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diff --git a/old/10662.txt b/old/10662.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f63921b..0000000 --- a/old/10662.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17836 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Night Land, by William Hope Hodgson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Night Land - -Author: William Hope Hodgson - -Release Date: January 9, 2004 [EBook #10662] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NIGHT LAND *** - - - - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Maria Khomenko and PG Distributed Proofreaders - - - - -THE NIGHT LAND - - -WILLIAM HOPE HODGSON - - -1912 - - - - -THE DREAMS THAT ARE ONLY DREAMS - - -"This to be Love, that your spirit to live in a natural holiness with -the Beloved, and your bodies to be a sweet and natural delight that -shall be never lost of a lovely mystery.... And shame to be unborn, and -all things to go wholesome and proper, out of an utter greatness of -understanding; and the Man to be an Hero and a Child before the Woman; -and the Woman to be an Holy Light of the Spirit and an Utter Companion -and in the same time a glad Possession unto the Man.... And this doth be -Human Love...." - -"...for this to be the especial glory of Love, that it doth make unto -all Sweetness and Greatness, and doth be a fire burning all Littleness; -so that did all in this world to have met The Beloved, then did -Wantonness be dead, and there to grow Gladness and Charity, dancing in -the years." - - - - -I - -MIRDATH THE BEAUTIFUL - - - "And I cannot touch her face - And I cannot touch her hair, - And I kneel to empty shadows-- - Just memories of her grace; - And her voice sings in the winds - And in the sobs of dawn - And among the flowers at night - And from the brooks at sunrise - And from the sea at sunset, - And I answer with vain callings ..." - -It was the Joy of the Sunset that brought us to speech. I was gone a -long way from my house, walking lonely-wise, and stopping often that I -view the piling upward of the Battlements of Evening, and to feel the -dear and strange gathering of the Dusk come over all the world about me. - -The last time that I paused, I was truly lost in a solemn joy of the -Glory of the Coming Night; and maybe I laughed a little in my throat, -standing there alone in the midst of the Dusk upon the World. And, lo! -my content was answered out of the trees that bounded the country road -upon my right; and it was so as that some one had said: "And thou also!" -in glad understanding, that I laughed again a little in my throat; as -though I had only a half-believing that any true human did answer my -laugh; but rather some sweet Delusion or Spirit that was tuned to my -mood. - -But she spoke and called me by my name; and when I had gone to the side -of the road, that I should see her somewhat, and discover whether I knew -her, I saw that she was surely that lady, who for her beauty was known -through all of that sweet County of Kent as Lady Mirdath the Beautiful; -and a near neighbour to me; for the Estates of her Guardian abounded -upon mine. - -Yet, until that time, I had never met her; for I had been so oft and -long abroad; and so much given to my Studies and my Exercises when at -home, that I had no further Knowledge of her than Rumour gave to me odd -time; and for the rest, I was well content; for as I have given hint, my -books held me, and likewise my Exercises; for I was always an athlete, -and never met the man so quick or so strong as I did be; save in some -fiction of a tale or in the mouth of a boaster. - -Now, I stood instantly with my hat in my hand; and answered her gentle -bantering so well as I might, the while that I peered intent and -wondering at her through the gloom; for truly Rumour had told no tale to -equal the beauty of this strange maid; who now stood jesting with so -sweet a spirit, and claiming kinship of Cousinhood with me, as was -truth, now that I did wake to think. - -And, truly, she made no ado; but named me frank by my lad's name, and -gave laughter and right to me to name her Mirdath, and nothing less or -more--at that time. And she bid me then to come up through the hedge, -and make use of a gap that was her own especial secret, as she -confessed, when she took odd leave with her maid to some country frolic, -drest as village maids; but not to deceive many, as I dare believe. - -And I came up through the gap in the hedge and stood beside her; and -tall she had seemed to me, when I looked up at her; and tall she was, in -truth; but indeed I was a great head taller. And she invited me then to -walk with her to the house, that I meet her Guardian and give word to my -sorrow that I had so long neglected to make call upon them; and truly -her eyes to shine with mischief and delight, as she named me so for my -amissness. - -But, indeed, she grew sober in a moment, and she set up her finger to me -to hush, as that she heard somewhat in the wood that lay all the way -upon our right. And, indeed, something I heard too; for there was surely -a rustling of the leaves, and anon a dead twig crackt with a sound clear -and sharp in the stillness. - -And immediately there came three men running out of the wood at me; and -I called to them sharply to keep off or beware of harm; and I put the -maid to my back with my left hand, and had my oak staff ready for my -use. - -But the three men gave out no word of reply; but ran in at me; and I saw -somewhat of the gleam of knives; and at that, I moved very glad and -brisk to the attack; and behind me there went shrill and sweet, the call -of a silver whistle; for the Maid was whistling for her dogs; and maybe -the call was also a signal to the men-servants of her house. - -Yet, truly, there was no use in help that was yet to come; for the need -did be then and instant; and I nowise loath to use my strength before -my sweet cousin. And I stepped forward, briskly, as I have told; and -the end of my staff I drove into the body of the left-ward man, so that -he dropped like a dead man. And I hit very sharply at the head of -another, and surely crackt it for him; for he made instantly upon the -earth; but the third man I met with my fist, and neither had he any -great need of a second blow; but went instant to join his companions, -and the fight thus to have ended before it was even proper begun, and I -laughing a little with a proper pride, to know the bewilderment that I -perceived in the way that the Lady Mirdath, my cousin, stood and -regarded me through the dusk of the hushed even. - -But, indeed, there was no time left to us, before there came bounding -up, three great boar-hounds, that had been loosed to her whistle; and -she had some ado to keep the brutes off me; and I then to beat them off -the men upon the earth, lest they maul them as they lay. And directly, -there was a noise of men shouting, and the light of lanthorns in the -night, and the footmen of the house to come running with lanthorns and -cudgels; and knew not whether to deal with me, or not, in the first -moment, even as the dogs; but when they saw the men upon the ground, and -learned my name and saw me proper, they kept well their distance and had -no lack of respect; but, indeed, my sweet cousin to have the most of -any; only that she showed no intent to keep distance of me; but to have -a new and deeper feeling of kinship than she at first had shown. - -And the men-servants asked what should be done with the foot-pads; -seeing that they were now recovering. But, indeed, I left the matter, -along with some silver, to the servants; and very sound justice they -dealt out to the men; for I heard their cries a good while after we had -gone away. - -Now, when we were come up to the Hall, my cousin must take me in to her -Guardian, Sir Alfred Jarles, an old man and venerable that I knew a -little in passing and because our estates abounded. And she praised me -to my face, yet quaintly-wise; and the old man, her Guardian thanked me -most honourably and with a nice courtesy; so that I was a welcome -house-friend from that time onward. - -And I stayed all that evening, and dined, and afterward went out again -into the home-grounds with the Lady Mirdath; and she more friendly to me -than ever any woman had been; and seemed to me as that she had known me -always. And, truly, I had the same feeling in my heart towards her; for -it was, somehow, as though we knew each the way and turn of the other, -and had a constant delight to find this thing and that thing to be in -common; but no surprise; save that so pleasant a truth had so natural a -discovery. - -And one thing there was that I perceived held the Lady Mirdath all that -dear fore-night; and this was, indeed, the way that I had my pleasure so -easy with the three foot-pads. And she asked me plainly whether I was -not truly very strong; and when I laughed with young and natural pride, -she caught my arm suddenly to discover for herself how strong I might -be. And, surely, she loosed it even the more sudden, and with a little -gasping of astonishment, because it was so great and hard. And -afterward, she walked by me very silent, and seeming thoughtful; but she -went never any great way off from me. - -And, truly, if the Lady Mirdath had a strange pleasure in my strength, I -had likewise a constant wonder and marvel in her beauty, that had shown -but the more lovely in the candle-light at dinner. - -But there were further delights to me in the days that came; for I had -happiness in the way that she had pleasure of the Mystery of the -Evening, and the Glamour of Night, and the Joy of Dawn, and all -suchlike. - -And one evening, that I ever remember, as we wandered in the park-lands, -she began to say--half unthinking--that it was truly an elves-night. And -she stopped herself immediately; as though she thought I should have no -understanding; but, indeed, I was upon mine own familiar ground of -inward delight; and I replied in a quiet and usual voice, that the -Towers of Sleep would grow that night, and I felt in my bones that it -was a night to find the Giant's Tomb, or the Tree with the Great Painted -Head, or--And surely I stopped very sudden; for she gripped me in that -moment, and her hand shook as she held me; but when I would ask her what -ailed, she bid me, very breathless, to say on, to say on. And, with a -half understanding, I told her that I had but meant to speak of the Moon -Garden, that was an olden and happy fancy of mine. - -And, in verity, when I said that, the Lady Mirdath cried out something -in a strange low voice, and brought me to a halt, that she might face -me. And she questioned me