Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 69).djvu/163

There was a problem when proofreading this page.
B. Willoughby
143

world. Then, my brothers, from the Place of Winds, strange evils have come upon you. Why? Why, my brothers?"

He allowed a moment's silence before he leaned forward and whispered slowly in a way that left the room ringing:—

"The—Almighty—Devil—is—angry—with—you!"

In the hush that followed the sound of the blizzard seeped in through the thick walls. Ah-king-ah suddenly flung himself upright, and continued in a voice that gathered volume as he procceded: "The Almighty Devil is angry with you for hearkening to new words. Behald, your bellies grow flat against your backs. Your igloos grow cold. Your dogs consume each other. Oh, hear the words of

"Oh, poor deluded ones"—he turned pleadingly to the stunned and wondering people—"shut your ears to the evils of this sorcerer."