s to themselves? The idea was preposterous, since they
had nothing to gain by so doing, for Nam, it may be observed, was
ignorant of the value of rubies, which to him were only emblems employed
in their symbolical ceremonies. Think as he would, he could come to no
definite conclusion. One thing was clear, however, that it was now very
much to his interest to demonstrate their non-celestial origin, though
to do so would be to stultify himself and to prove that his judgment was
not infallible. Otherwise, did the "gods" succeed in establishing their
power, he and his authority seemed likely to come to a sudden end in
the jaws of that monster, which his order had fostered for so many
generations.

Thus reflected Nam in perplexity of soul, wishing to himself the while
that he had retired from his office before he was called upon to face
questions so difficult and so dangerous.

"I must be patient," he muttered to himself at last; "time will show the
truth, or, if the weather does not change, the people will settle the
matter for me."

As it chanced he had not long to wait, for just then there was a knock
upon his door.

"Enter," he said, arranging his goat-skin robe about his broad
shoulders.

A priest came in bearing a torch, for there was no window to the
chamber, and after him two women.

"Who is this?" said Nam, pointing to the second of the women.

"This is she who is servant to Aca, Father," answered the priest.

"How comes she here?" said Nam again. "I gave no orders that she should
be taken."

"She comes of her own free will, Father, having somewhat to say to you."

"Fool, how can she speak to me when she does not know our tongue? But
of her presently; take her aside and watch her. Now, Saga, your report.
First, what of the weather?"

"It is grey and pitiless, father. The mist is dense and no sun can be
seen."

"I thought it, because of the cold," and he drew his robe closer round
him. "A few more days of this----" and he stopped, then went on. "Tell
me of Jal, your lord."

"Jal is as Jal was, merry and somewhat drunken. He speaks our language
very ill, yet when he was last in liquor he sang a song which told of
deeds that he, and he whom they name the Deliverer, had wrought together
down in the south, rescuing the goddess Aca from some who had taken her
captive. At least, so I understood that song."

"Perhaps you understood it wrong," answered Nam. "Say, niece, do you
still worship this god?"

"