Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-03-16

me, Olfan, what became of the red stones
yesterday, and of him who had offended
in offering the stones to the god yonders"
1.-THE most Of them were cast into the
pit of waters, lord, there to be hidden for
ever. There were three hide sacks FULL
"Oh, heavenst" groaned Leonard when
Juanna had translated this. "Otter, you
have something to answer forl'
but the choicest" went on Olfan,
''were put in a smaller bag and tied about
the neck of the man who had offended.
There were not many, but among them
were the largest stones, that until yester
day shone in the eyes of the idol, stones
blue and red together; also there was that
stone, shaped like human heart, which
hitherto has been worn by the high priest
on the days of sacrifice, and with 1t the
image of the dwarf fashioned from sim
gle gem, and that of the water dweller cut
from the great blue stone and other small
er ones chosen because of their beauty and
also because they have been known for
long in the land, for, although many of
these pebbles are found where the priests
dig for them, but few are large and per
feet, and the art of shaping them is lost. +"
And what became of tho mani" Leon
ard asked, speaking as quietly as he could,
for his excitement was great.
Nay, do not know, - answered Olfan
~ only know that he was let down with
ropes into the home of the snake, and that
he gained that holy place. for it was told
to me that he dragged much rope after
him. perhaps as he fled before the snake
Now, it was promised to the man that
when he had laid the bag of stones in the
place of the snake, for the snake to guard
forever, his sins should be purged, and
should it please the water dweller to spare
him he should be drawn up again by the
ropes Thus Nam swore to him, but he
did not keep his oath, for when tho man
had entered the cave he babe those who
held the ropes to cast them loose, and
know not what happened to him, but
doubtless he is food for the snake None
who look upon that holy place may live to
see the sun again"
Il only hope that the brute did not
swallow the rubies as well as the bearer
said Leonard to Juanna mot that there
is much chance of our getting them any
way"
Then Olfan went, nor did he return till
the afternoon, when he announced that
Nam and his two principal priests waited
NiiHOut W sptdh Wild tHelu. JuHDHtt or
dered that they should be admitted, and
presently they came in. Their air was
humble, and their heads were bowed, but
Leonard saw fury cleaning in their som
Der eyes and was not deceived by this
mask of humility.
I'VE come, o we gods" said Nam, adj
dressing Juanna and Otter, who sat side
by side ON the thronelike chairs, I'VE come
to ask your will, for We have laid down a.
new law which we do not understand On
the third day from now is the feast of jail,
and 90 women are made ready to be of
fered to Jal that his wrath may besap-
pcased with their blood, and that he may
number their spirits among his servants
and withhold his anger from the People of
the Mist, giving them good season. This
has been the custom of the land for many
q generation, and whenever that custom
has been broken then the sun has not
shone, nor the corn grown, nor have the
cattle and the goats multiplied after their
kind, but now, o ye gods, We have pro-
claimed new law, and l, who am yet
your servant, come hither to ask your will!
How shall the feast go, and what sacrifice
shall be offered unto your
1.-The feast shall go thus, answered Jul
anna. 'Yo shall offer us a sacrifice indeed
To.oach of us ye shall offer an OK and
goat, and the OK and the goat shall be
given to the snake to feed him. but not
the flesh of men. Moreover, the feast shall
be held at noon, and not in the night
time"
% An OK and a goat-to each an OK and
goat?" said Nam humbly, but in voice
of bitterest sarcasm. LAS We will, SO let
it be, o yc gentle hearted gods, and the
festival shall be held at noon, and not in
the night season, as of old. AS We will, o
We kind gods. Your word is my law, o
AGA and o Jal!' and bowling to the
ground the aged man withdrew himself,
followed by his satellites.
THAT de- .iish priest makes my flesh
creep" said Juanna when she had trans
lated the words
'Oh, baas, baas, :" echoed Otter "why
did you not shoot him while you might?
Now he will surely live to throw us to the
snake"
As he spoke Soa advanced from behind
the thrones, where she had taken refuge
when Nam entered.
1t is not well for a dog who gives him
self out as a god to threaten the life of
one whom he has tricked," she said mean
ingly. Perchance the hour shall come
when the true god will avenge himself on
the false, and by the hand of his faithful
servant, whom you would do to DEATH you
base born dwarf. And before any one
could answer she left the chamber, casting
a malevolent look at Otter as she went.
THAT servant of yours makes my flesh
creep, Juanna, - said Leonard. lone thing
is clear enongh-we must not allow her to
overhear any more of our plans. She
knows great deal too much already"
l cannot understand what has come to
Soa, said Juanna She seems so
changed"
You made that remark before, Juan
ma For my part l don't think she is
changed. The sight of her amiable par
ent has developed her hidden virtues,
that is all.
no BE CONTINUED.