“No, indeed. We were shipwrecked, having been driven out of our course by the storm. We are not robbers, your Majesty, but only unfortunate voyagers.” He nodded. “You are indeed unfortunate to land upon the shore of Faytan,” said he. “It means death to all of you.” “Not necessarily,” I returned, coolly. “For my part, I expect to live a long time yet.” “You do not understand,” he persisted gently. “It is the law of the island—the law of my forefathers—that all strangers who land upon Faytan shall be put to death.” “A cruel law,” I remarked; “and an unjust one.” “It is to protect us from invasion,” he explained in a kindly tone. “This is the richest island in all the world, and the most favored by nature. My people are the bravest and strongest of mankind. No other nation can at all compare with this, for we are protected and favored by the powerful Pearl God.” As he mentioned this deity all the Faytans present prostrated themselves, muttering: “The King is the Priest of the Pearl God. Through him we acquire power and protection!” The king had also bowed his head, reverently and with no hint of self-adulation. When the chant ended he turned to us and continued: “Strangers, it is not through hatred that your death is decreed. There is no hate in my breast, although you have killed my father, the late King of Faytan.” His voice faltered, and I exclaimed: “Killed the King! We? It is impossible.” His grief was readily explained now, but although these people posed as our enemies I was really shocked at the assertion that we had rendered this boy fatherless. “I do not think the deed was intentional,” he returned, musingly, “for it was dark and your weapons could single out no man. But my noble father’s death was the result of your coming here. When runners from the other end of the island brought the news of your arrival, my father the King set out at once with a band of chosen warriors to capture you. He arrived at the cove at nightfall, in time to see your people leap into your boats and start out to sea. Our warriors sent arrows after you, and you replied with the weapons that sting. One stung my father and he fell dead. The warriors brought him back to the Pearl City, where I slept, and I was awakened to be told I had lost my dearest friend and was now the King of Faytan.” He bowed his head again and for a time remained motionless. “I am sorry,” I said quietly. “It was the fortune of war.” “Yes,” he returned, raising his head to look at me curiously; “the fortune of war; the same fate that led you here in the storm to meet your death.” I began to feel a little uneasy. “Is there no way of evading that foolish law of yours?” I asked. “No. Away from Faytan every stranger is safe. He is nothing to us then. But when a stranger comes to Faytan the law decrees his death. There is no escape.” “Does the law say in what manner we are to die?” I inquired.