e will so let it be, O ye
gentle-hearted gods. And the festival shall be held at noon, and not in
the night season as of old. As ye will, O ye kind gods. Your word is my
law, O Aca, and O Jal;" and bowing to the ground the aged man withdrew
himself, followed by his satellites.

"That devilish priest makes my flesh creep," said Juanna, when she had
translated his words.

"Oh! Baas, Baas," echoed Otter, "why did you not shoot him while you
might? Now he will surely live to throw us to the Snake."

As he spoke Soa advanced from behind the thrones where she had taken
refuge when Nam entered.

"It is not well for a dog who gives himself out as a god to threaten
the life of one whom he has tricked," said she meaningly. "Perchance the
hour shall come when the true god will avenge himself on the false, and
by the hand of his faithful servant, whom you would do to death, you
base-born dwarf." And before anyone could answer she left the chamber,
casting a malevolent look at Otter as she went.

"That servant of yours makes _my_ flesh creep, Juanna," said Leonard.
"One thing is clear enough, we must not allow her to overhear any more
of our plans; she knows a great deal too much already."

"I cannot understand what has happened to Soa," said Juanna; "she seems
so changed."

"You made that remark before, Juanna; but for my part I don't think she
is changed. The sight of her amiable parent has developed her hidden
virtues, that is all."

CHAPTER XXV

THE SACRIFICE AFTER THE NEW ORDER

The third day came, the day of sacrifice after the new order. Nothing
particular had happened in the interval: Leonard and Francisco took some
walks through the city, guarded by Peter and the Settlement men; that
was all.

They did not see much there, except the exteriors of the houses built of
stone and roofed with turves, and the cold stare of curiosity with which
they were followed by hundreds of eyes gave them a sense of unrest that
effectually checked their efforts at closer examination. Once indeed
they halted in the market-place, which was thronged; whereon all
business ceased, and seller, buyer, herdsmen, and presiding priests
flocked around staring at them, half in fear and half in curiosity, for
they had never seen white men before. This they could not bear, so they
returned to the palace.

Of course Otter and Juanna, being divine, were not allowed to indulge in
such recreations. They were gods and must live up to their rep