about it, for it was cleverly
worded, seeming to approve, though in satire only.

* * * * *

When the day for the slaughter arrived, there were but a thousand
appeared with their babes out of the ninety thousand adjudged to
death--all the rest having fled to the forest as had Chojon.

The King saw an excuse in this to get out of killing his own son, and
stood pondering how to escape his own decree. His wife, Betraj, came
before him, holding out her son, saying:

"Here, oh King, take thou thy flesh and blood and prove the inexorable
justice of the King's decrees."

But the King said:

"Let the officers go and collect all the others who have fled beyond the
walls, and until all are gathered here before me, no matter how long it
takes, let the decree be suspended."

Now the God, Mazda, moved the soldiers' minds to see that their King had
not the backbone to enforce his own decree when it hurt himself and
they, one and all, took up stones and stoned the King to death.

Asha, standing stripped for the slaughter, was made King by the clamor
of the men who stoned So-qi to death.

A great voice came out of the sky and announced to the people that God
had given them a new and righteous ruler. Asha bowed his head and
accepted the task put upon him. The people gave thanks to Mazda, the
God, and Asha proclaimed him to all the city.

Off in the forest, Too-che lifted her eyes to those of Chojon and
thanked him for saving her son. And Chojon touched her with his
fingertips, and kissed her on her lips, and the child crowed lustily to
see their love.

These two walked through the Forest of the Goats, Too-che bringing
beauty like a spring breeze with her, and Chojon singing and touching
his harp with magic fingers, so that joy and love walked before them,
announcing them to the Listians--the people of the forest.

When Zarathustra, the infant child the woman bore in her arms, lifted up
his piping voice and spoke to these rude wild people, their worship
sprang into life--for surely these were Gods come to them. And thus, all
the people gave up the worship of murder and became Zarathustrians.

THE END

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from _Amazing Stories_ April 1949. Extensive
research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on
this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical
errors have been corrected without note.