"
"I want my son to be buried in a box like the white people," said Chief
Edem. "Will Bwana Ovens make a fine box for my son?"
"I will make a coffin for your son if you will let the prisoners go free,"
said Mr. Ovens.
"No, no," said Chief Edem.
"Then I will not make a box for you."
"Well, then I will let some go free," said Chief Edem.
"No, you must not let them go free," said Ekponyong.
"If I want to let them go free, I can," said Chief Edem. "I am chief, don't
forget that."
"Show that you are a great and wise chief," said Mary. "Let them all go
free."
Chief Edem thought a while. Then he spoke.
"If Bwana Ovens will make a fine box for my son then I will let all go free
but Mojo, Otinga, and Obwe," said Chief Edem.
"But why keep them?" asked Mary.
"Mojo and Otinga are related to Etim's mother. They planned bad things
against my boy. Obwe is related to Chief Akpo who has run away because he
is guilty. Now if I let these others go will you build me a box Bwana
Ovens?"
"Yes, I will build you a box," said Mr. Ovens.
"Please let the three go free, too," said Mary. "They have done you no
wrong."
"We have done more for you than we have ever done before. We will do
nothing else," said Chief Edem. He turned his back on Mary and walked away.
People from other villages came to take part in the wild parties that were
always held when there was a funeral.
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