moreover, he discovered that they possessed a lofty turret, built
secretly and securely in a deep, unfrequented grove of trees, from
whence, with the aid of various curious instruments and
reflectors, they could fling out any pattern or device they chose
on the sky, so that it should seem to be written by the finger of
Lightning. Having elucidated these mysteries, and become highly
edified thereby, the learned Councillor returned to the King, and
gave full information as to the result of his researches,
whereupon forty Mystics were at once arrested and flung into
prison for life, and their nefarious practices were made publicly
known to all the inhabitants of the city. Since then, no so-called
"spiritual" demonstrations had taken place till now, when on this
very night Zephoranim's Presence-Chamber had been suddenly
enveloped in the thunderous and terrifying darkness which had so
successfully covered Khosrul's escape.

"The King should have slain him at once--" declared Ormaz
emphatically, turning to Lysia as he spoke.. "I am surprised that
His Majesty permitted so flagrant an impostor and trespasser of
the law to speak one word, or live one moment in his royal
presence."

"Thou art surprised, Ormaz, at most things, especially those which
savor of simple good-nature and forbearance..." responded Lysia
coldly. "Thou art a wolfish, youth, and wouldst tear thine own
brother to shreds if he thwarted thy pleasure! For myself I see
little cause for astonishment, that a soldier-hero like Zephoranim
should take some pity on so frail and aged a wreck of human wit as
Khosrul. Khosrul blasphemes the Faith, . . what then? ... do ye not
all blaspheme?"