He took a slip of paper from his pocket and read:
“‘What we want is, not that folk should be frightened, but that they should begin to change themselves—to develop themselves on more spiritual lines. We are not trying to make people nervous, but to prepare while there is yet time. The world cannot go on as it has done. It would destroy itself if it did. Above all we must sweep away the dark cloud of theology which has come between mankind and God.’”
He folded up the paper and replaced it in his pocket.
“That is what I have been asked to tell you. Spread the news where there seems to be a window in the soul. Say to them, ‘Repent! Reform! the Time is at hand.’”
He had paused and seemed about to turn. The spell was broken. The audience rustled and leaned back in its seats. Then a voice came from the back.
“Is this the end of the world, mister?”
“No,” said the stranger, curtly.
“Is it the Second Coming?” asked another voice.
“Yes.”
With quick, light steps he threaded his way among the chairs on the platform and stood near the door. When Malone next looked round he was gone.