“Pearls of wisdom ever fall from thy lips, Rahula. Thy well-chosen words sober me again. What dost thou know?”
She held both his hands to her breast, and looked at him steadfastly.
“I am aware that discontent has been flourishing like a poisonous weed in Tlamco. It needed but a spark to fan it to a blaze and I have produced that spark. It is in the suspicion that Yermah is an accursed and lost soul. Thou knowest the tradition concerning other calamities in the dim ages. Fan this flame judiciously, and thou wilt sit in the seat of power.”
He would have strained her to his breast again, but she eluded him. She was certain of her hold upon him, and was anxious to strengthen it.
“Thou canst not be sure of unqualified support,” she went on. “If thou canst not silence Yermah’s adherents in argument, then thou must resort to arms.”
“Thou art my love, and a wise counselor,” he answered, still actuated by gratitude and what he called love. “Go thou to the Camp of Mars, and I will be guided by thee,” he added, aiding her in the readjustment of her mantle.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
THE SHOCK OF CONFLICT AND YERMAH’S OVERTHROW
War was undertaken for religious purposes—never for conquest—which accounted for the methods used in stirring up sedition in Tlamco.
The object in conquering an outside power was to civilize it; and if captives refused to accept hospitable treatment, they were scattered throughout the country, man for man, and kept under surveillance until reconciled to their positions. No confiscation of property was allowed, and after taking the oath of allegiance, the rebels were returned to their homes.
Setos found Imos laboring with Hanabusa and Ben Hu Barabe, who remained loyal to Yermah. These faithful adherents made earnest and eloquent pleas in his behalf; but, finding themselves powerless, withdrew and prepared to defend the city against inevitable attack.