"Swear it by the bones of your grandfather!" commanded Keo,
remembering that black men have no tusks to swear by.
And Gouie swore it by the bones of his grandfather.
Then Keo swam to the black one, who clambered upon his back again.
In this fashion they came to the bank, where Keo told his mother and
all the tribe of the bargain he had made with Gouie, who was to
return in a year and a day and become his slave.
Therefore the black man was permitted to depart in peace, and once
more the Jolly One lived with his own people and was happy.
When a year and a day had passed Keo began watching for the return
of Gouie; but he did not come, then or ever afterwards.
For the black man had made a bundle of his bracelets and shell
necklaces and little gold ornaments and had traveled many miles into
another country, where the ancient and royal tribe of hippopotamuses
was unknown. And he set up for a great chief, because of his riches,
and people bowed down before him.
By day he was proud and swaggering. But at night he tumbled and
tossed upon his bed and could not sleep. His conscience troubled
him.
For he had sworn by the bones of his grandfather; and his
grandfather had no bones.
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