“That’s it. No one can be allowed that freedom. One doesn’t need much scholarship or even experience to see that. Everywhere people are held in check by stifling but familiar powers. People are used to tyranny: they expect governments to demand their souls, and they have given up decisions on many levels for love of security. What you suggest is impossible with this race at this time.” “You’re talking nonsense. After all, obeisance to established religions is the order of the day, yet look at the response to Cave who is undermining the whole Christian structure.” “And wait until you see the fight they’re going to put up!” said Iris grimly. “Fortunately, Cave’s word is the mortal blow though Cave himself would be their certain victim if he was protected, if there was no organization to guard him, and the Word.” “So Paul and his--his team, his proselytes are to become merely an equivalent power, combating the old superstitions with their own weapons.” “More or less, yes. That’s what it has come to.” “Even though his talking to the people would be enough? Let them use him, not he them.” “A good slogan,” Iris smiled. “But I think I’m right. No one would have a chance to see or hear him if it weren’t for Paul; you should read the threatening letters we’ve been getting.” “I thought all the mail was most admiring?” “All that came from people who’ve actually _heard_ him but there’s a lot coming in now from religious fanatics. They are very extreme. And of course the churches, one by one, are starting to take notice.” “I saw Bishop Winston in Paul’s office today.” “He’s been trying to see John all week. He finally settled for Paul, I gather. In any case, after the next telecast there will really be a storm.” “The next? What’s going to happen then?” “John will tell them that there’s no need for the churches, that their power derives from superstition and bloody deeds.” I was startled. “When did this hit him? I thought he intended to go on as he was, without ever coming out openly against them.” “I was surprised too. He told me yesterday; he’d been brooding all day and, suddenly, he started to attack them. It’s going to be murderous.” “I hope not for him.” “Oh, he’ll convince, I’m sure of that: but their revenge....” She gave a troubled sigh. “Anyway, Gene, you do see why we can’t, for our own safety, dispense with Paul and his financiers and press agents and all the squalid but necessary crew.” “It may be too late,” I agreed. “But I fear the end.” “No one can tell; besides, as long as you and I are there with John it will be all right.” I felt her confidence was not entirely justified but I determined, for the moment, to defer my attack on Paul’s methods until a safer time.