were married, Soa, who had been my nurse for
many years, told us of the Great People her brethren, among whom she
wished to die."

"May her desire be gratified!" put in Otter.

"And said that if we would escort her thither we could buy many such
stones as that upon my brow, which she had brought with her from this
country and given to me. Then it was that I, desiring the playthings,
tormented my husband till he consented to lead me hither, though his
own heart spoke against it. So we came, and the journey was long and
terrible, but at last we reached the cliff yonder which borders the Land
of Mist, and it was then for the first time, when it was too late to go
back, that Soa told us the tale of the gods of your people, and showed
us that either we must do sacrilege and feign to be those gods come
back, as the prophecy promised, or perish miserably. Indeed this was her
plot, to set up false gods over you, having first told the secret to the
priests that she might gain honour with them and save herself alive.

"And now, Olfan, that is all the tale. We have played the game and we
have lost, or so it seems--that is, unless you help us;" and she clasped
her hands and looked upon him pleadingly.

The king dropped his eyes as though he were not willing to contemplate
the loveliness which, as he now learned, belonged to the white stranger
at Juanna's side.

"Have I not said that my power is little, Queen?" he answered somewhat
sullenly. "Also, why should I help those who came to this land to trick
us, and who have brought the anger of the gods upon its children?"

"Because we saved your life, Olfan, and you swore to be loyal to us."

"Had it not been for you, Queen, my life would not have been in danger;
moreover, I swore fealty to gods, and now the gods are mortals, upon
whom the true gods will be avenged. Why then should I help you?"

"Because we have been friends, Olfan. You shall help us for my sake."

"For your sake, Queen," he said bitterly, "for your sake, who tell me
that you are this man's wife and that you love him to the death. Nay,
this is much to ask. Had it been otherwise, had you been unwed and
willing to look upon me, the king of this land, with favour, then
doubtless I had died for your sake if there were need. But now--! Have
you then no better reasons to show why I should risk my life for you and
for these men?"

"I have two more reasons, King, and if they are not enough, then leave
us to our fate,