very earnest; and I answered just so earnest -as she; for I was grown suddenly to an excitement, in that I perceived -she knew also. And, in verity, she told me that she had knowledge; but -had thought that she was alone in the world with her knowledge of that -strange land of her dreams; and now to find that I also had travelled in -those dear, strange dream lands. And truly the marvel of it--the marvel -of it! As she to say time and oft. And again, as we walked, she gave out -word that there was little wonder she had been urged to call to me that -night, as she saw me pause upon the road; though, indeed, she had -learned of our cousin-ship before, having seen me go by on my horse -pretty oft, and inquired concerning me; and mayhap daintily irked that I -had so little heed of Lady Mirdath the Beautiful. But, indeed, I had -thought of other matters; yet had been human enough, had I but met her -proper before I see her. - -Now you must not think that I was not utter stirred by the wonder of -this thing, that we had both a dreamful knowledge of the same matters, -of which each had thought none other knew. Yet, when I questioned more, -there was much that had been in my fancies that was foreign to her, and -likewise much that had been familiar to her, that was of no meaning to -me. But though there was this, that brought a little regret to us, there -would be, time and again, some new thing that one told, that the other -knew and could finish the telling of, to the gladness and amazement of -both. - -And so shall you picture us wandering and having constant speech, so -that, hour by hour, we grew gladly aged in dear knowledge and sweet -friendship of the other. - -And truly, how the time passed, I know not; but there came presently a -hullabaloo, and the shouts of men's voices and the baying of dogs, and -the gleam of lanthorns, so that I knew not what to think; until, very -sudden, and with a sweet and strange little laughter, the Lady Mirdath -to perceive that we had missed the hours utter in our converse; so that -her Guardian (made uneasy because of the three foot-pads) had ordered a -search. And we all that time a-wander together in happy forgetfulness. - -And we turned homeward, then, and came towards the lights; but indeed, -the dogs found us before we were come there; and they had grown to know -me now, and leaped about me, barking very friendly; and so in a minute -the men had discovered us, and were gone back to tell Sir Jarles that -all was well. - -And this was the way of our meeting and the growing of our acquaintance, -and the beginning of my great love for Mirdath the Beautiful. - -Now, from that time onward, evening by evening would I go a-wander along -the quiet and country road that led from my estate to the estate of Sir -Jarles. And always I went inward by the hedge-gap; and oft I should find -the Lady Mirdath walking in that part of the woods; but always with her -great boar-hounds about her; for I had begged that she do this thing for -her sweet safety; and she to seem wishful to pleasure me; but truly to -be just so oft utter perverse in diverse matters; and to strive to -plague me, as though she would discover how much I would endure and how -far she might go to anger me. - -And, truly, well I remember how that one night, coming to the hedge-gap, -I saw two country-maids come thence out from the woods of Sir Jarles'; -but they were naught to me, and I would have gone upward through the -gap, as ever; only that, as they passed me, they curtseyed somewhat -over-graceful for rough wenches. And I had a sudden thought, and came up -to them to see them more anigh; and truly I thought the taller was -surely the Lady Mirdath. But, indeed, I could not be sure; for when I -asked who she did be, she only to simper and to curtsey again; and so -was I very natural all in doubt; but yet sufficient in wonder (having -some knowledge of the Lady Mirdath) to follow the wenches, the which I -did. - -And they then, very speedy and sedate, as though I were some rack-rape -that they did well to be feared of alone at night; and so came at last -to the village green, where a great dance was a-foot, with torches, and -a wandering fiddler to set the tune; and ale in plenty. - -And the two to join the dance, and danced very hearty; but had only each -the other for a partner, and had a good care to avoid the torches. And -by this, I was pretty sure that they were truly the Lady Mirdath and her -maid; and so I took chance when they had danced somewhat my way, to step -over to them, and ask boldly for a dance. But, indeed, the tall one -answered, simpering, that she was promised; and immediately gave her -hand to a great hulking farmer-lout, and went round the green with him; -and well punished she was for her waywardness; for she had all her skill -to save her pretty feet from his loutish stampings; and very glad she -was to meet the end of the dance. - -And I knew now for certainty that it was Mirdath the Beautiful, despite -her plan of disguise, and the darkness and the wench's dress and the -foot-gear that marred her step so great. And I walked across to her, and -named her, whispering, by name; and gave her plain word to be done of -this unwisdom, and I would take her home. But she to turn from me, and -she stamped her foot, and went again to the lout; and when she had -suffered