“Through the operation of entirely understandable causes the mind gains the power to react to vibrations that normally pass unperceived; is able to project itself through this keying up of perception into a wider area of consciousness than the normal. Just as in certain diseases of the ear the sufferer, though deaf to sounds within the average range of hearing, is fully aware of sound vibrations far above and far below those the healthy ear registers.” “I know,” he said. “I don't need to be convinced. But we accept these things in theory--and when we get up against them for ourselves we doubt. “How many people are there in Christendom, do you think, who believe that the Saviour ascended from the dead, but who if they saw it today would insist upon medical inspection, doctor's certificates, a clinic, and even after that render a Scotch verdict? I'm not speaking irreverently--I'm just stating a fact.” Suddenly he moved away from me, strode over to the curtained oval through which Norhala had gone. “Dick,” I cried, following him hastily, “where are you going? What are you going to do?” “I'm going after Norhala,” he answered. “I'm going to have a showdown with her or know the reason why.” “Drake,” I cried again, aghast, “don't make the mistake Ventnor did. That's not the way to win through. Don't--I beg you, don't.” “You're wrong,” he answered stubbornly. “I'm going to get her. She's got to talk.” He thrust out a hand to the curtains. Before he could touch them, they were parted. Out from between them slithered the black eunuch. He stood motionless, regarding us; in the ink-black eyes a red flame of hatred. I pushed myself between him and Drake. “Where is your mistress, Yuruk?” I asked. “The goddess has gone,” he replied sullenly. “Gone?” I said suspiciously, for certainly Norhala had not passed us. “Where?” “Who shall question the goddess?” he asked. “She comes and she goes as she pleases.” I translated this for Drake. “He's got to show me,” he said. “Don't think I'm going to spill any beans, Goodwin. But I want to talk to her. I think I'm right, honestly I do.” After all, I reflected, there was much in his determination to recommend it. It was the obvious thing to do--unless we admitted that Norhala was superhuman; and that I would not admit. In command of forces we did not yet know, en rapport with these People of Metal, sealed with that alien consciousness Ruth had described--all these, yes. But still a woman--of that I was certain. And surely Drake could be trusted not to repeat Ventnor's error. “Yuruk,” I said, “we think you lie. We would speak to your mistress. Take us to her.” “I have told you that the goddess is not here,” he said. “If you do not believe it is nothing to me. I cannot take you to her for I do not know where she is. Is it your wish that I take you through her house?” “It is,” I said. “The goddess has commanded me to serve you in all things.” He bowed, sardonically. “Follow.”