The Work of A Lazy Man 7

The boy studied the two men, fixing his eyes on their old, worn out suits. Then he gestured to them to stay put as he darted inside. It was surely a tensed moment and Atiaba could feel his heart beat painfully against his chest. The look in Emeroua's face was that of confusion Atiaba thought what a stupid fellow he is.

Then the door whizzed wide open, bringing in the presence of the pot-belly Alhaji. "Yes what may I do for you", he grunted, setting his eyes fixed on the visitors. "Sir, there is an evil in your house", Atiaba said, bowing sheepishly, "an evil that will surely affect your household and crumble your business".

The Alhaji's face took up a thoughtful countenance, leaving another moment's tension. Then he said, "come in", waving casually at the visitors. The sitting room was a magnificent setting of affluence and class. Atiaba and his friend were offered seats. On the Alhaji's prompting, they repeated the message, reminding the Alhaji of the consequence should certain conditions be ignored.