“I want you to prepare for the Untersuchung with prayer and fasting,” he said, and there was dismay upon every face before him.
“It hath been shown the elders of Zanah that Walda Kellar is to be the instrument of the Lord. From her lips will fall words of wisdom. You all know her, for she hath often spoken to you. She hath sung to you hymns of praise. She will no longer come among you, for she must live apart, but it will be revealed to her what is best for the colony. You must no longer run to her as if she were your mother. You must bow before her. You must no longer speak unto her, for she will be above all the people of the colony.”
The hand of Johann Werther was raised, and, when he had been given permission to speak, he asked:
“Are all women daughters of Eve?”
“Yea, yea,” declared the Herr Doktor. “Thou knowest that Eve was the mother of all.”
“And Walda Kellar is to be the instrument of the Lord?”
“Why ask foolish questions? Thou knowest she is to be the inspired one.”
“I would know why a man was not chosen instead of a daughter of Eve?” said Johann.
“Thou shouldst use thy silly brain for less mighty questions,” was the stern reply. Turning to the school-master the Herr Doktor gave the order:
“Dismiss thy pupils.” Adding: “We would talk with thee.”