now my folly has undone all, and it seems that I must be a god for many
months, if, indeed, they do not find me out."

"Never mind, Otter," said Leonard, moved to pity by the dwarf's genuine
grief. "You have lost the stones and you will have to find them again
somehow. By the way, Soa, why did you start so when the old priest came
in?"

"Because he is my father, Deliverer," she answered.

Leonard whistled; here was a new complication. What if Nam should
recognise her?



CHAPTER XXII

THE TEMPLE OF JAL

In considerable agitation of mind Leonard bid good-bye to Juanna,
promising to return soon, and went to visit the Settlement men, whom he
had not seen since the previous evening.

He found them in good case enough, so far as their material comfort was
concerned, for they were well supplied with food and warmly lodged. So
much could not be said, however, of their mental state, for they were
terrified by the multitude of solemn priests and warriors who watched
them as cats watch mice. Crouching round him dejectedly they implored
Leonard not to leave them, saying that they expected to be murdered
every minute. He pacified them as well as he could and left them with