Therefore I chose yonder road that it might test you." "Then if you will be so good as to choose another for us to return by, I shall be much obliged to you, Oro," said Bastin.
"How do you know that if I did it would not be more terrible, Preacher?
How do you know indeed that this is not your last journey from which there is no return ?" "Of course I can't be sure of anything, Oro, but I think the question is one which you might more appropriately put to yourself.

According to your own showing you are now extremely old and therefore your end is likely to come at any moment.

Of course, however, if it did you would have one more journey to make, but it wouldn't be polite for me to say in what direction." Oro heard, and his splendid, icy face was twisted with sudden rage.
Remembering the scene in the temple where he had grovelled before his god, uttering agonised, unanswered prayers for added days, I understood the reason of his wrath.

It was so great that I feared lest he should kill Bastin (who only a few hours before, be it remembered, had tried to kill him) then and there, as doubtless he could have done if he wished.
Fortunately, if he felt it; the impulse passed.
"Miserable fool!" he said.

"I warn you to keep a watch upon your words.
Yesterday you would have slain me with your toy.