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。
