Speak and tell me--were you about to cast those men, whom you were commanded to receive hospitably, into yonder fire because they saved the victim of your devilries and killed the imp you cherished?
Nay, I saw it all.

Know that it was but a trap set to catch you, who have been allowed to live too long." But still the wretch writhed before the draped form and howled for mercy.
"Messenger," said the high-priest, "with thee the power goes.

Declare thy decree." Then our guide lifted her hand slowly and pointed to the fire.

At once the man turned ghastly white, groaned and fell back, as I think, quite dead, slain by his own terror.
Now many of the people had fled, but some remained, and to these the priest called in cold tones, bidding them approach.

They obeyed, creeping towards him.
"Look," he said, pointing to the man, "look and tremble at the justice of Hes the Mother.