poor race were this so. But if so, is it not seen that there is
a difference in the shapes of these persons. If either of these
brothers who blasphemously call themselves John and James, after
the manner of the apostles, shall be in very truth and certainty
that Dagon of the Philistines whom Jehovah smote before his altar,
will he not be made fishlike from the waist downward, and will
this not be seen by his followers and some of the thousands whom
he daily perverts to his evil purposes and so leads to eternal
destruction?"

"It may be that it is permitted to such a demon to put on what
shape he thinks proper," replied Stevens; "but even if it is not,
yet this would not be the subject of any difference--it would
scarcely prevent the prosecution of this evil purpose. You are to
remember, Mr. Cross--"

"John Cross--plain John Cross, Alfred Stevens," was the interruption
of the preacher.

"You are to remember," Stevens resumed, "that when the heart is full
of sin, the eyes are full of blindness. The people who believe in
these evil beings are incapable of seeing their deformities."

"That is true--a sad truth."

"And, again," continued Stevens, "there are devices of mere mortal
art, by which the deformities and defects of an individual may be
concealed. One of these brothers, I am told, is never to be seen
except seated in one position at the same desk, and this desk is
so constructed, as to hide his lower limbs in great part, while