priest on the days of sacrifice, and with it the image of the Dwarf
fashioned from a single gem, and that of the Water-dweller cut from the
great blue stone, and other smaller ones chosen because of their beauty
and also because they have been known for long in the land. For although
many of these pebbles are found where the priests dig for them, but few
are large and perfect, and the art of shaping them is lost."

"And what became of the man?" Leonard asked, speaking as quietly as he
could, for his excitement was great.

"Nay, I do not know," answered Olfan. "I only know that he was let down
with ropes into the home of the Snake, and that he gained that holy
place, for it was told to me that he dragged rope after him, perhaps as
he fled before the Snake.

"Now it was promised to the man that when he had laid the bag of stones
in the place of the Snake, for the Snake to guard for ever, his sins
would be purged, and, if it pleased the Water-dweller to spare him, that
he should be drawn up again. Thus Nam swore to him, but he did not keep
his oath, for when the man had entered the cave he bade those who held
the ropes to cast them loose, and I know not what happened to him, but
doubtless he is food for the Snake. None who look upon that holy place
may live to see the sun again."

"I only hope that the brute did not swallow the rubies as well as their
bearer," said Leonard to Juanna; "not that there is much chance of our
getting them, anyway."

Then Olfan went, nor did he return till the afternoon, when he announced
that Nam and his two principal priests waited without to speak with