Atthispointthekingbegantogrowconfused。Hehesitated，passinghishandoverhiseyes，thenslowlyandwithdifficultyrepeatedthosewordswhichhehadalreadysaid。
"Wehearyou，Father，"criedthecouncillorsinencouragement，asforthesecondtimehepaused。Whiletheystillspoke，theveinsintheking’sneckwereseentoswellsuddenly，foamfleckedwithbloodburstfromhislips，andhefellheadlongtotheground。
CHAPTERVII
THERECOVERYOFTHEKING
Foramomenttherewassilence，thenagreatcryarose——acryof"Ourfatherisdead！"Presentlywithitweremingledotherandangriershoutsof"Thekingismurdered！"and"Heisbewitched，thewhitewizardhasbewitchedtheking！Heprophesiedeviluponhim，andnowhehasbewitchedhim！"
MeanwhilethecaptainsandcouncillorsformedaringaboutUmsuka，andHokosabendingoverhimexaminedhim。
"PrincesandCouncillors，"hesaidpresently，"yourfatheryetlives，buthislifeislikethelifeofadyingfireandsoonhemustbedead。Thisissure，thatoneoftwothingshasbefallenhim：eithertheheathascausedthebloodtoboilinhisveinsandheissmittenwithastrokefromheaven，suchasmenwhoarefatandheavysometimesdieof;orhehasbeenbewitchedbyawickedwizard。Yonderstandsone，"andhepointedtoOwen，"whonotanhouragoprophesiedthatbeforethesunwasdowngreatevilshouldovertaketheking。Thesunisnotyetdown，andgreatevilhasovertakenhim。Perchance，PrincesandCouncillors，thiswhiteprophetcantellusofthematter。"
"PerchanceIcan，"answeredOwencalmly。
"Headmitsit！"criedsome。"Awaywithhim！"
"Peace！"saidOwen，holdingthecrucifixtowardsthosewhosespearsthreatenedhislife。
Theyshrankback，forthissymbolofadyingmanterrifiedthemwhocouldnotguessitssignificance。
"Peace，"wentonOwen，"andlisten。Besureofthis，Councillors，thatifIdie，yourkingwilldie;whereasifIlive，yourkingmaylive。
Youaskmeofthismatter。WhereshallIbegin？ShallIbeginwiththetaleoftwomenseatedtogethersomenightsagoinahutsodarkthatnoeyescouldseeinit，saveperchancetheeyesofawizard？Whatdidtheytalkofinthathut，andwhowerethosemen？Theytalked，I
think，ofthedeathofakingandofthecrowningofaking。Theytalkedofapricetobepaidforacertainmedicine;andoneofthemhadaroyalair，andone————"
"Willyehearkentothiswildbabblerwhileyourkingliesdyingbeforeyoureyes？"brokeinHokosa，inashrill，unnaturalvoice;foralmostpalsiedwithfearashewasatOwen’smysteriouswords，hestillretainedhispresenceofmind。"Listennow：whatishe，andwhatdidhesay？Heisonewhocomeshithertopreachanewfaithtous;hecomes，hesays，onanembassyfromtheKingofHeaven，whohaspoweroverallthings，andwho，sothesewhitemenpreach，cangivepowertoHisservants。Well，letthisoneceasepratingandshowushisstrength，ashehasbeenwarnedhewouldbecalledupontodo。Lethimgiveusasign。Therebeforeyouliesyourking，andheispastthehelpofman;evenIcannothelphim。Therefore，letthismessengercurehim，orcalluponhisGodtocurehim;thatseeing，wemayknowhimtobeatruemessenger，andonesentbythatKingofwhomhespeaks。Lethimdothisnowbeforeoureyes，orlethimperishasawizardwhohasbewitchedtheking。Doyouhearmywords，Messenger，andcanyoudrawthisonebackfrombetweentheGatesofDeath？"
"Ihearthem，"answeredOwenquietly;"andIcan——orifIcannot，thenIamwillingtopaythepenaltywithmylife。Youwhoareadoctorsaythatyourkingisasonewhoisalreadydead，sothatwhateverImaydoIcannothurthimfurther。ThereforeIaskthisofyou，thatyoustandroundandwatch，butmolestmeneitherbywordnordeedwhileI
attempthiscure。Doyouconsent？"
"Itisjust;weconsent，"saidthecouncillors。"Letusseewhatthewhitemancando，andbytheissuelethimbejudged。"ButHokosastaredatOwenwondering，andmadenoanswer。
"Bringsomecleanwatertomeinagourd，"saidOwen。
Itwasbroughtandgiventohim。Helookedround，searchingthefacesofthoseabouthim。PresentlyhiseyefelluponthePrinceNodwengo，andhebeckonedtohim，saying：——
"Comehither，Prince，foryouarehonest，andIwouldhaveyoutohelpme，andnootherman。"
TheprincesteppedforwardandOwengavehimthegourdofwater。Thenhedrewoutthelittlebottlewhereinhehadstoredthejuiceofthecreeper，anduncorkingit，hebadeNodwengofillitupwithwater。
Thisdone，heclaspedhishands，andliftinghiseyestoheaven，heprayedaloudinthelanguageoftheAmasuka。
"OGod，"heprayed，"uponwhosebusinessIamhere，grant，IbeseechThee，thatbyThyGracepowermaybegiventometoworkthismiracleinthefaceofthesepeople，totheendthatImaywinthemtoceasefromtheiriniquities，tobelieveuponThee，theonlytrueGod，andtosavetheirsoulsalive。Amen。"
