Come but one pace nearer, and we will put out the moon like a wind-blown lamp, as we who dwell in her House can do, and plunge the land in darkness.

Dare to disobey, and ye shall taste of our magic." My threat produced an effect; the men halted, and Scragga stood still before us, his spear lifted.
"Hear him! hear him!" piped Gagool; "hear the liar who says that he will put out the moon like a lamp.

Let him do it, and the girl shall be speared.

Yes, let him do it, or die by the girl, he and those with him." I glanced up at the moon despairingly, and now to my intense joy and relief saw that we--or rather the almanack--had made no mistake.

On the edge of the great orb lay a faint rim of shadow, while a smoky hue grew and gathered upon its bright surface.