AN Idol1 said to a Missionary2, "My friend, why do you seek to bring

　　me into contempt? If it had not been for me, what would you have

　　been? Remember thy creator that thy days be long in the land."

　　"I confess," replied the Missionary, fingering a number of ten-cent

　　pieces which a Sunday-school in his own country had forwarded to

　　him, "that I am a product of you, but I protest that you cannot

　　quote Scripture3 with accuracy and point. Therefore will I continue

　　to go up against you with the Sword of the Spirit."

　　Shortly afterwards the Idol's worshippers held a great religious

　　ceremony at the base of his pedestal, and as a part of the rites4

　　the Missionary was roasted whole. As the tongue was removed for

　　the high priest's table, "Ah," said the Idol to himself, "that is

　　the Sword of the Spirit - the only Sword that is less dangerous

　　when unsheathed."

　　And he smiled so pleasantly at his own wit that the provinces of

　　Ghargaroo, M'gwana, and Scowow were affected5 with a blight6.