upon the earth. My people know not now what they know; but I, who
live with them, I read their hearts. Great Kings, the beginning
of the end is born already. The fire-carriages shout the names of
new Gods that are not the old under new names. Drink now and eat
greatly! Bathe your faces in the smoke of the altars before they
grow cold! Take dues and listen to the cymbals and the drums,
Heavenly Ones, while yet there are flowers and songs. As men count
time the end is far off; but as we who know reckon it is today. I
have spoken."

The young God ceased, and his brethren looked at each other long
in silence.

"This I have not heard before," Peroo whispered in his companion's
ear. "And yet sometimes, when I oiled the brasses in the
engine-room of the Goorkha, I have wondered if our priests were so
wise - so wise. The day is coming, Sahib. They will be gone by
the morning."

A yellow light broadened in the sky, and the tone of the river
changed as the darkness withdrew.

Suddenly the Elephant trumpeted aloud as though man had goaded him.

"Let Indra judge. Father of all, speak thou! What of the things
we have heard? Has Krishna lied indeed? Or -"

"Ye know, " said the Buck, rising to his feet. "Ye know the Riddle
of the Gods. When Brahm ceases to dream, the Heavens and the Hells
and Earth disappear. Be content. Brahm dreams still. The dreams