sacrifice
there must be this night, and there shall be one. Even me, O my
Father. Let it suffice, for behold is my love so great, that she, the
slender white flower, seems but one with me. Let her go, let her go,
and lay me on the stone, warm with the life of her dear body, and drive
the knife through my heart, that through my love peace may be made with
thy god and my god!"

The whole world seemed bound in a great terrible silence as the two men
stood staring at each other in the soft silver light of the moon; then
the old man smiled gently, with the cunning of all time in his eyes,
and creeping close to his pupil spoke in the merest whisper; tempting,
as have always tempted, those who desire to gain their own ends, and
who justify all means as long as that end is gained.

"Thou lovest her, my son. The infidel white woman, the sacrifice long
dedicated to thy god. And why not, for thou are marked even with the
mark which shows between the breasts like lotus buds. But thinkest
thou, O son of princes, O descendant of the great, that thou art fit to
mate with her. She is white, a daughter of the all-conquering race;
thou--thou art black--a pariah--a dog--thou wouldst be whipped from her
presence, thou high-born son of India."

The old man never moved his eyes from the young face, and neither the
one nor the other saw the great striped terrified beast which slunk
past them and disappeared into the shadows, seeking protection in its
terror.

"But why shouldst thou let this woman, whom thou lovest, go? Why not
make sacrifice of love as well as life to the great one? Behold is she
soft and white and all-pleasing! Why, therefore, should she not come
unto thy intent neath the eyes of the Sweet One, while I make offerings
in the shadows towards thy well doing; so that the Black One will be
twice pleased."

Of all the horrible temptations in that place of horror! And where in
the name of all the gods did the native, unshackled by convention or
code, find the strength to resist?

For while the priest whispered the young face was swept by a flood of
conflicting emotions--which passed--leaving it as pure, as
soul-stirring as the Taj Mahal at dawn.

"No! O Holy One! I will not--I love her--I love her--I will not!"

The words were firm and the young mouth like steel, and the eyes looked
steadily back into those of the priest as the latter rushed upon him in
mighty, inhuman wrath.

"And I say that thou shalt, th