“I have long observed you,” he said, “observed your diligence in applying the principles given you by your Teacher.” “Then why did you ask me who I was, a little while ago?” “Only as a preliminary to further conversation.” “Oh!” I said. “I have observed you,” he repeated, “and realized that with your power and attainments you might be of greater service if you should shift your allegiance and join us. Your consciousness of freedom would be even greater.” “But that consciousness of freedom was my definition of life! I suppose you would say, in adjusting your argument to the limitations of my mind, that in losing my life I should find it.” A slight smile curved the lined features of the being before me. “You would be always an entertaining companion,” he said. “Think twice before you decline my proposition.” “In your proposed agreement,” I replied, “you do not state clearly the consideration. I am an old lawyer, and a stickler for forms.” There was no smile now on his face, as he said to me: “If you will transfer your allegiance to us, I will bring this war to an end.” “And could you?” “I could.” “How?” “I have already stated how.” “But the medicine you propose would be worse than the disease, even assuming, which I deny, that the patient would swallow it.” “But would you not make the sacrifice, if I proved to you that I could make good my end of the bargain?” “No.” “Then surely you care little for the world!” “You argue like a German propagandist,” I said. “You mean that they argue like me,” he corrected. “I have wondered,” I said, “in what school of logic they were trained.” “And you refuse my proposition?” “I wonder you should take the trouble to make it.” “Why call that a trouble which gives me the pleasure of your society?” “I have already heard,” I said, “that the devil was a great flatterer.” “The devil has great tact.” We stood looking at each other, measuring each other. He was an interesting study. “Dropping for the moment,” I said, “our differences of purpose and ideal, and speaking merely as two minds--” “Equal in brilliancy,” he interrupted. “Speaking as two minds,” I continued, “will you not tell me why you played upon my love for the world, my willingness to sacrifice myself for the world, in your attempt to win me to your standard?” “What else could I play upon?” “Surely I must have some fault, some hidden sin, through which your subtle mind could have thought to reach me.” “Oh,” he said, “I am too wise to tempt you through your hidden faults, for you are determined to conquer them! You could not be thrown off the track that way. Only those young on your path are easily conquered through their faults. The greater souls we attack through their virtues.” “Continue,” I said, “for truly you interest me.”