"You speak well," the Hindu said. "We have here your complete
record. It shall not be consulted. To do so were unnecessary. We
are satisfied. We regret only that one so happily circumstanced
to promote the coming of the Fire should have been lost sight of.
Last night there were three promotions and several rejections.
You were expected."
"But I was not summoned."
"No," murmured Rama Dass. "We had learned of you as I have said.
However, great honour results. You will be received alone. Do you
desire to advance?"
"No. Give me time."
Rama Dass again performed the strange salutation, and again Nicol
Brinn returned it.
"Wisdom is a potent wine," said the latter, gravely.
"We respect your decision."
The Hindu rang a little silver bell upon his table, and the
double doors which occupied one end of the small room opened
silently, revealing a large shadowy apartment beyond.
Rama Dass stood up, crossed the room, and standing just outside
the open doors, beckoned to Nicol Brinn to advance.
"There is no fear," he said, in a queer, chanting tone.
"There is no fear," repeated Nicol Brinn.
"There is no love."
"There is no love."
"There is no death."
"There is no death."
"Fire alone is eternal."
"Fire alone is eternal."
As he pronounced those words Nicol Brinn crossed the threshold of
the dark room, and the double doors closed silently behind him.
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