Most of such stones are mere shapeless lumps, but this one bore a peculiar resemblance to a seated human being holding up one arm towards the sky.

So strange was this likeness that, other reasons apart, it seemed not wonderful that savages should regard the thing with awe and veneration.

Rather would it have been wonderful had they not done so.
"Say now," said Owen to the king when he had inspected the stone, "what is the history of this dumb god of yours, and why do you worship him ?" "Follow me across the stream and I will tell you, Messenger," answered the king, again glancing at the sky.

"The storm gathers, and when it breaks none are safe upon this plain except the heaven doctors such as Hokosa and his companions who can bind the lightning." So they went and when they reached the further side of the stream Umsuka descended from his litter.
"Messenger," he said, "this is the story of the god as it has come down to us.

From the beginning our land has been scourged with lightning above all other lands, and with the floods of rain that accompany the lightning.