the
words of Jal. Do his bidding and mine, or die, you disobedient servant."

This was the end of it. Nam was beaten; for the first time in his life
he must own a master, and that master the gods whom he had himself
discovered and proclaimed.

"So be it," he said suddenly. "The old order passes, and the new order
comes. So be it! Let your will be done, O Aca and O Jal. I have striven
for your glory, I have fed your altars, and ye threaten me with death
and put away my gift. Priests, set free that man who was king. People,
have your way, forget your ancient paths, pluck the white flower of
peace--and perish! I have said."

So he spoke from on high, shaking his clenched fists above his hoary
head, and was gone. Then the executioners unbound the limbs of the
ex-king, and he rose from the stone of death.

"Olfan," cried Juanna from on high, "you that were the king, we, who
have taken your kingship, give you life, and liberty, and honour; see
that in reward you serve us well, lest again you should lie upon that
bed of stone. Do you swear fealty to us?"

"For ever and for ever. I swear it by your holy heads," answered Olfan.

"It is well. Now under us once more we give you command of the armies of
this people, our children. Summon your captains and your soldiers. Bid
those that brought us hither lead us back whence we came, and there set
guards about us, so that none trouble us. For you, our people, for this
time fare you well. Go in peace to dwell in peace beneath the shadow of
our strength."

CHAPTER XXIV

OLFAN TELLS OF THE RUBIES

It was at this juncture that Francisco recovered his senses. "Oh!" he
gasped, opening his eyes and sitting up, "is it done, and am I dead?"

"No, no, you are alive and safe," answered Leonard. "Stay where you are
and don't look over the edge, or you will faint again. Here, take my
hand. Now, you brute," and he made energetic motions to the surviving
priest, indicating that he must lead them back along the path by which
they had come, at the same time tapping his rifle significantly.

The man understood and started down the darksome tunnel as though he
were glad to go, Leonard holding his robe with one hand, while with the
other he pressed the muzzle of the loaded rifle against the back of his
neck. Francisco followed, leaning on Leonard's shoulder, for he could
not walk alone.

As they had come so they returned. They passed down the steps of stone
which were hollowed in the bo