The Brahmin looked at his helpless boy lying on the mat, and then on the idol which he had so long worshipped. He had no time to save _both_; which should he leave to the devouring flames? Only one day previously the Hindu might have hesitated in making his choice, but he did not hesitate now. He caught up his son in his arms; he bore him forth from the fiery furnace. “If Krishna be a god he will save himself,” muttered the Brahmin.