Apaecides, I had defeated my own object; your noble nature would have at
once revolted, and Isis would have lost her priest.'

Apaecides groaned aloud. The Egyptian continued, without heeding the
interruption.

'I placed you, therefore, without preparation, in the temple; I left you
suddenly to discover and to be sickened by all those mummeries which
dazzle the herd. I desired that you should perceive how those engines
are moved by which the fountain that refreshes the world casts its
waters in the air. It was the trial ordained of old to all our priests.
They who accustom themselves to the impostures of the vulgar, are left
to practise them--for those like you, whose higher natures demand higher
pursuit, religion opens more god-like secrets. I am pleased to find in
you the character I had expected. You have taken the vows; you cannot
recede. Advance--I will be your guide.'

'And what wilt thou teach me, O singular and fearful man? New
cheats--new...'

'No--I have thrown thee into the abyss of disbelief; I will lead thee
now to the eminence of faith. Thou hast seen the false types: thou
shalt learn now the realities they represent. There is no shadow,
Apaecides, without its substance. Come to me this night. Your hand.'

Impressed, excited, bewildered by the language of the Egyptian,
Apaecides gave him his hand, and master and pupil parted.

It was true that for Apaecides there was no retreat. He had taken the
vows of celibacy: he had devoted himself to a life that at present