Havingfinishedhisprayer，hetookthebottleandshookit;thenhecommandedNodwengotosituponthegroundandholdhisfather’sheaduponhisknee。Now，asallmightseebymanysigns，thekingwasuponthevergeofdeath，forhislipswerepurple，hisbreathingwasrareandstertorous，andhisheartstoodwell—nighstill。
"Openhismouthandholddownthetongue，"saidOwen。
Theprinceobeyed，pressingdownthetonguewithasnuffspoon。Thenplacingtheneckofthebottleasfarintothethroatasitwouldreach，Owenpouredthefluiditcontainedintothebodyoftheking，whomadeaconvulsivemovementandinstantlyseemedtodie。
"Heisdead，"saidone;"awaywiththefalseprophet！"
"Itmaybeso，oritmaynotbeso，"answeredOwen。"Waitforthehalfofanhour;then，ifheshowsnosignoflife，dowhatyouwillwithme。"
"Itiswell，"theysaid;"sobeit。"
Slowlytheminutesslippedby，whilethekinglaylikeacorpsebeforethem，andoutsideofthatsilentringthesoldiersmurmuredasthewind。Thesunwassinkingfast，andHokosawatchedit，countingtheseconds。Atlengthhespoke：——
"Thehalfofthehourthatyoudemandedisdead，WhiteMan，asdeadastheking;andnowthetimehascomeforyoutodiealso，"andhestretchedouthishandtotakehim。
Owenlookedathiswatchandreplied：——
"Thereisstillanotherminute;andyou，Hokosa，whoareskilledinmedicines，mayknowthatthisantidotedoesnotworksoswiftlyasthebane。"
Theshotwasarandomone，butittold，forHokosafellbackandwassilent。
Thesecondspassedonastheminutehandofthewatchwentroundfromtentotwenty，fromtwentytothirty，fromthirtytoforty。Afewmoreinstantsandthegamewasplayed。Hadthatdreamofhisbeenvainimagining，andwasallhisfaithnothingbutadreamwonderedOwen？
Well，ifso，itwouldbebestthatheshoulddie。Buthedidnotbelievethatitwasso;hebelievedthatthePowerabovehimwouldintervenetosave——nothim，indeed，butallthispeople。
"Letusmakeanend，"saidHokosa，"thetimeisdone。"
"Yes，"saidOwen，"thetimeisdone——and/thekinglives！/"
Evenashespokethepulsesintheoldman’sforeheadwereseentothrob，andtheveinsinhisnecktoswellastheyhadswollenafterhehadswallowedthepoison;thenoncemoretheyshranktotheirnaturalsize。Umsukastirredahand，groaned，satup，andspoke：——
"Whathaschancedtome？"hesaid。"Ihavedescendedintodeepdarkness，nowonceagainIseelight。"
Nooneanswered，forallwerestaring，terrifiedandamazed，attheMessenger——thewhitewizardtowhomhadbeengivenpowertobringmenbackfromthegateofdeath。AtlengthOwensaid：——
"Thishaschancedtoyou，King：thatevilwhichIprophesiedtoyouifyourefusedtolistentothevoiceofmercyhasfallenuponyou。Bynowyouwouldhavebeendead，haditnotpleasedHimWhomIserve，workingthroughme，Hismessenger，tobringyoubacktolookuponthesun。ThankHim，therefore，andworshipHim，forHealoneisMasteroftheEarth，"andheheldthecrucifixbeforehiseyes。
Thehumbledmonarchliftedhishand——hewhoformanyyearshadmadeobeisancetonone——andsalutedthesymbol，saying：——
"Messenger，IthankHimandIworshipHim，thoughIknowHimnot。Saynow，howdidHismagicworkuponmetomakemesicktodeathandtorecoverme？"
"Bythehandofman，King，andbythevirtuesthatliehidinNature。
Didyounotdrinkofacup，andwerenotmanythingsmixedinthedraught？Wasitnotbutnowinyourmindtospeakwordsthatshouldbringdowntheheadofprideandevil，andliftuptheheadoftruthandgoodness？"
"OWhiteMan，howknowyouthesethings？"gaspedtheking。
"Iknowthem，itisenough。Say，whowasitthatstirredthebowl，King，andwhogaveyoutodrink？"
NowUmsukastaggeredtohisfeet，andcriedaloudinavoicethatwasthickwithrage：——
"BymyheadandtheheadsofmyfathersIsmelltheplot！Myson，thePrinceHafela，haslearnedmycounsel，andwouldhaveslainmebeforeIsaidwordsthatshouldsethimbeneaththefeetofNodwengo。Seizehim，captains，andlethimbebroughtbeforemeforjudgment！"
Menlookedthiswayandthattocarryoutthecommandoftheking，butHafelawasgone。Alreadyhewasuponthehillside，runningasamanhasrarelyrunbefore——hisfacesettowardsthatfastnessinthemountainswherehecouldfindrefugeamonghismother’stribesmenandtheregimentswhichhecommanded。OflatetheyhadbeensentthitherbythekingthattheymightbefarfromtheGreatPlacewhentheirprincewasdisinherited。
"Heisfled，"saidone;"Isawhimgo。"
"Pursuehimandbringhimback，deadoralive！"thunderedtheking。"A
