and without question. Also, it is our will that their food should be
brought to them with our food. Moreover, it is the desire of the Snake
that no more grass should be given to him to eat; for now, in these
latter days, having put on the flesh of men, he needs that which will
support the flesh. One thing more, my servant; the Snake forgives the
affront that was offered him, and I command that some of the greatest
of the holy stones should be brought to me, that I may look on the blood
which I shed so long ago."

"Alas! it may not be, Mother," answered the priest in tones of sorrow.
"All the stones, both red and blue, have been placed in bags of hide and
cast into that place whence they can be brought no more, together with
him who offended. Nor can others be gathered at this season of the year,
seeing that deep snow covers the place where they lie buried. In the
summer, when the sun has melted the snow, more can be found, if your
eyes still desire the sight of them."

Juanna made no reply, and the priest went.

"Here is a pretty business," said Leonard. "That idiot Otter has upset
everything. We might have become millionaires for the asking, and now
we must wait for months before we so much as get sight of a ruby or a
sapphire."

Nobody answered. Indeed, the whole party were plunged into consternation
at the fatal effects of this accident. As for Otter himself, when he
understood fully what he had done, he almost wept for grief.

"Who could have known, Baas?" he groaned. "It was the sight of the green
food that bewitched me, who have always hated the taste of grass. And