“Meji, God be praised,” Bola cried. “You gave me quite a turn. My heart is weak and I can no longer take surprises. When did you come? How did you come? By truck, by fishing boat? And how did you come into thehouse? The front door was locked. There are so many thieves nowadays. I’m so glad to see you, so glad,” shemumbled and wept, leaning against his breast.
“I’m glad to see you too, Mother,”
Pa Pa!
“Never mind how I came, Mother. “I’m here, and that’s all that matters.”
“We must make a feast, we must have a big feast. I must tell the neighbors at once. Asi, run this very minute toMr. Addai, the catechist, and tell him your papa is home. Then to Mami Gbera to ask her for extra provisions,and to Pa Babole for drummers and musicians . . .”
“Stop,”d. “This is all quite unnecessary. I don’t want to see anyone, no one at all. Iwish to rest quietly and completely. No one is to know I’m here.”
“They will know soon enough. Let us enjoy each other, all three of us, this time. Life istoo short.”