But, as quickly as it had come, the expression passed, and he stepped forward for the old man's touch.
With a quivering gesture the Arch-Councillor lifted his hand and nervously passed his fingers over the scars; then, drawing the Prophet down, he touched his face.

For a long moment of suspense his fingers lingered over the features; then they fell again upon the scars.

And an instant later he sank upon his knees.
"It is indeed made manifest!" he cried, in a loud, unsteady voice.

"He shall sit above you as upon a Throne!" The words were magical.

The whole concourse of people swayed forward hysterically.