Fire is a useful and necessary article in the life of a good
man, but it becomes a curse if put to evil purposes."
"It is a curse then that will fall most heavily upon thee," answered
Ackbau. "As for me, this is my country, and I am king of its customs."
But although he pretended to resent my interference, I could see that
Ackbau was ashamed of what he had done, and henceforth he avoided
Melannie, and seldom entered the queen's presence, so that I gained
what I had in view by remonstrating with him.
The thought of the fire, however, and the effect which the making of it
had upon these savages, set me pondering whether this element was
really the primary cause of cannibalism.
No savages whom I ever met devour raw flesh, whether human or animal,
so that the eating of meat by men would seem to be an acquired habit.
Fruit and water appear to be the natural food and drink of man, all
else being artificial and vicious.
CHAPTER XXII
THE NIGHT OF THE SACRIFICE
At last the night came when the snake god was to appear. The moon shone
with wonderful brilliancy, sending a path of dancing light from the
island across the sea to the horizon.
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