as
powerful, how is it that their vengeance has not fallen upon other
peoples who slay without hesitation the animals so dear to them?"

"That is what I have often wondered," Chebron said, falling readily
into the snare, for he and Amuba had had many conversations on such
subjects, and points were constantly presenting themselves which he
was unable to solve.

An hour later, when a servant entered and told Chebron and Amuba that
Ameres wished to speak to them, the former had recovered to some
extent from the nervous excitement under which he had first suffered.
The two lads bowed respectfully to the high priest, and then standing
submissively before him waited for him to address them.

"I have sent for you both," he said after a pause, "because it seems
to me that although Amuba was not himself concerned in this sad
business, it is probable that as he was engaged with you at the time
the popular fury might not nicely discriminate between you." He paused
as if expecting a reply, and Amuba said quietly:

"That is what I have been saying to Chebron, my lord. I consider
myself fully as guilty as he is. It was a mere accident that his arrow
and not mine was turned aside from the mark we aimed at, and I am
ready to share his lot, whether you decide that the truth shall be
published at once, or whether we should attempt to fly." Ameres bowed
his head gravely, and then looked at his son.

"I, father, although I am ready to yield my wishes to your will, and
to obey you in this as in all other matters, would beseech you to
allow me to denounce myself and to bear my fate. I feel that I would
infinitely rather die than live with this terrible weight and guilt
upon my head."

"I expected as much of you, Chebron, and applaud your decision,"
Ameres said gravely.

Chebron's face brightened, while that of Amuba fell. Ameres, after a
pause, went on:

"Did I think as you do, Chebron, that the accidental killing of a cat
is a deadly offense against the gods, I should say denounce yourself
at once, but I do not so consider it."

Chebron gazed at his father as if he could scarce credit his sense of
hearing, while even Amuba looked surprised.

"You have frequently asked me questions, Chebron, which I have either
turned aside or refused to answer. It was, indeed, from seeing that
you had inherited from me the spirit of inquiry that I deemed it best
that you should not ascend to the highest order of the priesthood; for
if so, the