e it is beyond experience, it could not be. It is not a wise
deduction, as I think Bickley would admit today, because without doubt
many things are which surpass our extremely limited experience. However,
those who draw the veil from the Unknown and reveal the New, must expect
incredulity, and accept it without grumbling. Was that not the fate,
for instance, of those who in the Middle Ages, a few hundred years
ago, discovered, or rather rediscovered the mighty movements of those
constellations which served Oro for an almanac?

But the point I want to make is that if the sceptic plays a Bickleyan
part as regards what has been written, it seems probable that his
attitude will be accentuated as regards that which it still remains for
me to write. If so, I cannot help it, and must decline entirely to water
down or doctor facts and thus pander to his prejudice and ignorance. For
my part I cannot attempt to explain these occurrences; I only know that
they happened and that I set down what I saw, heard and felt, neither
more nor less.

Immediately after Oro had triumphantly vindicated his stellar
calculations he turned and departed into the cave, followed by his
daughter, waving to us to remain where we were. As she passed us,
however, the Glittering Lady whispered--this time to Bastin--that he
would see them again in a few hours, adding:

"We have much to learn and I hope that then you who, I understand, are a
priest, will begin to teach us of your religion and other matters."

Bastin was so astonished that he could make no reply, but when they had
gone he said:

"Which of you told her that I was a priest?"

We shook our heads for neither of us could remember having done so.

"Well, I did not," continued Bastin, "since at present I have found
no opportunity of saying a word in season. So I suppose she must have
gathered it from my attire, though as a matter of fact I haven't been
wearing a collar, and those men who wanted to cook me, pulled off my
white tie and I didn't think it worth while dirtying a clean one."

"If," said Bickley, "you imagine that you look like the minister of
any religion ancient or modern in a grubby flannel shirt, a battered
sun-helmet, a torn green and white umbrella and a pair of ragged duck
trousers, you are mistaken, Bastin, that is all."

"I admit that the costume is not appropriate, Bickley, but how otherwise
could she have learned the truth?"

"These people seem to have ways of learni