"So it has begun! He has begun to show his hand!"
Then he let his eyes take in the contents of the program.
Beneath the Hieroglyphic was the greeting:
"TO ALL THE WORLD!
APLEON, EMPEROR,
by the election of
MAN.
Commands the following events in connection
with the Dedication and
opening of the Temple at Jerusalem.
4-30 p. m. 9th Sept., year 1 of Apleon.
(Subject to minor alterations.)
Appointment of the High Priest elect,
by the Emperor.
Address by The High Priest.
Confirmation of the 7 years Covenant
between the Hebrew Nation and the Emperor.
Affirmatory Signatures and Seals affixed.
Sign of the Sacrament
to be distributed and donned by all present.
6-30 p. m. Bureaus will be opened all over the city, and in the immediate neighbourhood of the Temple for the free distribution of the sacramental signs, with directions for wearing the same. The donning of the sign will be, of course, entirely voluntary.
"For how long," murmured Bullen to himself, "will this be voluntary?"
He continued his reading:
"At 7-30 a. m. 10th Sept. The Dedication of the Temple. The procession of Kings, headed by Apleon, Emperor of the World, will start from the Apleon Palace at 7-0 a. m. Imperial troops will line the way.
"Fanfare of trumpets will greet the procession on its arrival at the Temple Gates.
"Opening ode will be sung by 1,000, singers massed in the courtyard.