“The people of Zanah should not weigh the chance of reward for doing what is just and right,” answered the prophetess.
Walda stood as if she were listening for some word of pity from the colonists.
“If ye would show that ye have confidence in me, whom ye look to as the prophetess of Zanah, permit me to liberate Hans Peter. Can ye deny me this privilege?” she asked, presently.
“It is meet that we shift the judgment of the simple one to her upon whom the inspiration is already descending,” said Mother Werther. “Women of Zanah, pledge her your faith.”
Cries of “Give Walda Kellar the judgment!” “Let her loosen the stocks!” “The prophetess of Zanah hath spoken!” were heard on every side.
“Nay, the spirit hath not descended on her. Put not such power in a girl’s hands,” shouted Mother Kaufmann, waving the hand that still clasped her knitting.
Her words were followed by low hisses, and instantly several of the men were heard demanding Hans Peter’s release.
“She did say that the value of the Bible might be returned twofold,” said Diedrich Werther, who had been encouraged to speak by vigorous nudges from his wife. Mother Werther had pushed him from his place on the porch, where he had been hidden by the vines.
“Walda Kellar, is it the spirit which prompts thee to say the value of the Bible will be made good to the colony?” inquired the Herr Doktor.
Again Walda Kellar stood with her head turned, as if she were listening to the still, small voice of her conscience.