to the magicians: 'If they had entered the Church they would not have
consented to be anything but cardinals and popes,' and then just think
what kind of a clergy we have nowadays. The explanation of Satanism is
there, in great part, anyway, for without sacrilegious priests there is
no mature Satanism."

"But what do these priests want?"

"Everything!" exclaimed Des Hermies.

"Hmmm. Like Gilles de Rais, who asked the demon for 'knowledge, power,
riches,' all that humanity covets, to be deeded to him by a title signed
with his own blood."




CHAPTER V


"Come right in and get warm. Ah, messieurs, you must not do that any
more," said Mme. Carhaix, seeing Durtal draw from his pocket some
bottles wrapped in paper, while Des Hermies placed on the table some
little packages tied with twine. "You mustn't spend your money on us."

"Oh, but you see we enjoy doing it, Mme. Carhaix. And your husband?"

"He is in the tower. Since morning he has been going from one tantrum
into another."