Taking a good hold I raised him up so as to look at him near by. The phosphorus on his head had melted and shone palely through my fingers.
“What have you done?” I said. “A little more and you would have been drowned.”
“Who are you?” he answered, trying to make his voice heavy. “Who dares to place mortal hands on the body of a god? Let me down, barbarian,” and he twisted around. “Let me go or my vengeance will annihilate you! You are a coward! I will try the effect of my divine power! Tremble....”
I saw now what was the matter and whispered:
“Fiam, be good.”
“Shame on you! I am a Haji.”
“Yes, but you are also acting disgracefully. Let me put you in your box and to-morrow you will thank me.”
“You want to lock me up. You want to make me a prisoner. You aren’t satisfied to have me for a servant to carry around with you everywhere. You are the cause of all my woes, but my power is infinite. At a call from me all the animals in the world will come and tear you to pieces. My friend To, the Stork, will come and eat your eyes out. The Prince Funato will come and cut your head off with his sword.”