another dance with him, she bid him be her escort a part of the -way; the which he was nothing loath of. - -And another lad, that was mate to him, went likewise; and in a moment, -so soon as they were gone away from the light of the torches, the rough -hind-lads made to set their arms about the waists of the two wenches, -not wetting who they had for companions. And the Lady Mirdath was no -longer able to endure, and cried out in her sudden fear and disgust, and -struck the rough hind that embraced her, so hard that he loosed her a -moment, swearing great oaths. And directly he came back to her again, -and had her in a moment, to kiss her; and she, loathing him to the very -death, beat him madly in the face with her hands; but to no end, only -that I was close upon them. And, in that moment, she screamed my name -aloud; and I caught the poor lout and hit him once, but not to harm him -overmuch; yet to give him a long memory of me; and afterward I threw him -into the side of the road. But the second hind, having heard my name, -loosed from the tiring-maid, and ran for his life; and, indeed, my -strength was known all about that part. - -And I caught Mirdath the Beautiful by her shoulders, and shook her very -soundly, in my anger. And afterward, I sent the maid onward; and she, -having no word from her Mistress to stay, went forward a little; and in -this fashion we came at last to the hedge-gap, with the Lady Mirdath -very hushed; but yet walking anigh to me, as that she had some secret -pleasure of my nearness. And I led her through the gap, and so homeward -to the Hall; and there bid her good-night at a side door that she held -the key of. And, truly, she bid me good-night in an utter quiet voice; -and was almost as that she had no haste to be gone from me that night. - -Yet, when I met her on the morrow, she was full of a constant impudence -to me; so that, having her alone to myself, when the dusk was come, I -asked her why she would never be done of her waywardness; because that I -ached to have companionship of her; and, instead, she denied my need. -And, at that, she was at once very gentle; and full of a sweet and -winsome understanding; and surely knew that I wished to be rested; for -she brought out her harp, and played me dear olden melodies of our -childhood-days all that evening; and so had my love for her the more -intent and glad. And she saw me that night to the hedge-gap, having her -three great boar-hounds with her, to company her home again. But, -indeed, I followed her afterwards, very silent, until I saw her safe -into the Hall; for I would not have her alone in the night; though she -believed that I was then far away on the country road. And as she walked -with her dogs, one or another would run back to me, to nose against me -friendly-wise; but I sent them off again very quiet; and she had no -knowledge of aught; for she to go singing a love-song quietly all the -way home. But whether she loved me, I could not tell; though she had a -nice affection for me. - -Now, on the following evening, I went somewhat early to the gap; and lo! -who should be standing in the gap, talking to the Lady Mirdath; but a -very clever-drest man, that had a look of the Court about him; and he, -when I approached, made no way for me through the gap; but stood firm, -and eyed me very insolent; so that I put out my hand, and lifted him -from my way. - -And lo! the Lady Mirdath turned a bitterness of speech upon me that gave -me an utter pain and astonishment; so that I was assured in a moment -that she had no true love for me, or she had never striven so to put me -to shame before the stranger, and named me uncouth and brutal to a -smaller man. And, indeed, you shall perceive how I was in my heart in -that moment. - -And I saw that there was some seeming of justice in what the Lady -Mirdath said; but yet might the man have shown a better spirit; and -moreover Mirdath the Beautiful had no true call to shame me, her true -friend and cousin, before this stranger. Yet did I not stop to argue; -but bowed very low to the Lady Mirdath; and afterward I bowed a little -to the man and made apology; for, indeed, he was neither great nor -strong-made; and I had been better man to have shown courtesy to him; at -least in the first. - -And so, having done justice to my own respect, I turned and went on, and -left them to their happiness. - -Now, I walked then, maybe twenty good miles, before I came to my own -home; for there was no rest in me all that night, or ever, because that -I was grown deadly in love of Mirdath the Beautiful; and all my spirit -and heart and body of me pained with the dreadful loss that I was come -so sudden upon. - -And for a great week I had my walks in another direction; but in the end -of that week, I must take my walk along the olden way, that I might -chance to have but a sight of My Lady. And, truly, I had all sight that -ever man did need to put him in dread pain and jealousy; for, truly, as -I came in view of the gap, there was the Lady Mirdath walking just -without the borders of the great wood; and beside her there walked the -clever-drest man of the Court, and she suffered his arm around her, so -that I knew they were lovers; for the Lady Mirdath had no brothers nor -any youthful men kin. - -Yet, when Mirdath saw me upon the road, she shamed in a moment to