Village books

'It calls for the utmost
coolness and for iron nerve.'
The answer had an odd effect on Arthur. He gave Haddo a rapid glance, and
was seized suddenly with uncontrollable laughter. He leaned back in his
chair and roared. His hilarity affected the others, and they broke into
peal upon peal of laughter. Oliver watched them gravely. He seemed
neither disconcerted nor surprised. When Arthur recovered himself, he
found Haddo's singular eyes fixed on him.
'Your laughter reminds me of the crackling of thorns under a pot,' he
said.
Haddo looked round at the others. Though his gaze preserved its fixity,
his lips broke into a queer, sardonic smile.
'It must be plain even to the feeblest intelligence that a man can only
command the elementary spirits if he is without fear. A capricious mind
can never rule the sylphs, nor a fickle disposition the undines.'
Arthur stared at him with amazement. He did not know what on earth the
man was talking about. Haddo paid no heed.
'But if the adept is active, pliant, and strong, the whole world will be
at his command.


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