Great One, doubtless.
Well, we shall learn in time; and meanwhile, I pray you, Master,
remember that she says she _is_ affianced, and that in this land men are
very jealous even of a white god who rises from the sea."

"Of course I shall remember," I answered sharply. "Have I not had enough
of women who are affianced?"

"By your prayer of the moon this night, which the moon answered so well
and quickly, one might think not. Also this daughter of hers is fair,
and perchance when she gave her hand she kept her heart. Listen again,
Master. Of me and of whom I am, say nothing, save that you found me on
this island where I dwelt a hermit when you rose from the sea. As for
my name, why, it is Zapana. Remember that if you breathe my rank and
history, however much sweet lips may try to cozen them out of you, you
bring me to my death, who now do not wish to die, having a vengeance to
accomplish and a throne to win. Therefore treat me as a dog, as one of
no account, and be silent even in your sleep."

"I will remember, Kari."

"That is not enough--swear it."

"Good. I swear it--by the moon."

"Nay, not by the moon, for the moon is woman and changes. Swear it by
this," and from beneath his skin robe he drew out the golden image of
Pachacamac. "Swear it by the Spirit of the Universe, of whom Sun and
Moon and Stars are but servants, the Spirit whom all men worship in this
shape or in that."

So to please him I laid my hand upon the golden symbol and swore. Then,
very hurriedly, we made up a tale of how, clad in my armour, I had risen
from the sea and found him on the island, and how knowing me for a white
god who once in ages past had visited that land and who, as prophecy
foretold, should return to it in days to come, he had worshipped me and
become my slave.

This done we went down to the rock, Kari walking after me and bearing
all our small possessions and with them Deleroy's sword. Passing round
the rock we saw the _balsa_ drawn up to the sand, and by it the lady
Quilla, who now had put off her fine robes and again was attired as a
fishing-girl as I had seen her in my dream, and with her two tall girls
in the same scanty garments. When these saw me in the glittering armour,
which in our long idle hours we had polished till it shone like silver,
with the shield upon my arm and the casque upon my head and the great
sword girded about my middle and the black bow in my hand, they screamed
with fear and fell upon their face