tell you what had happened."

"Exactly," said Leonard, "to tell me that you have murdered my best
friend, and one who was but lately your god. I thank you for your news,
Nam, and now, if I might make bold to ask it, what are your plans with
reference to ourselves--I mean until it suits you to send us after our
companions?"

"Believe me, Deliverer, my plan is to save your lives. If the others
have been sacrificed it was no fault of mine, for there are forces
behind me that I cannot control even when I guide them. The land is in
confusion and full of strange rumours. I know not what may happen during
the next few days, but till they are over you must lie hid. This is a
poor place in which to dwell, but there is none other safe and secret.
Still, here is another chamber which you can use; perchance you have
already seen it," and placing his hand upon what appeared to be a
latch, he opened the second door which Leonard had noticed previously,
revealing a cell of very similar construction to that in which they
were, and of somewhat larger size.

"See, Deliverer," he went on, "here is the place," and he stepped
forward to enter the cell, then drew back as though in courtesy to allow
Leonard to pass in before him.

For once Leonard's caution forsook him, for at the moment he was
thinking of other things. Almost mechanically he passed the threshold.
Scarcely were his feet over it when he remembered the character of his
host and the lodging, and turned quickly to come back.

It was too late, for even as he turned the heavy timber door closed in
his face with a crash, and he was caged.

CHAPTER XXXIV

NAM'S LAST ARGUMENT

For a moment Juanna stood stupefied; for the manoeuvre had been so
sudden that at first she could scarcely realise its results.

"Now, Shepherdess," began Nam blandly, "we can talk in private, for I
have words to say to you which it is not fitting that other ears should
hear."

"You fiend," she answered fiercely; then comprehending that violence or
remonstrance would be useless, she added, "Speak on, I hear you."

"Listen, Shepherdess, and for your own sake I implore you, do not give
way to grief or rage. I swear to you that no harm shall come to yonder
man if you will but do my bidding. Shepherdess, you are found out; I
know, and the people know, that you are no goddess. It had been safer to
sacrifice you to-day, but partly because of the pleading of my daughter
who loves you, and partly for