"Relax, Chronos," Satan said. "Your very existence is safeguarded by the formidable magic of the
Hourglass. It counters all the motions of the universe and maintains you in exactly the same location
with respect to Earth's surface, regardless of how you use it. Without that protection, it is true, you
would perish the instant you traveled in time, for you would in effect be flung deep into the core of the
planet or out into the vacuum of space. That Hourglass remains with you and protects you from all
mischief, its ambience forming your cloak." He smiled engagingly. "It even protects you from My
mischief."
"Can that be true?" Norton asked, dazed.
"Naturally anything I tell you is suspect. But I seldom concern Myself with trivial or obvious lies; they
are neither artistic nor productive, and so are not worth My effort. Ask your serpent ring. That is not one
of My demons."
So Satan knew about Sning! "Does the Hourglass really protect me from evil?" Norton asked the little
snake.
Squeeze.