Page:The land of fetish.pdf/299

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care of them, and have authority over them. I am also to live on friendly terms with her people." (To this the interpreter added:—"The Queen is ready for peace or war, whichever you like.")

Buaki. "I have come down to stop all those small leaks in the roof which have been giving trouble of late. If I cannot do this, we must have a new roof." (The interpreter rendered this—"I also have come for peace.")

Rowe. "I will think over the business I have to do in this part, and then I will arrange when and where I can assemble the officers of the Government who are fitting to be present when this matter is discussed. As I said before, the rain is coming. I hope you did not suffer from the rain."

Buaki. "I did not."

Rowe. "I hope all your people are well."

Buaki. "They are all well. I thank you for the care you have taken of my people."

Rowe. "I am glad they gave me a good name to you. I hope you found the road fairly comfortable?"

Buaki. "I was very comfortable on the road. I am sorry that my sickness prevented my meeting you at home."

Rowe. "I hope you will be well soon, and I hope you are not in a hurry to go home. You may feel a