Well, he did not seek this trial--he would have avoided it if he could, but it had been thrust upon him, and he was forced to choose between it and the abandonment of the work which he had undertaken with such high hopes and pushed so far toward success.

He did not choose the path, it had been pointed out to him to walk upon; and if it ended in a precipice, at least he would have done his best.
As he thought thus John entered the hut, panting.
"What is the matter ?" Owen asked.
"Father, the people saw and pursued me because of the death of that accursed snake.

Had I not run fast and escaped them, I think they would have killed me." "At least you have escaped, John; so be comforted and return thanks." "Father," said the man presently, "I know that you are great, and can do many wonderful things, but have you in truth power over lightning ?" "Why do you ask ?" "Because a great tempest is brewing, and if you have not we shall certainly be killed when we stand yonder on the Place of Fire." "John," he said, "I cannot speak to the lightning in a voice which it can hear.

I cannot say to it 'go yonder,' or 'come hither,' but He Who made it can do so.

Why do you tempt me with your doubts?
Have I not told you the story of Elijah the prophet and the priests of Baal?
Did Elijah's Master forsake him, and shall He forsake us?
Also this is certain, that all the medicine of Hokosa and his wizards will not turn a lightning flash by the breadth of a single hair.