Explore "Asmodeus" by Hilaire Belloc on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
"Can you not show me," said the Student, as they flew swiftly through the upper air over Madrid, he clinging tightly to the Devil's skirts, "can you not show me other sights equally entertaining before we finish our journey?"
"Readily," replied Asmodeus, "for I have the power of showing you every heart and thought in Madrid, and of unroofing every house if it be my pleasure, and I am determined to repay you in whatever way you choose for the service you have done me. First, then, cast your eyes down at the very well-dressed gentleman whom you see in that open taxi-cab, enjoying as he whirls along the warm air of a night in the season. He is a wealthy man in charge of one of the great departments of State; nay, I can tell you which one, for the mines in Peru are his special department."