Even Hans was affected, for he whispered to me in Dutch: "These are not men; these are devils, Baas, and this journey of ours is one into hell." Only Ragnall sat stern, silent, and apparently quite unmoved.

Indeed there was something almost sphinx-like about the set and expression of his handsome face.

Moreover, I felt sure that Harut and Marut recognized the man's strength and determination and that he was one with whom they must reckon seriously.

Beneath all their smiles and courtesies I could read this knowledge in their eyes; also that it was causing them grave anxiety.

It was as though they knew that here was one against whom their power had no avail, whose fate was the master of their fate.