capture you, for Hafela is very cunning." "It may be so, King," answered Hokosa; "still, my heart tells me it is wisest that I should do this thing, for our case is desperate, and if I do it not, that may be the cause of the death of all of us to-morrow.
At the worst, I am but one man, and it matters little what may chance to me; nor shall I come to any harm unless it is the will of Heaven that it should be so; and be sure of this, that out of the harm will arise good, for where I go there the spirit of the Messenger goes with me.

Remember that he bade you listen to my counsel while I remain with you, seeing that I do not speak of my own wisdom.