THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.
But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.
But with the others it was different: they had heard the singing, they had seen the regiment of great men prostrate themselves, and the sound of worshipping had come to their ears like thunder; but of the why and wherefore of it all they could only guess.
"What has happened ?" said Leonard eagerly; "your initiation seems to have come off well." "Bid the men fall back and I will tell you," Juanna answered.
Leonard did so, but instead of speaking she broke into hysterical laughter.

Her nerves had been over-strained, and now they sought relief thus.
"You must all be very respectful to Otter and myself," she said at length, "for we really are gods--don't look shocked, Francisco, I begin to believe in it myself.