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If Choflo's words were true, and Oomah was to save the earth by slaying the Black Phantom, he must act soon or Tumwah's work would be too far advanced for remedy. He could do no more than he was doing.
It was a silent group that watched him depart, for they felt that he would not return; and in their grief they entirely forgot Choflo's dire predictions for themselves in the event that Oomah was unsuccessful in his quest. In their hearts they rebelled at the dictum of their leader but the long habit of obedience caused them to suppress their resentment. So they merely looked sad and said nothing.
The subject for a test was not hard to find in the form of a spiny rat that he dug out of a decayed stump and holding the rodent in one hand he pricked the tender skin with the point of the arrow. The rat struggled and squeaked, but when he released it a few minutes later it scurried to cover. Choflo's treachery had been proven. Oomah replaced the missile in his pack and started up the river.
And he stood reverently gazing at the sacred object until Choflo's drum, followed by the sound of his voice bade the men gather in solemn conclave. "Upon Oomah has fallen the mission of saving the earth from a terrible end," the sorcerer said gravely, "and the selection of the Great Spirit has been a wise one." "But, am I worthy to be entrusted with such a holy undertaking?"
"It is indeed a spirit from the world of darkness," Sagguk panted, his superstitious fancy encouraged by Choflo's words. Sagguk had thrown the spear that grazed Warruk's flank. "For, did I not thrust my spear full into his heart so that the blood gushed out in a crimson torrent? Yet the demon turned, grasped the shaft in his teeth and drew it out without sign of pain."
It was several hours before the terrified Indians dared leave the security of their shelters and then only at the imperious summons of Choflo's voice. Three fires were hastily kindled and between them the council sat feeling sure that neither beast nor demon would dare brave the blazing barrier. "Again our offering has been spurned by Tumwah," Choflo moaned, "and now I know the reason why.
"I am the bearer of a message," the newcomer greeted the emaciated youth, "from the fathers of the tribe." Oomah grunted. "Why have you come to add to my suffering? I know that I am an outcast, and I am ready to die." "No! You must come back with me. Your work is finished. Your reward will be great. Choflo's place shall be yours. That is the message I bear." Oomah stared blankly at the speaker.
Yaro had even hinted, in furtive whispers, that the combat between the Phantom and the God of Drought was a fabrication of Choflo's mind, simply another explanation of something the sorcerer did not understand added to the several he had already given.
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