die, only unfortunately I cannot die unless I kill myself,--which
it is possible I may do ere long. But in the meantime,"--he
hesitated a moment, then went on, "in the meantime, I have a
strong wish to be deluded--I use the word advisedly, and repeat
it--DELUDED into an imaginary happiness, though I am aware that as
an agnostic and searcher after truth--truth absolute, truth
positive--such a desire on my part seems even to myself
inconsistent and unreasonable. Still I confess to having it; and
therein, I know, I betray the weakness of my nature. It may be
that I am tired "--and he passed his hand across his brow with a
troubled gesture--"or puzzled by the infinite, incurable distress
of all living things. Perhaps I am growing mad!--who knows!--but
whatever my condition, you,--if report be correct,--have the magic
skill to ravish the mind away from its troubles and transport it
to a radiant Elysium of sweet illusions and ethereal ecstasies. Do
this for me, as you have done it for others, and whatever payment
you demand, whether in gold or gratitude, shall be yours."

He ceased; the wind howled furiously outside, flinging gusty
dashes of rain against the one window of the room, a tall arched
casement that clattered noisily with every blow inflicted upon it
by the storm. Heliobas gave him a swift, searching glance, half
pitying, half disdainful.

"Haschisch or opium should serve your turn," he said curtly. "I
know of no other means whereby to temporarily still the clamorings
of conscience."

Alwyn flushed darkly. "Conscience!" he began in rather a resentful
tone,