Mental Solitude 
It was said that if Enigbio had spoken to any 
one while the brass crook was in his hand, he 
would have lost his head. I did not believe this 
story until I happened to see Areh in a rage. 
Accompanied by my interpreter alone, 1 called 
to pay my respects. When he appeared, his 
countenance was darkened by a scowl that com¬ 
pletely transformed it. As he did not seem dis¬ 
posed to converse, I thought it safest to retire. 
On turning to go, I saw crowds entering the gate 
and prostrating themselves as if in humble sup¬ 
plication. At the gate I met a man whose head 
was covered with ashes and whose face dis¬ 
played the most abject terror. I did not learn 
what his fate was, but after seeing Areh’s face 
that day, I knew he was capable of any ferocious 
deed to sustain his authority. 
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