hundredheadofcattletothemanwholayshanduponhimbeforehereachesthe/impi/oftheNorth，fortheywillfightforhim！"
"Stay！"brokeinOwen。"OncebeforethisdayIprayedofyou，King，toshowmercy，andyourefusedit。Willyourefusemeasecondtime？
Leavehimhislifewhohaslostallelse。"
"Thathemayrebelagainstme？Well，WhiteMan，Ioweyoumuch，andforthistimeyourwisdomshallbemyguide，thoughmyheartspeaksagainstsuchgentleness。Hearken，councillorsandpeople，thisismydecree：thatHafela，myson，whowouldhavemurderedme，bedeposedfromhisplaceasheirtomythrone，andthatNodwengo，hisbrother，besetinthatplace，torulethePeopleofFireaftermewhenIdie。"
"Itisgood，itisjust！"saidthecouncil。"Lettheking’swordbedone。"
"Hearkenagain，"saidUmsuka。"Letthiswhiteman，whoisnamedMessenger，beplacedintheHouseofGuestsandtreatedwithallhonour;letoxenbegivenhimfromtheroyalherdsandcornfromthegranaries，andgirlsofnoblebloodforwivesifhewillsthem。
Hokosa，intoyourhandIdeliverhim，and，greatthoughyouare，knowthis，thatifbutahairofhisheadisharmed，withyourgoodsandyourlifeyoushallanswerforit，youandallyourhouse。"
"Lettheking’swordbedone，"saidthecouncillorsagain。
"Heralds，"wentonUmsuka，"proclaimthatthefeastofthefirst—
fruitsisended，andmycommandisthateveryregimentshouldseekitsquarters，takingwithitadoublegiftofcattlefromtheking，whohasbeensavedalivebythemagicofthiswhiteman。Andnow，Messenger，farewell，formyheadgrowsweary。To—morrowIwillspeakwithyou。"
Thenthekingwasledawayintotheroyalhouse，andsavethosewhowerequarteredinit，theregimentspassedonebyonethroughthegatesofthekraal，singingtheirwar—songsastheywent。DarknessfellupontheGreatPlace，andthroughitpartiesofmenmightbeseendraggingthencethecorpsesofthosewhohadfalleninthefightwithsticks，orbeenputtodeaththereafterbyorderoftheking。
"Messenger，"saidHokosa，bowingbeforeOwen，"bepleasedtofollowme。"Thenheledhimtoalittlekraalnumberingfiveorsixlargeandbeautifullymadehuts，whichstoodbyitself，withinitsownfence，atthenorthendoftheGreatPlace，notfarfromthehouseoftheking。
Infrontofthecentrehutafirewasburning，andbyitslightwomenappearedcleaningoutthehutsandbringingfoodandwater。
"Hereyoumayrestinsafety，Messenger，"saidHokosa，"seeingthatnightanddayaguardfromtheking’sownregimentwillstandbeforeyourdoors。"
"Idonotneedthem，"answeredOwen，"fornonecanharmmetillmyhourcomes。Iamastrangerhereandyouareagreatman;yet，Hokosa，whichofusisthesafestthisnight？"
"Yourmeaning？"saidHokosasharply。
"Oman！"answeredOwen，"wheninacertainhouryoucreptupthevalleyyonder，andclimbingtheTreeofDeathgathereditspoison，wentInotwithyou？When，beforethathour，yousatinyonderhutbargainingwiththePrinceHafela——thedeathofakingforthepriceofagirl——wasInotwithyou？Nay，threatenmenot——inyourownwordsIsayit——’laydownthatassegai，orbymyspirityourbodyshallbethrowntothekites，asthatofonewhowouldmurdertheking’——andtheking’sguest！"
"WhiteMan，"whisperedHokosathrowingdownthespear，"howcanthesethingsbe？Iwasaloneinthehutwiththeprince，IwasalonebeneaththeTreeofDoom，andyou，asIknowwell，werebeyondtheriver。Yourspiesmustbegood，WhiteMan。"
"Myspiritismyonlyspy，Hokosa。Myspiritwatchedyou，andfromyourownlipshelearnedthesecretofthebaneandoftheantidote。
Hafelamixedthepoisonasyoutaughthim;Igavetheremedy，andsavedthekingalive。"
NowthekneesofHokosagrewweakbeneathhim，andheleanedagainstthefenceofthekraalforsupport。
"Ihaveskillintheart，"hesaidhoarsely;"but，Messenger，yourmagicismorethanmine，andmylifeisforfeittoyou。To—morrowmorning，youwilltellthekingall，andto—morrownightIshallhanguponthedreadfulTree。Well，sobeit;Iamovermatchedatmyowntrade，anditisbestthatIshoulddie。Youhaveplottedwellandyouhaveconquered，andtoyoubelongmyplaceandpower。"
"Itwasyouwhoplotted，andnotI，Hokosa。DidyounotcontrivethatIshouldreachtheGreatPlacebutalittlebeforethepoisonwasgiventotheking，sothatuponmemightbelaidthecrimeofhisbewitching？DidyounotplanalsothatIshouldbecalledupontocurehim——athingyoudeemedimpossible——andwhenIfailedthatIshouldbestraightwaybutchered？"
"Seeingthatitisuselesstolietoyou，Iconfessthatitwasso，"
answeredHokosaboldly。
"Itwasso，"repeatedOwen;"therefore，accordingtoyourlawyourlifeisforfeit，seeingthatyoudugapittosnaretheinnocentfeet。
