The wonders of its underground palaces and temples had no charms for him.

Also he did not think he could do any good by going, since after "sucking him as dry as an orange" with reference to religious matters "that old vampire-bat Oro had just thrown him away like the rind," and, he might add, "seemed no better for the juice he had absorbed." "I doubt," continued Bastin, "whether St.Paul himself could have converted Oro, even if he performed miracles before him.

What is the use of showing miracles to a man who could always work a bigger one himself ?" In short, Bastin's one idea, and Bickley's also for the matter of that, was to get away to the main island and thence escape by means of the boat, or in some other fashion.
I pointed out that Oro had said we must obey at the peril of our lives; indeed that he had put it even more strongly, using words to the effect that if we did not he would kill us.
"I'd take the risk," said Bickley, "since I believe that you dreamt it all, Arbuthnot.

However, putting that aside, there is a natural reason why you should wish to go, and for my own part, so do I in a way.

I want to see what that old fellow has up his extremely long sleeve, if there is anything there at all." "Well, if you ask me, Bickley," I answered, "I believe it is the destruction of half the earth, or some little matter of that sort." At this suggestion Bickley only snorted, but Bastin said cheerfully: "I dare say.