CHAPTER IV.
THE MASKED RECRUIT A little silence lengthened, while the strange aviator continued to peer out with strangely shining eyes through the holes of his mask.
The effect of that human intelligence, sheltered in there behind that expressionless celluloid, whose frail thinness they all knew covered unspeakable frightfulness, became uncanny.
Some of the men eased the tension by blowing ribbons of smoke or by relighting tobacco that had gone out while the stranger had been talking.

Others shifted, a bit uneasily.

Voices began to mutter, pro and con.

The Master suddenly knocked again, for silence.
"I am going to accept this man," said he, sharply.

"You notice I do not put this to a vote, or consult you about it.