Again Umsuka thought and answered:--

"So be it. Messenger, hear me. There is no need for you to accept this
challenge; but if you will not accept it, then go from my country in
peace, taking with you those who cleave to you. If on the other hand
you do accept it, these shall be the stakes: that if you pass the trial
unharmed, and the fire-doctors are swept away, your creed shall be my
creed and the creed of the land; but if the fire-doctors prevail against
you, then it shall be death or banishment to any who profess that creed.
Now choose!"

"I have chosen," said Owen. "I will meet Hokosa and his company on the
Place of fire whenever he may appoint, but for the others I cannot say."

"We will come with you," said Nodwengo and John, with one voice; "where
you go, Messenger, we will surely follow."



CHAPTER X

THE SECOND TRIAL BY FIRE

When this momentous discussion was finished, as usual Owen preached
before the king, expounding the Scriptures and taking for his subject
the duty of faith. As he went back to his hut he saw that the snake
which John had killed had been set upon a pole in that part of the
Great Place which served as a market, and that hundreds of natives were
gathered beneath it gesticulating and talking excitedly.