When the last of them had died away, the king brought the cup to the level of his lips.

Owen saw, and knowing its contents, was almost moved to cry out in warning.

Indeed, his arm was lifted and his mouth was open, when by chance he noted Hokosa watching him, and remembered.

To act now would be madness, his time had not yet come.
The cup touched the king's lips, and at the sign from every throat in that countless multitude sprang the word "_King!_" and every foot stamped upon the ground, shaking the solid earth.

Thrice the monarch drank, and thrice this tremendous salute, the salute of the whole nation to its ruler, was repeated, each time more loudly than the last.