follow."

CHAPTER X

THE SECOND TRIAL BY FIRE

When this momentous discussion was finished, as usual Owen preached
before the king, expounding the Scriptures and taking for his subject
the duty of faith. As he went back to his hut he saw that the snake
which John had killed had been set upon a pole in that part of the
Great Place which served as a market, and that hundreds of natives were
gathered beneath it gesticulating and talking excitedly.

"See the work of Hokosa," he thought to himself. "Moses set up a serpent
to save the people; yonder wizard sets up one to destroy them."

That evening Owen had no heart for his labours, for his mind was heavy
at the prospect of the trial which lay before him. Not that he cared for
his own life, for of this he scarcely thought; it was the prospects of
his cause which troubled him. It seemed much to expect that Heaven again
should throw over him the mantle of its especial protection, and yet
if it did not do so there was an end of his mission among the People of
Fire. Well, he did not seek this trial--he would have avoided it if
he could, but it had been thrust upon him, and he was forced to choose
between it and the abandonment of the work which he had undertaken with
such high hopes and pushed so far toward success. He did not choose the
path, it had been pointed out to him to walk upon; and if it ended in a
precipice, at least he would have done his best.

As he thought thus John entered the hut, panting.

"What is the matter?" Owen asked.

"Father, the people saw and pursued me because of the death of that
accursed snake. Had I not run fast and escaped them, I think they would
have killed me."

"At least you have escaped, John; so be comforted and return thanks."

"Father," said the man presently, "I know that you are great, and can do
many wonderful things, but have you in truth power over lightning?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because a great tempest is brewing, and if you have not we shall
certainly be killed when we stand yonder on the Place of Fire."

"John," he said, "I cannot speak to the lightning in a voice which it
can hear. I cannot say to it 'go yonder,' or 'come hither,' but He Who
made it can do so. Why do you tempt me with your doubts? Have I not
told you the story of Elijah the prophet and the priests of Baal? Did
Elijah's Master forsake him, and shall He forsake us? Also this is
certain, that all the medicine of Hokosa and his wizards will not tur