be so -caught; for she put her lover's arm from about her, and bowed to me, a -little changed of colour in the face; and I bowed very low--being but a -young man myself--; and so passed on, with my heart very dead in me. And -as I went, I saw that her lover came again to her, and had his arm once -more about her; and so, maybe, they looked after me, as I went very -stiff and desperate; but, indeed, I looked not back on them, as you may -think. - -And for a great month then, I went not near to the gap; for my love -raged in me, and I was hurt in my pride; and, truly, neither had a true -justice been dealt to me by the Lady Mirdath. Yet in that month, my love -was a leaven in me, and made slowly a sweetness and a tenderness and an -understanding that were not in me before; and truly Love and Pain do -shape the Character of Man. - -And in the end of that time, I saw a little way into Life, with an -understanding heart, and began presently to take my walks again past the -gap; but truly Mirdath the Beautiful was never to my sight; though one -evening I thought she might be not a great way off; for one of her great -boar-hounds came out of the wood, and down into the road to nose against -me, very friendly, as a dog oft doth with me. - -Yet, though I waited a good time after the dog had left me, I had no -sight of Mirdath, and so passed on again, with my heart heavy in me; but -without bitterness, because of the understanding that was begun to grow -in my heart. - -Now, there passed two weary and lonely weeks, in which I grew sick to -have knowledge of the beautiful maid. And, truly, in the end of that -time, I made a sudden resolving that I would go in through the gap, and -come to the home-grounds about the Hall, and so maybe have some sight of -her. - -And this resolving I had one evening; and I went out immediately, and -came to the gap, and went in through the gap, and so by a long walking -to the gardens about the Hall. And, truly, when I was come there, I saw -a good light of lanthorns and torches, and a great company of people -dancing; and all drest in quaint dress; so that I knew they had a -festival for some cause. And there came suddenly a horrid dread into my -heart that this might be the marriage-dance of the Lady Mirdath; but, -indeed, this was foolishness; for I had surely heard of the marriage, if -there had been any. And, truly, in a moment, I remembered that she was -come one-and-twenty years of age on that day, and to the end of her -ward-ship; and this surely to be festival in honour of the same. - -And a very bright and pretty matter it was to watch, save that I was so -heavy in the heart with loneliness and longing; for the company was -great and gay, and the lights plentiful and set all about from the -trees; and in leaf-made arbours about the great lawn. And a great table -spread with eating matters and silver and crystal, and great lamps of -bronze and silver went all a-down one end of the lawn; and the dance -constant upon the other part. - -And surely, the Lady Mirdath to step out of the dance, very lovely -drest; yet seeming, to mine eyes, a little pale in the looming of the -lights. And she to wander to a seat to rest; and, indeed, in a moment, -there to be a dozen youths of the great families of the country-side, in -attendance about her, making talk and laughter, and each eager for her -favour; and she very lovely in the midst of them, but yet, as I did -think, lacking of somewhat, and a little pale-seeming, as I have told; -and her glance to go odd-wise beyond the groupt men about her; so that I -understood in a moment that her lover was not there, and she to be -a-lack in the heart for him. Yet, why he was not there, I could not -suppose, save that he might have been called back to the Court. - -And, surely, as I watched the other young men about her, I burned with a -fierce and miserable jealousy of them; so that I could near have stept -forth and plucked her out from among them, and had her to walk with me -in the woods, as in the olden days, when she also had seemed near to -love. But, truly, what use to this? For it was not they who held her -heart, as I saw plain; for I watched her, with an eager and lonesome -heart, and knew that it was one small man of the Court that was lover to -her, as I have told. - -And I went away again then, and came not near to the gap for three great -months, because that I could not bear the pain of my loss; but in the -end of that time, my very pain to urge me to go, and to be worse than -the pain of not going; so that I found myself one evening in the gap, -peering, very eager and shaken, across the sward that lay between the -gap and the woods; for this same place to be as an holy ground to me; -for there was it that first I saw Mirdath the Beautiful, and surely lost -my heart to her in that one night. - -And a great time I stayed there in the gap, waiting and watching -hopelessly. And lo! sudden there came something against me, touching my -thigh very soft; and when I looked down, it was one of the boar-hounds, -so that my heart leaped, near frightened; for truly My Lady was come -somewhere nigh, as I did think. - -And, as I waited, very hushed and watchful; yet with an utter beating -heart; surely I heard a faint and low singing among the trees, so utter -sad. And lo! it was Mirdath singing a broken love song, and