Mary took the one glass the tribe had. She gave one glassful to each chief
to show that there was no trick and that the barrels and bottles were
really filled with gin. Then she spoke to them about fighting. "If all of
you go to your homes and don't fight," said Mary, "I'll promise to send the
stuff after you. I must go away. I have been sick and I must go where I can
get strong again. I am going across the great waters to my home. I shall be
away many moons. Will you promise me that you will not fight while I am
gone? It will make me very happy if you will make that promise. It will
make me sad if you don't, for I will always be wondering whether you are
fighting and hurting one another."
"I will promise," said the chief of the village, "if the other chief will."
All the warriors looked at the chief whose son had been hurt. For a long
time he said nothing. His tribe had always been fighters. It would be hard
for them to give up fighting. The chief rubbed his chin. He scratched his
head.
"Yes, Ma," he said finally, "I will promise that we will not fight while
you are gone." The two villages kept the promise made by their
chiefs. When Mary came back the two chiefs could say, "It is peace."
Mary was very tired. Slowly she tramped through the hot jungle. After many
hours she came to Ekenge.
"We have sent your trunks and things on ahead," said Chief Edem.
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