“Ah,” said I, with a feeling of suspicion, “she is shining from the wrong lighthouse. The rays of truth will never reach him as long as she is in that position.
“Perhaps they might in a miraculous way,” suggested Blackana.
“No good miracle is ever done in the steps of the Devil or in his dominions,” I answered with boldness.
Then did Blackana enlarge himself, and as he replied he looked down upon me significantly. “O puny mortal, instruct me not in the miracles of my master. More great things are done under the canopies of Hell than mortals ever know.”
At first I was filled with alarm, but under the voice of One invisible I rose as with superhuman strength, and I looked at him unflinchingly. “O horrible creature! I fear you not in any of your passions. You would even destroy me if you could, but you are forever restrained by the Power that holds authority over all!”
There was a sudden rustling, unlike anything I had ever heard. The uncanny creature dashed toward me in his awful fury. But I moved not, neither was I touched. Then I stretched forth my hand and commanded him, in the name of One who is supreme, to cease his foolish ragings, else would he be instantly flung through the wastes of Hell.
Blackana, knowing his limit, as all foul fiends do, dared to venture no further in his rage, but calmed himself and, with unexpected civility, he addressed me. He told me, in close detail, how Mr. World, by his binding promises to his companion, had played the part of folly rather than Miss Church-Member who did nothing more than enter upon a more convenient and a Broader Way to heaven, and that, too, in good company.
“And what think you,—will Mr. World ever fulfill his binding promises?”
“Do not doubt it, sir. Mr. World is an honorable gentleman. His promises are always fulfilled.
“A lie! A lie! Can you not speak the truth?”