"Ay, but by the stars it does, for it will vex the quiet repose of your
soul tomorrow if your heirs should swear they could not find them."

"It matters nothing," muttered the will-wrapped visionary.

"It will matter something if I take you at your word. Come, friend
Purple-jerkin, will you take the council with your legs and run while
there is yet time, or stand up to be thrown at?"

"I stand here immoveable in the confidence of my initiation."

"Then, by thunder, I will initiate you into the mysteries of a
javelin-end, and your blood be on your head."

The Martians were all craning their necks in hushed eagerness as I turned
to the casting-place, and, poising the javelin, faced the magician.
Would he run at the last moment? I half hoped so; for a minute I gave him
the chance, then, as he showed no sign of wavering, I drew my hand back,
shook the javelin back till it bent like a reed, and hurled it at him.

The Martians' heads turned as though all on one pivot as the spear sped
through the air, expecting no doubt to see it recoil as others had done.
But it took him full in the centre of his chest, and with a wild wave
of arms and a flutter of purple raiment sent him backwards, and down,
and over and over in a shapeless heap of limbs and flying raiment, while
a low murmur of awed surprise rose from the spectators. They crowded
round him in a dense ring, as An came flitting to me with a startled face.

"Oh, stranger," she burst out, "you have surely killed him!" but more
astounded I had broken down his guard than grieved at his injury.