Remember that I do not know, I cannot even guess where I am going, or what strange sensations will overcome me; but if I am permitted to have any recollection of earth at all, I will try to find out what you ask." Heliobas seemed satisfied, and rising from his chair, unlocked a heavily-bound iron safe.

From this he took a glass flask of a strange, ever-moving, glittering fluid, the same in appearance as that which Raffaello Cellini had forbidden me to drink.

He then paused and looked searchingly at me.
"Tell me," he said in an authoritative tone, "tell me WHY you wish to see what to mortals is unseen?
What motive have you?
What ulterior plan ?" I hesitated.

Then I gathered my strength together and answered decisively: "I desire to know why this world, this universe exists; and also wish to prove, if possible, the truth and necessity of religion.

And I think I would give my life, if it were worth anything, to be certain of the truth of Christianity." Heliobas gazed in my face with a sort of half-pity, half-censure.
"You have a daring aim," he said slowly, "and you are a bold seeker.
But shame, repentance and sorrow await you where you are going, as well as rapture and amazement.