This is the trial by fire: to stand yonder before the face of the god of thunder when a great tempest rages--not such a storm as you saw, but a storm that splits the heavens--and to come thence unscathed.

Listen: I who am a 'heaven-herd,' I who know the signs of the weather, tell you that within two days such a tempest as this will break upon us.

Then White Man, I and my companions will be ready to meet you on the plain.

Take the cross by which you swear and set it up yonder and stand by it, and with you your converts, Nodwengo the prince, and this man whom you have named John, if they dare to go.

Over against you, around the symbol of the god by which we swear, will stand I and my company, and we will pray our god and you shall pray your God.