unely saved, had had any idea of how rapidly time had fled during
that afternoon. On reaching the street, and looking at his watch,
George was amazed to find that it was past six o'clock. Moving as
briskly as it was wise to do, so as not to call attention to himself,
he made his way to where the noise of the multitude told him that
something extra was happening.

He soon discovered that the excitement came from a kind of impromptu
mass meeting that had followed upon the appearance of Apleon riding on
his now celebrated black charger.

The first thing which struck Bullen was the fact that, already, every
one seemed to be wearing the "Covenant" sign--"The Mark of the Beast."
He himself appeared to be the only person who was not wearing it.
And--was it fancy? or did Apleon's eyes fix on him with a momentary
scowl.

The second thing which struck him, was the intense admiration and
homage of the great crowd--all classes alike seemed absolutely
infatuated--for this Emperor-Dictator of the world, Lucien Apleon, "The
Anti-christ."

Two cries rose loud and laudatory from the multitude "Who is like
Apleon? Who dare oppose him?" It was the ultimate fruit of the
jingoism of the previous years!

"This is what John beheld," Bullen told himself, "_all the world
wondered after the Beast_!" They are, already, worshipping him, in
their poor deluded hearts, as a God!

Almost, it seemed to the young journalist as though there was headed up
in this one man--the Man of Sin--all that men through the by-gone ages
had worshipped. The captivating power of ancient Babylon. The mighty
prowess of the Medo-Persian, the power that held all the world in
subjection and awe. The Grecian polish. The Roman legal acumen, and
martial perfection. All these things seemed combined in this one
notable man. And added to all this, there was his resistless
attractiveness, his beauty of face, his grace of form, his wondrous
voice, his regal air--"_all the world wondered after him_."

As, after awhile, he walked slowly homewards, George Bullen asked
himself the question:

"How can it have come to pass, that in comparatively so short a time,
it should be possible for all the world to be ready to yield an almost
idolatrous obedience to one man?"

Unconsciously to himself his pace slackened, it was as though his mind
had willed to have time to review things that should answer his
question, before he should reach his rooms, and the consideration