26o THE WOODLANDS ORCHIDS 



surrounded by men with torches still unlit. All the popula- 

 tion was gathered round the holy area. 



Mr. Blank came back with others. ' Listen,' he said. 

 ' They are going to put you — unbound — in a hole, cover 

 you with reeds, and set them alight. You must spring up 

 and run to the nearest water, all these brutes after you. But 

 I have arranged with many of them, and they will intercept 

 the others. Now mark, for your life may depend on it ! 

 The law is that one who kills a snake shall be cut and hacked 

 till he reaches water ! They expect you to make for the river, 

 but there is a pond on the very edge of the fetich wood 

 yonder ! See ? You make for that ! You can't miss it if 

 you go straight between the torches and the temple. You 

 understand ? Now summon your courage, man, and run 

 for your life.' 



He wrung Boville's hand. The executioners seized their 

 victim and hurried him to the shed, amidst a furious tumult 

 — roaring, singing, beating of drums, and blaring of cow- 

 horns — thrust him into the hole, and heaped combustibles over 

 him. The instant he was free Boville sprang up, but the 

 reeds flared as quick as gunpowder. All ablaze he ran — the 

 savage crew pursuing. But they mostly expected him on 

 the river side. With but little hurt, save burns, he reached 

 the pool and leapt in. 



It is satisfactory to add that Boville did not suffer in 

 health or fortune by this dread experience. He became the 

 richest trader in Whydah, a special favourite with the natives. 

 But he collected no more orchids. 



