So the two Swedes approached the village of Kovudoo with friendly
words upon their tongues and deep craft in their hearts.
Their plans were well made. There was no mention of the white
prisoner--they chose to pretend that they were not aware that
Kovudoo had a white prisoner. They exchanged gifts with the old
chief, haggling with his plenipotentiaries over the value of what
they were to receive for what they gave, as is customary and proper
when one has no ulterior motives. Unwarranted generosity would
have aroused suspicion.
During the palaver which followed they retailed the gossip of the
villages through which they had passed, receiving in exchange such
news as Kovudoo possessed. The palaver was long and tiresome, as
these native ceremonies always are to Europeans. Kovudoo made no
mention of his prisoner and from his generous offers of guides and
presents seemed anxious to assure himself of the speedy departure
of his guests. It was Malbihn who, quite casually, near the close
of their talk, mentioned the fact that The Sheik was dead. Kovudoo
evinced interest and surprise.
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