THE LOOSING OF NOMA When Owen heard that it was Hokosa who had poisoned him, he groaned and hid his face in his hands, and thus he remained till the evil tale was finished.

Now he lifted his head and spoke, but not to Hokosa.
"O God," he said, "I thank Thee that at the cost of my poor life Thou hast been pleased to lead this sinner towards the Gate of Righteousness, and to save alive those whom Thou hast sent me to gather to Thy Fold." Then he looked at Hokosa and said:-- "Unhappy man, is not your cup full enough of crime, and have you not sufficiently tempted the mercy of Heaven, that you would add to all your evil deeds that of self-murder ?" "It is better to die to-day by my own hand," answered Hokosa, "than to-morrow among the mockery of the people to fall a victim to your vengeance, Messenger." "Vengeance! Did I speak to you of vengeance?
Who am I that I should take vengeance upon one who has repented?
Hokosa, freely do I forgive you all, even as in some few days I hope to be forgiven.

Freely and fully from my heart do I forgive you, nor shall my lips tell one word of the sin that you have worked against me." Now, when Hokosa heard those words, for a moment he stared stupefied; then he fell upon his knees before Owen, and bowing his head till it touched the teacher's feet, he burst into bitter weeping.
"Rise and hearken," said Owen gently.

"Weep not because I have shown kindness to you, for that is my duty and no more, but for your sins in your own heart weep now and ever.

Yet for your comfort I tell you that if you do this, of a surety they shall be forgiven to you.