Stranger in a Strange Land

Traditional churches begin to push back against Smith’s Church of All Worlds, accusing it of “public lewdness” and “contributing to the delinquency of minors” (374). Jubal is concerned about Smith, although the rest of his entourage—Anne, Dorcas, and Larry—feel certain he can take care of himself. Feeling restless and lonely, Jubal orders Anne to put his estate up for sale. She urges him to visit Smith’s church, but he is reluctant. Just then, Larry enters and informs them that Smith’s church has been bombed. While they watch news footage of the burned-out temple, Ben calls. No one has been injured, he tells them. Smith is in jail, and the members of the Ninth Circle are presumed dead (though in fact, they have escaped through a secret exit). Fearing violence against his compound, Jubal orders the property secured and calls for a taxi.

Jubal lands in New York, where he is taken to a hotel—the cab driver greets him as “Brother Jubal” and offers him water. In his hotel room, he finds Patricia and Ben, who tell him that Smith has escaped from jail and is in deep meditation just down the hall. They avoid detection because Smith owns the entire hotel, and the staff never visits the top floors where Smith and his “family” are located.