ButIcometotellyouofanewlaw，andthatwhichIpreachI
practise。Hokosa，Ipardonyou，andifyouwillputasideyourevil—
doing，Ipromiseyouthatnowordofallyourwickednessshallpassmylips。"
"Ithasnotbeenmyfashiontotakeaboonatthehandofanyman，saveofthekingonly，"saidthewizardinahumblevoice;"butnowitseemsthatIamcometothis。Tellme，WhiteMan，whatisthepaymentthatyouseekofme？"
"None，Hokosa，exceptthatyouceasefromevilandlistenwithanopenhearttothatmessagewhichIamsworntodelivertoyouandtoallyournation。Alsoyouwoulddowelltoputawaythatfairwomanwhosepricewasthemurderofhimthatfedyou。"
"Icannotdoit，"answeredthewizard。"Iwilllistentoyourteaching，butIwillnotrobmyheartofheritcravesalone。WhiteMan，Iamnotliketherestofmynation。Ihavenotsoughtafterwomen;Ihavebutonewife，andsheisoldandchildless。Now，forthefirsttimeinmydays，Ilovethisgirl——ah，youknownothow！——andI
willtakeher，andsheshallbethemotherofmychildren。"
"Then，Hokosa，youwilltakehertoyoursorrow，"answeredOwensolemnly，"forshewilllearntohateyouwhohaverobbedherofroyaltyandrule，givingherwizardriesandyourgreyhairsinplaceofthem。"
Andthusforthatnighttheyparted。
CHAPTERVIII
THEFIRSTTRIALBYFIRE
Onthefollowingday，whileOwensateatinghismorningmealwithathankfulheart，amessengerarrivedsayingthatthekingwouldreceivehimwheneveritpleasedhimtocome。Heansweredthathewouldbewithhimbeforenoon，foralreadyhehadlearnedthatamongnativesoneloseslittlebydelay。Agreatman，theythink，isrichintime，andhurriesonlytowaituponhissuperiors。
Attheappointedhouraguardcametoleadhimtotheroyalhouse，andthitherOwenwent，followedbyJohnbearingaBible。Umsukawasseatedbeneathareedroofsupportedbypolesandopenonallsides;behindhimstoodcouncillorsandattendants，andbyhimwereNodwengotheprince，andHokosa，hismouthandprophet。Althoughthedaywashot，heworeakarossorrugofwildcatskins，andhisfaceshowedthattheeffectsofthepoisoneddraughtwerestilluponhim。AttheapproachofOwenherosewithsomethingofaneffort，and，shakinghimbythehand，thankedhimforhislife，callinghim"doctorofdoctors。"
"Tellme，Messenger，"headded，"howitwasthatyouwereabletocureme，andwhowereintheplottokillme？Theremusthavebeenmorethanone，"andherolledhiseyesroundwithangrysuspicion。
"King，"answeredOwen，"ifIknewanythingofthismatter，thePowerthatwroteitonmymindhaswipeditoutagain，or，attheleast，hasforbiddenmetospeakofitssecret。Isavedyou，itisenough;fortherest，thepastisthepast，andIcometodealwiththepresentandthefuture。"
"Thiswhitemankeepshisword，"thoughtHokosatohimself，andhelookedathimthankinghimwithhiseyes。
"Sobeit，"answeredtheking;"afterall，itiswisenottostiradung—heap，fortherewefindlittlebesideevilodoursandthenestsofsnakes。Now，whatisyourbusinesswithme，andwhydoyoucomefromthewhiteman’scountriestovisitme？Ihaveheardofthosecountries，theyaregreatandfaraway。Ihaveheardofthewhitemenalso——wonderfulmenwhohaveallknowledge;butIdonotdesiretohaveanythingtodowiththem，forwhenevertheymeetblackpeopletheyeatthemup，takingtheirlandsandmakingthemslaves。Once，someyearsago，twoofyouwhitepeoplevisitedushere，butperhapsyouknowthatstory。"
"Iknowit，"answeredOwen;"oneofthosemenyoumurdered，andtheotheryousentbackwithamessagewhichhedeliveredintomyearsacrossthewaters;thousandsofmilesaway。"
"Nay，"answeredtheking，"wedidnotmurderhim;hecametouswiththestoryofanewGodwhocouldraisethedeadandworkothermiracles，andgavesuchpowerstoHisservants。Soamanwasslainandwebeggedofhimtobringhimbacktolife;andsincehecouldnot，wekilledhimalsobecausehewasaliar。"
"Hewasnoliar，"saidOwen;"sincehenevertoldyouthathehadpowertoopenthemouthofthegrave。Still，Heavenismerciful，andalthoughyoumurderedhimthatwassenttoyou，hisMasterhaschosenmetofollowinhisfootsteps。Mealsoyoumaymurderifyouwill，andthenanotherandanother;butstillthemessengersshallcome，tillatlastyourearsareopenedandyoulisten。Only，forsuchdeedsyourpunishmentmustbeheavy。"
"Whatisthemessage，WhiteMan？"
"Amessageofpeace，offorgiveness，andoflifebeyondthegrave，oflifeeverlasting。Listen，King。Yesterdayyouwereneartodeath;saynow，hadyousteppedovertheedgeofit，wherewouldyoubethisday？"
Umsukashruggedhisshoulders。"Withmyfathers，WhiteMan。"
