ody
of the building. This arrangement involved the separation of the
party, but it was difficult to offer objections, so they were forced to
acquiesce in it. Presently women entered bearing food, boiled corn, milk
in bowls, and roasted flesh in plenty, of which Leonard and Francisco
ate with thankfulness.

Before they went to sleep Leonard looked into the courtyard, and was
somewhat alarmed to find that guards were stationed at every door, while
in front of those leading to the apartments of Juanna and Otter stood a
body of priests with torches in their hands. He made an effort to pass
through these guards in order to visit Juanna, but without a word
they lifted their great spears and stopped him, and for that time he
abandoned the attempt.

"Why do the priests stand before the door of the Shepherdess, Soa?"
asked Leonard.

"They guard the place of the gods," she answered. "Unless the gods will
it, none may enter there."

"Say, Soa," Leonard asked again, "are you not afraid of being here in
your own land?"

"I am much afraid, Deliverer, for if I am found out then I die. Yet many
years have gone by since I fled; few live who knew me, and, perchance,
none remember me. Also now I do not wear my hair after the fashion of
my people, and therefore I may escape, unless the priests discover me by
their magic. And now I would sleep."

On the following morning at dawn Leonard rose and, accompanied by
Francisco, walked into the courtyard. This time the soldiers did not try
to stop them, but the priests were still standing in front of Juanna's
door, looking like spectres in the grey mist. They went to them and
signified by signs that they would worship the Queen, but were sternly
refused admission in words which they could not understand, but that
Soa, who was listening, afterwards translated to them.

"The Mother had come to her home," said the spokesman, "and might be
profaned no more by the eyes of the vulgar. The Snake also was in his
home, and none should look upon him."

When arguments failed Leonard tried to force his way through, and was
met by a huge spear pointed at his throat. How things would have ended
it is difficult to say had not Juanna herself appeared at this juncture,
standing between the curtains of the doorway. At the sight of her the
priests and soldiers fell upon their faces, and Leonard had sufficient
presence of mind to follow their example, dragging Francisco down beside
him.

"What is this tu