I watched for many days the effect of this great blow upon the nature and fortunes of my old cabin-boy. Over his immediate staff and army he was able to regain his full sway as soon as they recovered from the shock; but his power over the other islanders was completely shaken. Bodies of them launched the boats from the steamers and made off for their own islands before the leaders were aware of their intentions. The moment Choktroo realised the position he turned his still uninjured guns in the direction of the sea and commanded all issue from the beach where his ships were buried. For wholesome example he sank several boats which had almost got out of his reach. Then he set his army to dig canals around one of his fire-ships; but no sooner was she ready for floating than the whole force of the lilaran was turned in her direction; the waves rose and a single night’s surf completely undid the labour of days. The ship was as deeply embedded as ever; and her sisters had almost disappeared beneath the sand-dunes. The weight of metal in them shortened the process of burial. It was clear that nothing could be done to save the expedition or bring its material back to Broolyi. Before many days we saw the soldiers embark somewhat sadly in the boats and find their way across the ocean to the adjacent islands. Piecemeal the whole army retraced its steps to Broolyi. It was not likely that Choktroo would allow this slur to rest on his fame and eat into his power like rust, for there was clear evidence that his influence over even the Broolyians had greatly suffered. By means of his advertising and his histrionic abilities he had brought them to believe that he was invincible; they now began to feel that he had the same limitations as themselves: he was powerless against the magic of the Isle of Devils. All his wiles were needed to check the spread of panic and distrust. He first of all minimised the defeat in his proclamations, and before many months were over he had come to speak of it as a victory marred by the invincible powers of nature. He had been quick to recognise the similarity of the phenomenon to that we had experienced in the _Daydream_ when running the gauntlet of the fog circle, and he sent out party after party to explore the ring of mystery and to come back with tales of its magical powers of inducing sleep. Thus was he soon able to convince the archipelago that the failure of his great expedition was due, not to the inhabitants of the Isle of Devils, but to the forces of nature. He had in his own eye and will great mesmeric power, and by practice was able to develop it into something that he could exercise at pleasure. Then he made public exhibition of his capacity in the various islands. He threw numbers into mesmeric sleep, nor would he or could he release them from its thrall. They became his willing slaves and lived only to please him. A milder form of mesmeric fascination he used in order to rivet his despotism on his armies.