If you betray us, nay, if you do but think on treachery, I swear to you that you shall die a death so slow and horrible that the very name of it would turn your heart to water; you and your wife, your children and your servants.

Come, let him be sworn!' I heard and my head swam, and a mist gathered before my eyes.

Once again I was saved from instant death.
Presently it cleared, and looking up my eyes met those of the woman who had saved me, Otomie my wife, who smiled upon me somewhat sadly.

Then the priest came forward bearing a wooden bowl, carved about with strange signs, and a flint knife, and bade me bare my arm.

He cut my flesh with the knife, so that blood ran from it into the bowl.