n, Lord, who was to have been offered as a thank-
offering--what is to be done with her?" demanded Tiahuana.

"Let her be returned with all honour to her home and parent," answered
Harry. "Henceforth there are to be no burnt sacrifices, whether human
or otherwise."

Then Tiahuana, standing before the central altar, where he could be seen
by all, and heard by perhaps about half of the congregation, raising his
hand to command the attention of his audience, interpreted Escombe's
second message to them, adding the words "Go in peace!" and raising both
hands in a gesture of blessing, which he maintained until the last
person had passed out through the great eastern door. Meanwhile Maia,
the daughter of Umu and the destined victim of the thank-offering,
having not only heard but also understood everything that had
transpired, had fainted from excess of emotion produced by the revulsion
of feeling from that of lofty exaltation to relief and joy at her
reprieve from death--even though that death had come, through long
usage, to be regarded as more honourable and glorious than anything that
this life had to offer--and had been delivered to her father, who had
lost not a moment in conveying her back to the shelter of his roof.

"And now, Lord," said Tiahuana, "tell me, I pray you, what is to be done
in the matter of conducting the ceremonies in the temple, henceforth;
for Pachacamac's message seems to strike at the very root of our
religion, and until I am more fully instructed I know not what to do, or
how to proceed."

"Nay," said Harry reassuringly, for he saw that the old man was
intensely worried and distressed, "the matter is surely very simple.
All that you have to do is to transfer your adoration from the Sun to
Pachacamac, offering to him your prayers and praises instead of
addressing them to the Sun. Surely it is wiser and more reasonable to
worship Him who made all things, than it is to worship one of the things
that He has made? Do this, and ye shall do well. And if any doubts
should arise in your minds, come to me and I will resolve them. Also I
will instruct you from time to time in the truth concerning Pachacamac,
until his messengers shall arrive. And now, go in peace; for ye have
but to be obedient, and to instruct the people in the truth, even as you
yourselves shall be instructed, and all will be well."

Then Harry rose, and, escorted by the nobles, made his way out of the
building to the place whe