reconciled, the proffering to Jal of that
which reminded him of the sin of long ago was a wickedness that might
bring a curse upon the land. Let the Snake be appeased. Command had been
given that all such stones should be hidden in a secret place by him who
had wrought the crime, and, as he had said, if the man returned alive
from that place he should be slain. But he would not return alive,
for to go thither was death, as it should be death henceforth even to
mention that stone, of which but one should now be seen in the land,
that which the Mother wore in memory of the past.

"O Otter, my friend," murmured Leonard to himself, "if I don't make you
pay for this, my name is not Outram!"

But enough of the stones, went on Nam; he had come upon a more important
matter. That night an assembly of all the tribe would be held in the
great temple an hour before moonrise, that the Mother and the Snake
might take up their royalty in the presence of the people. Thither they
would come to lead them and their servants at the appointed time. Was
this pleasing to the gods?

Juanna bent her head in assent, and the priest turned to go with many
obeisances; but before he went he spoke again, asking if all things were
as the gods desired.

"Not altogether, my servant," answered Juanna. "It is our will that
these, our other servants, should have free access to us at all times
and without question. Also, it is our will that their food should be
brought to them with our food. Moreover, it is the desire of the Snake
that no more grass should be given to him to eat; for now, in these
latter days, having put on the flesh of men, he needs that which will
support the flesh. One thing more, my servant; the Snake forgives the
affront that was offered him, and I command that some of the greatest
of the holy stones should be brought to me, that I may look on the blood
which I shed so long ago."

"Alas! it may not be, Mother," answered the priest in tones of sorrow.
"All the stones, both red and blue, have been placed in bags of hide and
cast into that place whence they can be brought no more, together with
him who offended. Nor can others be gathered at this season of the year,
seeing that deep snow covers the place where they lie buried. In the
summer, when the sun has melted the snow, more can be found, if your
eyes still desire the sight of them."

Juanna made no reply, and the priest went.

"Here is a pretty business," said Leonard. "Tha