The people themselves claimed the right to punish crimes of peculiar gravity or of exalted personages. Since the action pertained to their Servitor, they were the ones most grievously wronged, and they clamored loudly for the life-blood of the jeweler. Alcamayn’s life should be forfeited to the state because of high treason, inasmuch as he had made it impossible to maintain traditional relations with other nations, by removing the only man of consecrated blood capable of carrying out the solemn covenants. It was Hanabusa’s duty, as accuser, to present the findings of this tribunal to Yermah for final consideration. The high-priest, Imos, received similar instruction later in the day, when the warrior-priests, without a dissenting voice, found Alcamayn guilty of sin against the Holy Pneuma,[20] because by curtailing Orondo’s physical life, he had cut the ego’s earth experience short, thus dooming his victim to early reincarnation. Death, incurring a similar fate, was but just retribution. Setos must stand as an accuser when the final trial began. In his own selfish way, he was attached to Ildiko; but he could have killed her with his own hands for having placed him in such a difficult position. He had no pity for her blighted prospects. The father was enraged against the daughter, because he knew that no man would offer her marriage again—that she must live in perpetual disgrace. Pity her? Not he! Had she not dashed his ambitions at the very moment of fulfillment? Was his incipient greatness always to be subservient to inferiors? Was he never to have the opportunity to show what was in his heart? * * * * * Poor Ildiko! Frivolous feather-brain that she was, many a sympathizing glance fell upon the closed windows of her bridal chamber. She was not allowed to return home again. So in hideous mockery she paced the floor of this room, sick to death of its luxury, and hating the sight of her wedding finery. Yermah found her lying prostrate, twisting her hands in and out of her disheveled hair; and when he gently raised her and spoke kindly to her, she broke into a fit of hysterical laughter, infinitely sadder than tears. She had the curses of her father still ringing in her ears, and remorse held such carnival that blows would have been easier to bear. “Beat, curse and abuse me, Yermah, or I shall go raving mad! Don’t even look at me kindly! I cannot endure it!” Yermah feigned not to hear her. “Where is Rahula?” he asked in an ordinary tone. “Hast thou seen her?” “No. She must be with Alcamayn.” “That were not possible. He is in solitary confinement, and is allowed to see no one. She is probably occupied with his defense.” “Dost thou think there is any hope for him? I have loved him from early childhood—more than I did Orondo,” she said simply. “Canst thou not plead for him?” Even with tear-stained, grief-distorted face, Ildiko was attractive and winning.