"Andwhereareyourfathers？"
"Nay，Iknownot——nowhere，everywhere：thenightisfullofthem;inthenightweheartheechooftheirvoices。Whentheyareangrytheyhauntthethunder—cloud，andwhentheyarepleasedtheysmileinthesunshine。Sometimesalsotheyappearintheshapeofsnakes，orvisitusindreams，andthenweofferthemsacrifice。Yonderonthehillsideisahauntedwood;itisfulloftheirspirits，WhiteMan，buttheycannottalk，theyonlymutter，andtheirfootfallssoundlikethedroppingofheavyrain，fortheyarestrengthlessandunhappy，andintheendtheyfadeaway。"
"Soyousay，"answeredOwen，"whoarenotaltogetherwithoutunderstanding，yetknowlittle，neverhavingbeentaught。Nowlistentome，"andveryearnestlyhepreachedtohimandthoseabouthimofpeace，offorgiveness，andoflifeeverlasting。
"WhyshouldaGoddiemiserablyuponacross？"askedthekingatlength。
"ThatthroughHissacrificemenmightbecomeasgods，"answeredOwen。
"BelieveinHimandHewillsaveyou。"
"Howcanwedothat，"askedthekingagain，"whenalreadywehaveagod？Canwedesertonegodandsetupanother？"
"Whatgod，King？"
"Iwillshowhimtoyou，WhiteMan。Letmylitterbebrought。"
Thelitterwasbroughtandthekingentereditwithlabouringbreath。
PassingthroughthenorthgateoftheGreatPlace，thepartyascendedaslopeofthehillthatlaybeyondittilltheyreachedaflatplainsomehundredsofyardsinwidth。Onthisplainvegetationgrewscantily，forherethebedrockofironstone，denudedwithfrequentandheavyrains，wasscarcelyhiddenbyathincrustofearth。Onthefurthersideoftheplain，however，andseparatedfromitbyalittlestream，wasagreenbankofdeepsoftsoil，beyondwhichlayagloomyvalleyfullofgreattrees，thatformanygenerationshadbeentheburying—placeofthekingsoftheAmasuka。
"Thisisthehouseofthegod，"saidtheking。
"Astrangehouse，"answeredOwen，"andwhereishethatdwellsinit？"
"FollowmeandIwillshowyou，Messenger;butbeswift，foralreadytheskygrowsdarkwithcomingtempest。"
Nowattheking’scommandthebearersborehimacrossthesereplateautowardsastonethatlayalmostinitscentre。Presentlytheyhalted，and，pointingtothismass，thekingsaid：——
"Beholdthegod！"
Owenadvancedandexaminedtheobject。AglancetoldhimthatthisgodoftheAmasukawasameteoricstoneofunusualsize。Mostofsuchstonesaremereshapelesslumps，butthisoneboreapeculiarresemblancetoaseatedhumanbeingholdinguponearmtowardsthesky。Sostrangewasthislikenessthat，otherreasonsapart，itseemednotwonderfulthatsavagesshouldregardthethingwithaweandveneration。Ratherwouldithavebeenwonderfulhadtheynotdoneso。
"Saynow，"saidOwentothekingwhenhehadinspectedthestone，"whatisthehistoryofthisdumbgodofyours，andwhydoyouworshiphim？"
"FollowmeacrossthestreamandIwilltellyou，Messenger，"answeredtheking，againglancingatthesky。"Thestormgathers，andwhenitbreaksnonearesafeuponthisplainexcepttheheavendoctorssuchasHokosaandhiscompanionswhocanbindthelightning。"
SotheywentandwhentheyreachedthefurthersideofthestreamUmsukadescendedfromhislitter。
"Messenger，"hesaid，"thisisthestoryofthegodasithascomedowntous。Fromthebeginningourlandhasbeenscourgedwithlightningaboveallotherlands，andwiththefloodsofrainthataccompanythelightning。IntheolddaystheGreatPlaceofthekingwasoutyonderamongthemountains，buteveryyearfirefromheavenfelluponit，destroyingmuchpeople：andatlengthinagreattempestthehouseofthekingofthatdaywassmittenandburned，andhiswivesandchildrenwereturnedtoashes。Thenthatkingheldacouncilofhiswizardsandfire—doctors，andthesehavingconsultedthespiritsoftheirforefathers，retiredintoaplaceaparttofastandpray;yes，itwasinyondervalley，theburyinggroundofkings，thattheyhidthemselves。NowonthethirdnighttheGodofFireappearedtothechiefofthedoctorsinhissleep，andhewasshapedlikeaburningbrandandsmokewentupfromhim。Outofthesmokehespoketothedoctor，saying：’ForthisreasonitisthatItormentyourpeople，thattheyhatemeandcurseatmeandpaymelittlehonour。’
"Inhisdreamthedoctoranswered：’Howcanthepeoplehonouragodthattheydonotsee？’Thenthegodsaid：’Riseupnowinthenight，allthecompanyofyou，andgotakeyourstanduponthebanksofyonderstream，andIwillfalldowninfirefromheaven，andthereontheplainyoushallfindmyimage。ThenletyourkingmovehisGreatPlaceintothevalleybeneaththeplain，andhenceforthmyboltsshallspareitandhim。Only，monthbymonthyoushallmakeprayersandofferingstome;moreover，thenameofthepeopleshallbechanged，foritshallbecalledthePeopleofFire。’
