eart."

"Nonsense, my friend," said Leonard; "don't talk like that about dying.
We can none of us afford to die just at present--that is, unless we are
obliged to do so. Your nerves are upset, and no wonder! As for 'the evil
of your heart,' I wish that most men had as little--the world would be
better. Come, go to sleep; you will feel very differently to-morrow."

Francisco smiled sadly and shook his head, then he knelt and began to
say his prayers. The last thing that Leonard saw before his eyes closed
in sleep was the rapt girlish face of the priest, round which the light
of the taper fell like an aureole, as he knelt muttering prayer after
prayer with his pale lips.

It was nine o'clock before Leonard awoke next morning--for they had not
slept till nearly four--to find Francisco already up, dressed, and, as
usual, praying. When Leonard was ready they adjourned to Juanna's room,
where breakfast was prepared for them. Here they found Otter, looking
somewhat disturbed.

"Baas, Baas," he said, "they have come and will not go away!"

"Who?" asked Leonard.

"The woman, Baas: she who was given to me to wife, and many other
women--her servants--with her. There are more than twenty of them
outside, Baas, and all of them very big. Now, what shall I do with
her, Baas? I came here to serve you and to seek the red stones that you
desire, and not a woman tall enough to be my grandmother."

"I really don't know and don't care," answered Leonard. "If you will be
a god you must take the consequences. Only beware, Otter: lock up your
tongue, for this woman will teach you to speak her language, and she may
be a spy."

"Yes, Baas, I will see to that. Is not my name Silence, and shall women
make me talk--me, who have always hated them? But--the Baas would not
like to marry her himself? I am a god, as you say, though it was you who
made me one, Baas, not I, and my heart is large; I will give her to you,
Baas."

"Certainly not," answered Leonard decidedly. "See if the breakfast is
ready. No, I forgot, you are a god, so climb up into the throne and look
the part, if you can."

As he spoke, Juanna came from her room, looking a little pale, and
they sat down to breakfast. Before they had finished their meal, Soa
announced that Olfan was waiting without. Juanna ordered him to be
admitted, and presently he entered.

"Is all well, Olfan?" asked Juanna.

"All is well, Queen," he answered. "Nam and three hundred of his
following he