"See the work of Hokosa," he thought to himself. "Moses set up a serpent
to save the people; yonder wizard sets up one to destroy them."

That evening Owen had no heart for his labours, for his mind was heavy
at the prospect of the trial which lay before him. Not that he cared for
his own life, for of this he scarcely thought; it was the prospects of
his cause which troubled him. It seemed much to expect that Heaven again
should throw over him the mantle of its especial protection, and yet
if it did not do so there was an end of his mission among the People of
Fire. Well, he did not seek this trial--he would have avoided it if
he could, but it had been thrust upon him, and he was forced to choose
between it and the abandonment of the work which he had undertaken with
such high hopes and pushed so far toward success. He did not choose the
path, it had been pointed out to him to walk upon; and if it ended in a
precipice, at least he would have done his best.

As he thought thus John entered the hut, panting.

"What is the matter?" Owen asked.

"Father, the people saw and pursued me because of the death of that
accursed snake. Had I not run fast and escaped them, I think they would
have killed me."

"At least you have escaped, John; so be comforted and return thanks."

"Father," said the man presently, "I know that you are great, and can do
many wonderful things, but have you in truth power over lightning?"

"Why do you ask?"