Part 28 (2/2)
”What is the object of all that?” inquired George.
John was chuckling at the idea, but it stirred up a reminiscence. ”That is a custom, in some of its features, that I learned about some tribes in central Africa. I can see the object of that rite. The taking of the gifts blindfolded signifies that he enters the marriage state blindly, and that he must do so in silence, and without asking any questions.”
”Of course, then, there is not any likelihood of them quarreling,” said Harry.
”That is what the Chief's wife said,” replied Mida.
”But what does all the talking mean?”
[Ill.u.s.tration: ”_The rites were progressing very satisfactorily_”
[See p. 196]]
”That is perfectly obvious. To show they can perfectly agree, even though they do talk.”
”But that is all before the real ceremony itself,” said George. ”How do they get married? That is the main thing.”
”Why,” said Mida, ”that is part of the marrying.”
”But they haven't promised anything. Marrying is promising.”
This occasioned another roar of merriment. ”Yes; marriage is a contract under our law, but not so with these people. The only question with them is whether they are suited to each other.”
”But suppose they should not want to marry each other, or one of them should object,” interposed Harry.
”Ah! don't you see there is where the prospective bride or groom, in that case has a chance. If, in the first test he should speak, or in the last trial she should fail to keep up the conversation, then it would be all off.”
Mida confided her plans to the Chief and his wife. They were a.s.sured that Cinda would not think of overriding the well-known laws as to the gifts, and the two tests, and so it was arranged that Sutoto should be permitted to bring his offerings, which he would no doubt do, by stealth, while the Chief and all the visitors were to partake of the banquet on board of the vessel that evening.
Sutoto and Cinda knew of the arrangements for the banquet, and that appeared to be a suitable occasion for them. When Sutoto appeared with the gifts he and Cinda were to be arrested by the Chief's warriors and brought aboard the vessel, charged with violating the law of the Chief in not first obtaining his permission.
The boys remained ash.o.r.e, and carefully watched the proceedings. How Sutoto got the presents the boys did not know, but they had a suspicion that Cinda had a hand in it. The boys laughed as they saw what a ridiculously short distance he had to go in a blindfolded state.
Securely hidden in what was George's chamber, where he pa.s.sed the first night of his captivity, they saw Sutoto with the offerings. Cinda took them, in silence, and disappeared, only to return instantly with the smoking viands.
”I call that quick work,” said Harry.
”Yes, that's swift cooking,” suggested George.
They ate in silence. ”I wonder where the bridesmaid is who intends to make them talk?”
”Why don't you see her standing behind Cinda?”
”You mean the servant?”
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