positively of your own knowledge that

"Ah, you knew that would happen, too," he said after a startled pause. "I know only this: that if in times of peace it was important to my government that M'tela's friendship be gained, it is ten times as important in time of war. I must go back and do my best." "But why?" she interjected eagerly. "This savage tribe--it is in the remote hinterland; it knows nothing of the white man or the white man's quarrels. What difference can it make?" "That is not my affair. For one thing, he is on the border." "But what difference of that? The border means nothing. The fate of their colonies will be fought in Europe, not here. What happens to this country depends on who wins there below." "Can you state positively of your own knowledge that no invasion or movement of German troops is planned across M'tela's country? On your sacred word of honour?" propounded Kingozi suddenly. "On my word of honour," she repeated slowly, "no such movement." "Do you know what you are talking about?" She was silent. "It doesn't sound reasonable--an invasion from that quarter--what could they gain either on that side or on this?" Kingozi ruminated. A sudden thought struck him. "And that there is no reason whatever, from my point of view as a loyal British subject, against my going out at this time? On your word?" "Oh!" she cried distressedly, "you ask such questions! How can I answer----" He stopped her with grave finality. "That is sufficient. I go back." She did not attempt to combat him. "I have done my duty, too," she said dully. "Mine is not the Viennese conscience. My parole; I must take that back. From to-morrow I take it back." "I understand. I am sorry. To-morrow I place my guard." "Oh, why cannot you have the sense?" she cried passionately. "I cannot bear it! That you must be blind! That I must kill you if I can, once more!" Kingozi smiled quietly to himself at this confession. "So you would even kill me?" he queried curiously.