Page:Achmed Abdullah--Wings.djvu/149

Rh have opened my eyes to the mysteries of this world and of the next. You have given me peace and happiness. And you did it all through the miracle of the turtle … blessed be the Holy Name of Shiva."

And Krishnavana replied:

"Yes, most dear. It was indeed the miracle of the turtle which lifted the veil of your old, foul creed and which gave to you the mantle of truth. It was the miracle of the turtle which filled the yawning emptiness of your heart. Without it you would be but the shriveled husk of an empty, jingling soul."

Here he smiled and looked at Couzens, and then he continued gently:

"I shall now explain to you how the miracle of the turtle was done …"

That night Krishnavana sacrificed on the blood stained altar of Kali, the Mother, the soul of Oughted Couzens, and it was as empty as a dried tinduka fruit, as dry as a dom-nut, and as bitter as a Dead-Sea apple …