rth to see some painted
idol, or some bedizened priest muttering rites he does not understand to
that which is not; and lo! you have found that which is behind all idols
and all priests. You sought an incensed and a golden shrine and you
have found only the black and iron portals which every man must pass but
which few desire to enter until they are called. Well, you are young and
strong, come try a fall with Murgh, and when he has thrown you, rise and
choose which of those ways you will,' and he swept his hand toward the
doors around him. 'Then forget this world and enter into that which you
have chosen.'

"Now, because I could not help myself, I rose from my knees and
advanced, or was drawn toward that dreadful man. As I came he, too, rose
from his chair, stretching out his arms as a wrestler does, and I knew
that within the circle of those arms lay my death. Still I, who in my
youth was held brave, went on and rushed, striving to clasp him. Next
moment, before ever I touched him--oh, well was it for me that I touched
him not!--some strength seized me and whirled me round and round as a
dead leaf is whirled by the wind, and tossed me up and cast me down and
left me prone and nerveless.

"'Rise,' said the cold voice above me, 'for you are unhurt.'

"So I rose, and felt even then that I who thought that every bone in my
body must be broken, was stronger than I had ever been before. It was as
though the lamp which had burnt low was filled suddenly with a new and
purer oil.

"'Man,' said mine adversary, and I thought that in his cold eyes there
was something like a smile, 'did you think to touch Murgh and live? Did
you think to wrestle with him as in a book of one of your prophets a
certain Jacob wrestled with an angel, and conquered--until it was his
turn to pass the Gate of the Gods?'

"Now I stared at this dweller in Cathay, who spoke my tongue and knew
the tale of Jacob in the ancient Book, then answered:

"'Sir Murgh, or Sir Gate, or whatever your name may be, I thought to do
nothing. You drew me to you, you challenged me and, since by the rule
of my Order I may refuse no challenge from one who is not a Christian,
I came on to do my best. But before ever I laid hand on you I was cast
down by a wind. That is all the story, save that it has pleased you to
let me live, who evidently could have slain me, for which I thank you.'

"'You are wrong, Sir Andrew,' he answered, 'I did not draw you to me.
Men come to Mur