more
binding. Meanwhile numerous single hairs had seemed to detach themselves
from Black Mask's long locks and now stood upright all around his head
like some spectral crown. Those who stood around regarded him with deep
horror. Many believed that a supernatural marvellous power was in his
words; only the girl did not believe in him at all.

In order to increase still further this terrified respect the adventurer
beckoned towards him the old men of the assembly.

"Come hither, that ye may see for yourselves how well acquainted with
the words of the oath are those in that other place where knowledge
needs must be; stretch out your hands towards me, touch me with the tips
of your fingers and ye will discover there is something else present
here besides yourselves."

Old Onucz tremblingly stretched out his hand in the direction of Fatia
Negra and the next moment collapsed with fear when he perceived sparks
crackle forth from his leader's garments which burnt his finger tips.
More than one elder was afraid at first to put out his hand till
curiosity made him venture everything. Several wanted to convince
themselves personally of this miracle, which they could not credit from
the hearsay of others and the juggler himself encouraged those standing
near him to touch him wherever they chose and fire would spring from his
body. Sparks sometimes leaped forth from his neck and sometimes from
the tips of his ears and everyone was persuaded that the curse had
already made its way into every drop of his blood.

Anicza alone did not draw near him.

"Are you afraid of me, then?" enquired the imposter.

"No."

"Come and kiss me then!"

Anicza approached and allowed herself to be kissed.

Immediately afterwards a shudder ran through her.

"Well? What did you feel?"

"Your mouth burnt my mouth," replied the girl, and Fatia Negra happening
to look aside just then, she furtively crossed herself.

Fatia Negra was completely satisfied with the success of this comedy.
Their awe of the mysterious and the unintelligible had made his comrades
his slaves; he need have no more scruples concerning them.

"Give me your right hand, Anicza," said he, "and give your other hand to
your next neighbour, and let everyone take the hand of the person next
to him."

Thus he made them form a long chain, the extreme end of which was
brought up by old Onucz in whose hand he placed a slender conducting rod
which hung down from the altar. Then he