Guy Boothby

“ The hymn ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and then, from among the white robed monks beside the throne, a man stepped forth with a paper in his hand. In a loud voice he proclaimed the fact that it had pleased the two Great Ones of the mountains to fill the vacancy which had so long existed in the triumvirate. For that reason they had summoned to their presence a man who bore a reputation for wisdom and holiness second to none. ”

“ I have been shown the mummified bodies of men who died nearly a thousand years ago endowed with life, so that they walked and moved their limbs like human beings; I have watched the whole fabric of this mountain sway like a pendulum ”

“ If we don't find a way to escape we shall pay the penalty of our rashness with our lives. I don't know that I mind so much for myself, though I should very much like to put into practice a few of the things I have learnt here; but I certainly do regret it for your sake.”
“That is very good of you.”
“Oh, make no mistake, I am thinking of that poor little girl in Pekin who believes so implicitly in you.”
“For heaven's sake don't speak of her or I shall turn coward! Are you certain that there is no means of escape?” ”

“ He had rendered good service to the society, he had proved himself a just man, and now it only remained for him to state whether he was willing to take upon himself the great responsibilities of the office to which he had been called. Having given utterance to all this the man retired to his place again. Then four of the monks, two from either side of the throne, walked slowly down the aisle towards Nikola, and bidding him follow them, escorted him in procession to the room behind the curtain. While he was absent from the cave no one moved or spoke. ”