Shepherd of the Planets
Page 3
came that time which was to be spring for this planet. The firstgreen blades of the new planting showed above the ground.
The natives noticed it with awe, and kept a respectful distance.
That evening, when it was time for the natives' feeding, the mengathered about. Little by little the feeding had become a ritual, andthey would often go out to watch it. It was always the same. Rennerwould step forward away from the others a little way, the load of foodin his hands. The natives would come to stand before him in their raggedline, their leader a trifle to the front. There they would bow, andbegin a chant that had become a part of the ritual with the passingtime.
With the first green planting showing, there was a look of deepsatisfaction in Renner's eyes as he stepped forward this night. His hairhad grown quite long by now, and his white beard blew softly in theconstant wind. There was a simple dignity about him as he stood there,his head erect, and looked upon the natives as his children.
The natives began their chant. It became louder.
"Tolava--" they said, and bowed.
As usual, Farrow was nettled.
"What does the man want anyway?" he asked out loud. "To be God?"
Renner could not help but hear him. He did not turn his head.
"David!" he said.
"Sir?" David asked, stepping forward.
"You understand their language now, don't you?" Renner asked.
"Yes, sir," David said.
"Then translate!" Renner ordered. "Out loud, please, so that the othersmay hear!"
"Tolava--" the natives chanted, bowing.
"Tolava--our father," David said, following the chant. Suddenly heswallowed, and hesitated for a moment. Then he straightened himself, andwent sturdily on. "Tolava--our father--who art from the heavens--giveus--this day--our bread!"
THE END
Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from _Amazing Stories_ November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note.