What is he but a short-lived half-barbarian such as we knew in the old days?
And yet already you think more of him than you do of me, your father, the divine Oro who has lived a thousand years.

At first I helped that physician to save him, but now I think I wish him dead.' "'If you let this man die, my Father,' I answered, 'then we part.
Remember that I also have of the wisdom of our people, and can use it if I will.' "'Then save him yourself,' he said.
"'Perhaps I shall, my Father,' I answered, 'but if so it will not be here.

I say that if so we part and you shall be left to rule in your majesty alone.' "Now this frightened the Lord Oro, for he has the weakness that he hates to be alone.
"'If I do what you will, do you swear never to leave me, Yva ?' he asked.
'Know that if you will not swear, the man dies.' "'I swear,' I answered--for your sake, Humphrey--though I did not love the oath.
"Then he gave me a certain medicine to mix with the Life-water, and when you were almost gone that medicine cured you, though Bickley does not know it, as nothing else could have done.

Now I have told you the truth, for your own ear only, Humphrey." "Yva," I asked, "why did you do all this for me ?" "Humphrey, I do not know," she answered, "but I think because I must.
Now sleep a while.".