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THE GREAT SWING.
37

LESSON XI.
THE GREAT SWING.
Continued.

When Pare was found dead the tribe was terribly angry, and held a council to decide what they should do, for the death of so illustrious a lady was no common loss. They vehemently accused Hutu of having caused her death, which he denied, saying that he could not help himself and that her declaration to him was undesired and unsolicited. The people, however, would not listen to reason, but insisted that as Pare was dead Hutu should die in satisfaction for her. Hutu was made prisoner. He said, “It is good that someone should die as payment for Pare, but I pray you to give me a little time before I die. Do not kill me for three days.” The tribe agreed to this, and Hutu went to the house which they had appointed for him in the village.

When he found himself alone in his house, he sat down and repeated incantations and spells such as priests recite when they think of death. His spirit left his body and travelled down the death-path to the Land of Shadows, the realm of the Great Lady of Night. When he arrived he asked, “Where is Pare?” The