Quick as our eyes were turned on the padre, the change in direction was anticipated by Corycæus, for he was back on the platform in time to see with laughing glee the padre’s hand reach his ear with a clap that jarred his head. But certain of his capture, the padre, without noticing the return of Corycæus to the stage, cautiously introduced his forefinger into the cavity of his ear, with his thumb on the alert to secure his prisoner when raised to the surface. So certainly intent was he of the capture, that he was deaf to the suppressed laughter provoked by his movements, until after the removal and cautious separation of his thumb and finger; then his surprise was greeted by a genial outburst. Discovering Corycæus on the platform, one of his old furtive glances of superstition crossed the bridge of his nose, the laughing jeers causing him to exclaim, “Well you can think what you like, but the devil’s in it!”
Corycæus. “If you mean in your ear, the compliment is not intended for me!”
The rejoinder, and mirth, caused the padre to propose a second trial; this proving as unsuccessful as the first, he exclaimed, “You are altogether too spry for my catching; I’d sooner try to catch a flea on the watch! But the fact is, I can’t quite make you out to my mind. You seem to be what you say you are; still there is neither sacred or profane authority for your existence, unless we take the Fathers’ assurance that it’s possible for evil spirits to assume any form, or shape, or preach any doctrine they choose, for the purpose of temptation, of which numerous instances have been recorded by Frey Manuel Jaen, and other sacred authors.”
Mr. Welson (impatiently). “The fact is apparent, padre, that you are either stupidly incorrigible or there is a prompted method in your mythological vagaries, to show us how loath your kind are to give up animal indulgences that can be absolved by confession. Once for all! Why is it that you have been endowed with the power of discernment, which you style conscience, to judge between right and wrong, except to assert your probationary privilege to a higher destiny than sensually begot animal life that is subject to compostic defilement and corruption? Or why should you be preferred to a material heaven above the beasts of the field, who have lived in accordance with their special capacities, while you have defiled yours with beastly indulgences? Like yourself we have been subject to auramentation, but have thankfully accepted the promptings bestowed for the enlightenment and correction of our perceptions. We feel that although bodily present, you are not with us.”
Padre. “It was yourself, Mr. Welson, that made me cautious! If I have doubted the evidences of my senses, your deceptions have placed the stumbling block in my way. Since we have been in Heraclea your mysteries whenever I was present kept me on the lookout that I might not be caught napping. Besides all the Kyronese children had disappeared, except the infants, and those over ten years of age. While among the Heracleans there was not a miss or master, except Correliana; or a married man or woman less than twenty-four years of age. When I inquired the cause, you said they were at school, which did not seem consistent, for I could find no signs of one within the walls. Then as there were no churches or signs of religious worship, my fears were excited; for you rose with the sun and welcomed its rising with songs, something you had never attempted to do before; for even after a jovial night, spent in drinking, playing poker, and lansquenet, you appeared more sorry than glad to see it. After breakfast you avoided me and betook yourselves to some strange place, so that through the day I scarcely saw you. These and many other strange freaks made me feel as though I had really strayed into an enchanted city; which impression was strengthened by my own contradictory thoughts. (Looking curiously at Corycæus.) Often a distinct small voice, but as plain as my own, would dispute the number of my Ave Marias, although I had numbered them on my rosary—there, now, is the same voice asking me from what the beads were made. Well as there can be no secrets kept here, I might as well own, that plug tobacco was the easiest thing that I could make them of. Indeed I scarcely knew the half that I was thinking, I became so confused and bewildered. Sometimes I thought my impressions were caused by your scientific tricks, played upon me when asleep; but then there was no authority for that; so you will see from all that I have said, I am hardly in a condition to give credit to my senses, upon the question of these apparitions, that you call Manatitlan Animalculans, as to whether they are real humans, or spirits of evil conjured by the devil to betray souls to damnation.”
Corycæus. “But you know, padre, you tried all sorts of exorcisms to get rid of me without effect, until you traced my exhortations to your ears, and supposing they might arise from defect, you smeared your ears with tobacco spittle, which proved an effectual remedy.”
Padre (laughing). “You must allow then that tobacco is good for ridding one of an annoyance?”
Corycæus. “If you call good advice an annoyance!”
Dr. Baāhar. “He is wedded to his delusions, and with eyes and ears, refuses to see and hear.”
Padre. “You may call my religion a delusion, and a budget of traditional superstitions, or whatever you like, but I shall never become an apostate until I can find a better, under proof to supply its place.”