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.