ll
that I may not kill for the good of the world? Why, what is the matter
with that toy of yours, Preacher?" and he pointed to the pistol.

Well might he ask, for as he spoke the revolver flew out of Bastin's
hand. High into the air it flew, and as it went discharged itself, all
the six chambers of it, in rapid succession, while Bastin stood staring
at his arm and hand which he seemed unable to withdraw.

"Do you still threaten me with that outstretched hand, Preacher?" mocked
Oro.

"I can't move it," said Bastin; "it seems turned to stone."

"Be thankful that you also are not turned to stone. But, because your
courage pleases me, I will spare you, yes, and will advance you in my
New Kingdom. What shall you be? Controller of Religions, I think, since
all the qualities that a high priest should have are yours--faith,
fanaticism and folly."

"It is very strange," said Bastin, "but all of a sudden my arm and hand
are quite well again. I suppose it must have been 'pins and needles' or
something of that sort which made me throw away the pistol and pull the
trigger when I didn't mean to do so."

Then he went to fetch that article which had fallen beyond the dais, and
quite forgot his intention of executing Oro in the interest of testing
its mechanism, which proved to be destroyed. To his proposed appointment
he made no illusion. If he comprehended what was meant, which I doubt,
he took it as a joke.

"Hearken all of you," said Oro, lifting his head suddenly, for while
Bastin recovered the revolver he had been brooding. "The great thing
which I shall do tomorrow must be witnessed by you because thereby only
can you come to understand my powers. Also yonder where I bring it about
in the bowels of the earth, you will be safer than elsewhere, since when
and perhaps before it happens, the whole world will heave and shake and
tremble, and I know not what may chance, even in these caves. For this
reason also, do not forget to bring the little hound with you, since
him least of all of you would I see come to harm, perhaps because once,
hundreds of generations ago as you reckon time, I had a dog very like to
him. Your mother loved him much, Yva, and when she died, this dog died
also. He lies embalmed with her on her coffin yonder in the temple, and
yesterday I went to look at both of them. The beasts are wonderfully
alike, which shows the everlastingness of blood."

He paused a while, lost in thought, then continued: "After t