"There is every hope of that," smilingly returned Mr. World as he
suavely bowed to her and to the little group of companions who had
given him such timely help.
As I saw Mr. World and Miss Church-Member moving on, in closer
fellowship than ever, I waxed warm with indignation, and addressed
Blackana who was still lying at my side as motionless as the strata
of the rock-ribbed earth:
"Will you explain to me this folly of Miss Church-Member, who has not
only disgraced her cause before the fiendish Mr. World, but who also
continues with him in such unseemly intimacy?"
"Miss Church-Member is not walking in folly. She is engaged in a noble
work, endeavoring to elevate Mr. World to a higher Christian life,"
was the answer from the lips of Blackana in a low, heavy voice.
"Ah," said I, with a feeling of suspicion, "she is shining from the
wrong lighthouse. The rays of truth will never reach him as long as
she is in that position.
"Perhaps they might in a miraculous way," suggested Blackana.
"No good miracle is ever done in the steps of the Devil or in his
dominions," I answered with boldness.
Then did Blackana enlarge himself, and as he replied he looked down
upon me significantly. "O puny mortal, instruct me not in the miracles
of my master. More great things are done under the canopies of Hell
than mortals ever know."
At first I was filled with alarm, but under the voice of One invisible
I rose as with superhuman strength, and I looked at him unflinchingly.
"O horrible creature! I fear you not in any of your passions. You would
even destroy me if you could, but you are forever restrained by the
Power that holds authority over all!"
There was a sudden rustling, unlike anything I had ever heard. The
uncanny creature dashed toward me in his awful fury. But I moved not,
neither was I touched. Then I stretched forth my hand and commanded
him, in the name of One who is supreme, to cease his foolish ragings,
else would he be instantly flung through the wastes of Hell.
Blackana, knowing his limit, as all foul fiends do, dared to venture
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