The mountains of his native land, pure, cold and sunlit, stood up against the blue depth of winter sky, eloquent of the permanence of things, and the insignificance of men.

The contemplation of them turned his cheek a shade paler and struck terror to his heart; but did not stay him.

His eyes avoiding the other's gaze, his face shrinking and pitiable, shame already his portion, he nodded.
"Precisely," Basterga said.

"Then nothing can better serve our purpose than this.

Let your officers know what you have heard, and know that you would hear more--of this house.