"Nowthedoctorrose，andhavingawakenedhiscompanions，hetoldthemofhisvision。Thentheyallofthemwentdowntothebanksofthisstreamwherewenowstand。Andastheywaitedthereagreattempestburstoverthem，andinthemidstofthattempesttheysawtheflamingfigureofamandescendfromheaven，andwhenhetouchedtheearthitshook。Themorningcameandthereupontheplainbeforethem，wheretherehadbeennothing，satthelikenessofthegodasitsitsto—dayandshallsitforever。Sothenameofthispeoplewaschanged，andtheking’sGreatPlacewasbuiltwhereitnowis。
"Sincethatday，Messenger，nohuthasbeenburnedandnomankilledinorabouttheGreatPlacebyfirefromheaven，whichfallsonlyherewherethegodis，thoughawayamongthemountainsandelsewheremenaresometimeskilled。Butwaitawhileandyoushallseewithyoureyes。Hokosa，doyou，whomthelightningwillnottouch，takethatpoleofdeadwoodandsetitupyonderinthecreviceoftherocknotfarfromthefigureofthegod。"
"Iobey，"saidHokosa，"althoughIhavebroughtnomedicineswithme。
Perhaps，"headdedwithafaintsneer，"thewhiteman，whoissogreatawizard，willnotbeafraidtoaccompanyme。"
NowOwensawthatallthosepresentwerelookingathimcuriously。Itwasevidenttheybelievedthathewouldnotdaretoacceptthechallenge。Thereforeheansweredatonceandwithouthesitation：——
"CertainlyIwillcome;thepoleisheavyforonemantocarry，andwhereHokosagoes，thereIcangoalso。"
"Nay，nay，Messenger，"saidtheking，"thelightningknowsHokosaandwillturnfromhim，butyouareastrangertoitanditwilleatyouup。"
"King，"answeredOwen，"IdonotbelievethatHokosahasanypoweroverthelightning。Itmaystrikehimoritmaystrikeme;butunlessmyGodsocommands，itwillstrikeneitherofus。"
"Onyourheadbeit，WhiteMan，"saidHokosa，withcoldanger。"Come，aidmewiththepole。"
Thentheyliftedthedeadtree，andbetweenthemcarrieditintothemiddleoftheplain，wheretheysetitupinacreviceoftherock。Bythistimethestormwasalmostoverthem，andwatchingitOwenperceivedthatthelightningsstruckalwaysalongthebankofthestream，doubtlessfollowingahiddenlineofthebedofironstone。
"Itisbutaverylittlestorm，"saidHokosacontemptuously，"suchasvisitusalmosteveryafternoonatthisperiodoftheyear。Ah！WhiteMan，Iwouldthatyoucouldseeoneofourgreattempests，fortheseareworthbeholding。ThisIfear，however，thatyouwillneverdo，seeingitislikelythatwithinsomefewminutesyouwillhavepassedbacktothatKingwhosentyouhere，withaholeinyourheadandablackmarkdownyourspine。"
"Thatweshalllearnpresently，Hokosa，"answeredOwen;"formypart，Ipraythatnosuchfatemayovertakeyou。"
NowHokosamovedhimselfaway，mutteringandpointingwithhisfingers，butOwenremainedstandingwithinaboutthirtyyardsofthepole。Suddenlytherecameaglareoflight，andthepolewassplitintofragments;butalthoughtheshockwasperceptible，theyremainedunhurt。Almostimmediatelyasecondflashleapedfromthecloud，andOwensawHokosastaggerandfalltohisknees。"Themanisstruck，"hethoughttohimself，butitwasnotso，forrecoveringhisbalance，thewizardwalkedbacktothestream。
Owenneverstirred。Fromboyhoodcouragehadbeenoneofhisgoodqualities，butitwasacourageofthespiritratherthanoftheflesh。Forinstance，atthisverymoment，sofarashisbodywasconcerned，hewasmuchafraid，anddidnotintheleastenjoystandinguponanironstoneplateauattheimminentriskofbeingdestroyedbylightning。Butevenifhehadnothadanendtogain，hewouldhavescornedtogivewaytohishumanfrailties;also，nowasalways，hisfaithsupportedhim。Asithappenedthestorm，whichwasslight，passedby，andnomoreflashesfell。Whenitwasoverhewalkedbacktowherethekingandhiscourtwerestanding。
"Messenger，"saidUmsuka，"youarenotonlyagreatdoctor，youarealsoabraveman，andsuchIhonour。Thereisnooneamongushere，notbeingalordofthelightning，whowouldhavedaredtostanduponthatplacewithHokosawhiletheflashesfellabouthim。Yetyouhavedoneit;itwasHokosawhowasdrivenaway。Youhavepassedthetrialbyfire，andhenceforth，whetherwerefuseyourmessageoracceptit，youaregreatinthisland。"
"Thereisnoneedtopraiseme，King，"answeredOwen。"Theriskissomething;butIknewthatIwasprotectedfromit，seeingthatI
shallnotdieuntilmyhourcomes，anditisnotyet。Listennow：yourgodyonderisnothingbutastonesuchasIhaveoftenseenbefore，forsometimesingreattempeststheycometoearthfromtheclouds。
