“There is no need to praise me, King,” answered Owen.  “The risk is something; but I knew that I was protected from it, seeing that I shall not die until my hour comes, and it is not yet.  Listen now:  your god yonder is nothing but a stone such as I have often seen before, for sometimes in great tempests they come to earth from the clouds.  You are not the first people that have worshipped such a stone, but now we know better.  Also this plain before you is full of iron, and iron draws the lightning.  That is why it never strikes your town below.  The iron attracts it more strongly than earth and huts of straw.  Again, while the pole stood I was in little danger, for the lightning strikes the highest thing; but after the pole was shattered and Hokosa wisely went away, then I was in some danger, only no flashes fell.  I am not a magician, King, but I know some things that you do not know, and I trust in One whom I shall lead you to trust also.”

“We will talk of this more hereafter,” said the king hurriedly, “for one day, I have heard and seen enough.  Also I do not believe your words, for I have noted ever that those who are the greatest wizards of all say continually that they have no magic power.  Hokosa, you have been famous in your day, but it seems that henceforth you who have led must follow.”

“The battle is not yet fought, King,” answered Hokosa.  “To-day I met the lightnings without my medicines, and it was a little storm; when I am prepared with my medicines and the tempest is great, then I will challenge this white man to face me yonder, and then in that hour my god shall show his strength and his God shall not be able to save him.”

“That we shall see when the time comes,” answered Owen, with a smile.

That night as Owen sat in his hut working at the translation of St. John, the door was opened and Hokosa entered.

“White Man,” said the wizard, “you are too strong for me, though whence you have your power I know not.  Let us make a bargain.  Show me your magic and I will show you mine, and we will rule the land between us.  You and I are much akin—­we are great; we have the spirit sight; we know that there are things beyond the things we see and hear and feel; whereas, for the rest, they are fools, following the flesh alone.  I have spoken.”

“Very gladly will I show you my magic, Hokosa,” answered Owen cheerfully, “since, to speak truth, though I know you to be wicked, and guess that you would be glad to be rid of me by fair means or foul; yet I have taken a liking for you, seeing in you one who from a sinner may grow into a saint.

“This then is my magic:  To love God and serve man; to eschew wizardry, wealth, and power; to seek after holiness, poverty and humility; to deny your flesh, and to make yourself small in the sight of men, that so perchance you may grow great in the sight of Heaven and save your soul alive.”

“I have no stomach for that lesson,” said Hokosa.