An expression of horror gathered on Bastin’s face.

“Do you really mean to murder hundreds of millions of people?” he asked, in a thick, slow voice.

“I have said that I intend to send them to that heaven or that hell of which you are so fond of talking, Preacher, somewhat more quickly than otherwise they would have found their way thither.  They have disappointed me, they have failed; therefore, let them go and make room for others who will succeed.”

“Then you are a greater assassin than any that the world has bred, or than all of them put together.  There is nobody as bad, even in the Book of Revelation!” shouted Bastin, in a kind of fury.  “Moreover, I am not like Bickley.  I know enough of you and your hellish powers to believe that what you plan, that you can do.”

“I believe it also,” sneered Oro.  “But how comes it that the Great One whom you worship does not prevent the deed, if He exists, and it be evil?”

“He will prevent it!” raved Bastin.  “Even now He commands me to prevent it, and I obey!” Then, drawing the revolver from his pocket, he pointed it at Oro’s breast, adding:  “Swear not to commit this crime, or I will kill you!”

“So the man of peace would become a man of blood,” mused Oro, “and kill that I may not kill for the good of the world?  Why, what is the matter with that toy of yours, Preacher?” and he pointed to the pistol.

Well might he ask, for as he spoke the revolver flew out of Bastin’s hand.  High into the air it flew, and as it went discharged itself, all the six chambers of it, in rapid succession, while Bastin stood staring at his arm and hand which he seemed unable to withdraw.

“Do you still threaten me with that outstretched hand, Preacher?” mocked Oro.

“I can’t move it,” said Bastin; “it seems turned to stone.”

“Be thankful that you also are not turned to stone.  But, because your courage pleases me, I will spare you, yes, and will advance you in my New Kingdom.  What shall you be?  Controller of Religions, I think, since all the qualities that a high priest should have are yours—­faith, fanaticism and folly.”

“It is very strange,” said Bastin, “but all of a sudden my arm and hand are quite well again.  I suppose it must have been ’pins and needles’ or something of that sort which made me throw away the pistol and pull the trigger when I didn’t mean to do so.”

Then he went to fetch that article which had fallen beyond the dais, and quite forgot his intention of executing Oro in the interest of testing its mechanism, which proved to be destroyed.  To his proposed appointment he made no illusion.  If he comprehended what was meant, which I doubt, he took it as a joke.