Youarenotthefirstpeoplethathaveworshippedsuchastone，butnowweknowbetter。Alsothisplainbeforeyouisfullofiron，andirondrawsthelightning。Thatiswhyitneverstrikesyourtownbelow。Theironattractsitmorestronglythanearthandhutsofstraw。Again，whilethepolestoodIwasinlittledanger，forthelightningstrikesthehighestthing;butafterthepolewasshatteredandHokosawiselywentaway，thenIwasinsomedanger，onlynoflashesfell。Iamnotamagician，King，butIknowsomethingsthatyoudonotknow，andItrustinOnewhomIshallleadyoutotrustalso。"
"Wewilltalkofthismorehereafter，"saidthekinghurriedly，"foroneday，Ihaveheardandseenenough。AlsoIdonotbelieveyourwords，forIhavenotedeverthatthosewhoarethegreatestwizardsofallsaycontinuallythattheyhavenomagicpower。Hokosa，youhavebeenfamousinyourday，butitseemsthathenceforthyouwhohaveledmustfollow。"
"Thebattleisnotyetfought，King，"answeredHokosa。"To—dayImetthelightningswithoutmymedicines，anditwasalittlestorm;whenI
ampreparedwithmymedicinesandthetempestisgreat，thenIwillchallengethiswhitemantofacemeyonder，andtheninthathour/my/
godshallshowhisstrengthand/his/Godshallnotbeabletosavehim。"
"Thatweshallseewhenthetimecomes，"answeredOwen，withasmile。
ThatnightasOwensatinhishutworkingatthetranslationofSt。
John，thedoorwasopenedandHokosaentered。
"WhiteMan，"saidthewizard，"youaretoostrongforme，thoughwhenceyouhaveyourpowerIknownot。Letusmakeabargain。ShowmeyourmagicandIwillshowyoumine，andwewillrulethelandbetweenus。YouandIaremuchakin——wearegreat;wehavethespiritsight;
weknowthattherearethingsbeyondthethingsweseeandhearandfeel;whereas，fortherest，theyarefools，followingthefleshalone。Ihavespoken。"
"VerygladlywillIshowyoumymagic，Hokosa，"answeredOwencheerfully，"since，tospeaktruth，thoughIknowyoutobewicked，andguessthatyouwouldbegladtoberidofmebyfairmeansorfoul;yetIhavetakenalikingforyou，seeinginyouonewhofromasinnermaygrowintoasaint。
"Thisthenismymagic：ToloveGodandserveman;toeschewwizardry，wealth，andpower;toseekafterholiness，povertyandhumility;todenyyourflesh，andtomakeyourselfsmallinthesightofmen，thatsoperchanceyoumaygrowgreatinthesightofHeavenandsaveyoursoulalive。"
"Ihavenostomachforthatlesson，"saidHokosa。
"Yetyoushalllivetohungerforit，"answeredOwen。Andthewizardwentawayangeredbutwondering。
CHAPTERIX
THECRISIS
Now，daybydayforsomethingoveramonthOwenpreachedtheGospelbeforetheking，hiscouncillors，andhundredsoftheheadmenofthenation。Theylistenedtohimattentively，debatingthenewdoctrinepointbypoint;foralthoughtheymightbesavages，thesepeoplewereverykeen—wittedandsubtle。VerypatientlydidOwensow，andatlengthtohisinfinitejoyhealsogatheredinhisfirst—fruit。Onenightashesatinhishutlabouringasusualattheworkoftranslation，whereinhewasassistedbyJohnwhomhehadtaughttoreadandwrite，thePrinceNodwengoenteredandgreetedhim。Forawhilehesatsilentwatchingthewhitemanathistask，thenhesaid：——
"Messenger，Ihaveaboontoaskofyou。Canyouteachmetounderstandthosesignswhichyousetuponthepaper，andtomakethemalsoasdoesJohnyourservant？"
"Certainly，"answeredOwen;"ifyouwillcometomeatnoonto—morrow，wewillbegin。"
Theprincethankedhim，buthedidnotgoaway。Indeed，fromhismannerOwenguessedthathehadsomethingmoreuponhismind。Atlengthitcameout。
"Messenger，"hesaid，"youhavetoldusofbaptismwherebyweareadmittedintothearmyofyourKing;say，haveyouthepowerofthisrite？"
"Ihave。"
"Andisyourservantherebaptised？"
"Heis。"
"Thenifhewhoisacommonmancanbebaptised，whymaynotIwhoamaprince？"
"Inbaptism，"answeredOwen，"thereisnodistinctionbetweenthehighestandthelowest;butifyoubelieve，thenthedoorisopenandthroughityoucanjointhecompanyofHeaven。"
"Messenger，Idobelieve，"answeredtheprincehumbly。
ThenOwenwasveryjoyful，andthatsamenight，withJohnforawitness，hebaptisedtheprince，givinghimthenewnameofConstantine，afterthefirstChristianemperor。
OnthefollowingdayNodwengo，inthepresenceofOwen，whoonthispointwouldsuffernoconcealment，announcedtothekingthathehadbecomeaChristian。Umsukaheard，andforawhilesatsilent。Thenhesaidinatroubledvoice：——
