Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 2 — page 64: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

198 rocks, and for a time were safe. Nan-a-ta posted a guard and with his men returned to the battle-field. By orders of Nan-a-ta succor was given to friend and foe alike. ‘‘ Are they not our brothers?” said he—and when the sun rose only the ghastly trampled grass, red from the fight, showed where the battle had raged under the calm and quiet moon. Not more than half of Tsu-ven’s follow- ers had escaped to the shelter of the cave, and Nan-a-ta had likewise suffered sorely, though not so greatly—a score and two of his men had fallen or were mortally wound- ed—so it was no surprise to him when with the first gleams of dawn he saw five priests, Sa-ko in the lead, making their way down the hillsides to where the main body of the attackers had camped. Sa-ko, it seemed, wished to avoid further bloodshed. Would Nan-a-ta consent to leave the matter to the will of the Great Father? Once before had the Great Father decided in favor of Tsu-ven, and it might be that Nan-a-ta would now hesitate, but could he hope for the favor of O-Ma-Ken did he flout the wishes of the Great Fa- ther? Did he not crave the blessing of O-Ma-Ken, even though the chieftaincy were denied him? Were it not best to let the Great Father declare his will once more, thus avoidmg further battle and loss of life? Nan-a-ta showed a doubtful face, but inwardly he laughed that Sa-ko should thus play into his hand; more than all else did he crave a trial of magic before the as- sembled tribe. 0 he allowed Sa-ko to persuade him, and agreed to a test by mag- ic on the following day, stipulating only that Tsu-ven and his followers should come unarmed. ; Sa-ko agreed and departed, chuckling to himself as he thought of the gullibility of Nan-a-ta, who would ere long, he thought, give up his life on the Great Altar, whereby would the power of the priests grow great indeed! | ; Word was quickly passed among the tribesmen, and on the next day all were assembled at the Lesser Altar, precisely as the year before, save only that now Nan- a-ta’s men were placed in the front rank, THE ARGOSY. conspicuous among them Sar-no-m’rai, who had left Tsu-ven before the battle, and now grinned maliciously at the usurper as he thought of those followers of Tsu-ven’s who had “ disappeared.” When all were in their places Sa-ko spoke to the multitude, saying: ‘Before us stand once more the son of A-ta and the son of the Lord of the Winged Death, each seeking the chieftaincy of the Ta-an. Let O-Ma-Ken decide as once before! To this is each agreed. First, then, the turning wand! Tsu-ven, the ivory staff!” Tsu-ven stepped forward, handing the staff of ceremony to Sa-ko, who laid it on the altar as once before, motioning to Nan-a-ta and Tsu-ven to take their places. Each did so, but at a sign from Nan-a-ta certain of his men edged slightly forward as though seeking a better view. _Ere ever the staff began to move, ere ever Sa-ko lifted his voice in prayer, Nan- a-ta whistled shrilly, and his men sprang forward, seizing each a priest from be- hind. Tsu-ven started toward the altar, but ere he had taken one step a firm grasp on his throat and the point of a dagger pricking his skin warned him that Ban, who held him, would tolerate no attempt at escape. Then Nan-a-ta strode before the altar, raising his voice to the people: ‘Men and women of the Ta-an,” he cried, “be not deceived! The boasted magic of the priests is but trickery, fit only for children! See, now, the magic of the turning wand, also the battle of the arrows!”’ He turned toward the altar, while a gasp of horror ran through the crowd at such words of sacrilege, and many turned. their eyes toward the heavens, fearing a light- ning stroke on the blasphemer. But the _ sun shone clear and bright, and Nan-a-ta raised from the altar the ivory staff, while Sa-ko squirmed in the fierce grip of L’vu, who held him by throat and wrist. ‘““See now,” cried Nan-a-ta, ‘“ the hairs from the tail of the horse, whereby the miracle is wrought!” And he passed the ivory staff before the crowd, that all might see the hairs, fixed by a touch of wax. COMICLO© S C©