"Truly，Messenger，inthewordsofthatBookfromwhichyoureadtous，Ifearthatyouhavecomehithertobring，’notpeacebutasword。’Nowwhenthewitch—doctorsandthepriestsoffirelearnthis，thathewhomIhavechosentosucceedmehasbecometheservantofanotherfaith，theywillstirupthesoldiersandtherewillbecivilwar。Iprayyou，therefore，keepthemattersecret，atanyrateforawhile，seeingthatthelivesofmanyareatstake。"
"Inthis，myfather，"answeredtheprince，"ImustdoastheMessengerbidsme;butifyoudesireit，takefrommetherightofsuccessionandcallbackmybrotherfromthenorthernmountains。"
"Thatbypoisonorthespearhemayputallofustodeath，Nodwengo！
Benotafraid;erelongwhenhelearnsallthatishappeninghere，yourbrotherHafelawillcomefromthenorthernmountains，andthespearsofhis/impis/shallbecountlessasthestarsofthesky。
Messenger，youdesiretodrawustothearmsofyourGod——andmyself，IamattimesmindedtofollowthepathofmysonNodwengoandseekarefugethere——butsay，willtheybestrongenoughtoprotectusfromHafelaandthewarriorsofthenorth？Alreadyhegathershisclans，andalreadymycaptainsdeserttohim。By—and—by，inthespring—time——
mayIbedeadbeforetheday——hewillrolldownuponuslikeafloodofwater————"
"Tofallbacklikewatersfromawallofrock，"answeredOwen。"’Letnotyourheartbetroubled，’formyMastercanprotectHisservants，andHewillprotectyou。ButfirstyoumustconfessHimopenly，asyoursonhasdone。"
"Nay，Iamtoooldtohurry，"saidthekingwithasigh。"Yourtaleseemsfullofpromisetoonewhoisnearthegrave;buthowcanIknowthatitismorethanadream？AndshallIabandontheworshipofmyfathersandchange，orstrivetochange，thecustomsofmypeopletofollowafterdreams？Nodwengohaschosenhispart，andIdonotblamehim;yet，forthepresentIbeseechyoubothtokeepsilenceonthismatter，lesttosavebloodshedIshouldbedriventosideagainstyou。"
"Sobeit，King，"saidOwen;"butIwarnyouthatTruthhasaloudvoice，andthatitishardtohidetheshiningofalightinadarkplace，nordoesitpleasemyLordtobedeniedbythosewhoconfessHim。"
"Iamweary，"repliedtheoldking，andtheysalutedhimandwent。
InobediencetothewishofUmsukahisfather，theconversionofNodwengowaskeptsecret，andyet——noneknewhow——thethingleakedout。Soonthewomenintheirhuts，andthesoldiersbytheirwatch—
fires，whispereditineachother’searsthathewhowasappointedtobetheirfuturerulerhadbecomeaservantoftheunknownGod。Thathehadforswornwarandallthedelightsofmen;thathewouldtakebutonewifeandappearbeforethearmy，notintheuniformofageneral，butcladinawhiterobe，andcarry，notthebroadspear，butacrossofwood。Swiftlythestrangestoryflewfrommouthtomouth，yetitwasnotaltogetherbelievedtillitchancedthatonedaywhenhewasreviewingaregiment，asoldierwhowasdrunkwithbeeropenlyinsultedtheprince，callinghim"acowardwhoworshippedacoward。"
Nowmenheldtheirbreaths，waitingtoseethisfoolledawaytodiebytortureoftheant—heaporsomeotherdreadfuldoom。Buttheprinceonlyanswered：
"Soldier，youaredrunk，thereforeIforgiveyouyourwords。WhetherHeWhomyoublasphemewillforgiveyou，Iknownot。Getyougone！"
Thewarriorsstaredandmurmured，forbythosewords，wittinglyorunwittingly，theirgeneralhadconfessedhisfaith，andthatdaytheymaderibaldsongsabouthiminthecamp。Butonthemorrowwhentheylearnedhowthatthemanwhomtheprincesparedhadbeenseizedbyalionandtakenawayashesatatnightwithhiscompanionsinthebivouac，hismouthfullofboastingofhisowncourageinofferinginsulttotheprinceandthenewfaith，thentheylookedateachotheraskanceandsaidlittlemoreofthematter。Doubtlessitwaschance，andyetthisSpiritWhomtheMessengerpreachedwasoneofWhomitseemedwisestnottospeaklightly。
Butstillthetroublegrew，forbynowthewitch—doctors，withHokosaattheheadofthem，werefrightenedfortheirplaceandpower，andfomenteditbothopenlyandinsecret。Ofthewomentheyaskedwhatwouldbecomeofthemwhenmenwereallowedtotakebutonewife？Oftheheadsofkraals，howtheywouldgrowwealthywhentheirdaughtersceasedtobeworthcattle？Ofthecouncillorsandgenerals，howthelandcouldbeprotectedfromitsfoeswhentheywerecommandedtolaydownthespear？Ofthesoldiers，whoseonlytradewaswar，howitwouldpleasethemtotillthefieldslikegirls？Dismaytookholdofthenation，andalthoughtheyweremuchloved，therewasopentalkofkillingordrivingawaythekingandNodwengowhofavouredthewhiteman，andofsettingupHafelaintheirplace。
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