a-wander -there in the dark alone, save for her great dogs. - -And I harked, with strange pain in me, that she did be so in pain; and I -ached to bring her ease; yet moved not, but was very still there in the -gap; save that my being was all in turmoil. - -And presently, as I harked, there came a slim white figure out from -among the trees; and the figure cried out something, and came to a quick -pause, as I could see in the half-dark. And lo! in that moment, there -came a sudden and unreasoned hope into me; and I came up out of the gap, -and was come to Mirdath in a moment, calling very low and passionate and -eager: "Mirdath! Mirdath! Mirdath!" - -And this way I came to her; and her great dog that was with me, to bound -beside me, in thought, mayhap, that it was some game. And when I came to -the Lady Mirdath, I held out my hands to her, not knowing what I did; -but only the telling of my heart that needed her so utter, and craved to -ease her of her pain. And lo! she put out her arms to me, and came into -mine arms with a little run. And there she bode, weeping strangely; but -yet with rest upon her; even as rest was come sudden and wondrous upon -me. - -And sudden, she moved in mine arms, and slipt her hands to me, very -dear, and held her lips up to me, like some sweet child, that I kiss -her; but, indeed, she was also a true woman, and in honest and dear love -of me. - -And this to be the way of our betrothal; and simple and wordless it was; -yet sufficient, only that there is no sufficiency in Love. - -Now, presently, she loosed herself out of mine arms, and we walked -homeward through the woods, very quiet, and holding hands, as children -do. And I then in a while to ask her about the man of the Court; and she -laughed very sweet into the silence of the wood; but gave me no answer, -save that I wait until we were come to the Hall. - -And when we were come there, she took me into the great hall, and made a -very dainty and impudent bow, mocking me. And so made me known to -another lady, who sat there, upon her task of embroidering, which she -did very demure, and as that she had also a dainty Mischief lurking in -her. - -And truly, the Lady Mirdath never to be done of naughty laughter, that -made her dearly breathless with delight, and to sway a little, and set -the trembling of pretty sounds in her throat; and surely she must pull -down two great pistols from an arm-rack, that I fight a duel to the -death with the lady of the embroidering, who held her face down over her -work, and shook likewise with the wickedness of her laughter that she -could not hide. - -And in the end, the Lady of the Embroidering looked up sudden into my -face; and I then to see somewhat of the mischief in a moment; for she -had the face of the man of the Court suit, that had been lover to -Mirdath. - -And the Lady Mirdath then to explain to me how that Mistress Alison -(which was her name) was a dear and bosom friend, and she it was that -had been drest in the Court suit to play a prank for a wager with a -certain young man who would be lover to her, an he might. And I then to -come along, and so speedy to offence that truly I never saw her face -plain, because that I was so utter jealous. And so the Lady Mirdath had -been more justly in anger than I supposed, because that I had put hands -upon her friend, as I have told. - -And this to be all of it, save that they had planned to punish me, and -had met every evening at the gap, to play at lovers, perchance I should -pass, so that I should have greater cause for my jealousy, and truly -they to have a good revenge upon me; for I had suffered very great a -long while because of it. - -Yet, as you do mind, when I came upon them, the Lady Mirdath had a -half-regret, that was very natural, because even then she was in love of -me, as I of her; and because of this, she drew away, as you shall -remember, being--as she confessed--suddenly and strangely troubled and -to want me; but afterwards as much set again to my punishment, because -that I bowed so cold and went away. And indeed well I might. - -Yet, truly, all was safe ended now, and I utter thankful and with a mad -delight in the heart; so that I caught up Mirdath, and we danced very -slow and stately around the great hall, the while that Mistress Alison -whistled us a tune with her mouth, which she could very clever, as many -another thing, I wot. - -And each day and all day after this Gladness, Mirdath and I could never -be apart; but must go a-wander always together, here and there, in an -unending joy of our togetherness. - -And in a thousand things were we at one in delight; for we had both of -us that nature which doth love the blue of eternity which gathers beyond -the wings of the sunset; and the invisible sound of the starlight -falling upon the world; and the quiet of grey evenings when the Towers -of Sleep are builded unto the mystery of the Dusk; and the solemn green -of strange pastures in the moonlight; and the speech of the sycamore -unto the beech; and the slow way of the sea when it doth mood; and the -soft rustling of the night clouds. And likewise had we eyes to see the -Dancer of the Sunset, casting her mighty robes so strange; and ears to -know that there shakes a silent thunder over the Face of Dawn; and much -else that we knew and saw and understood together in our utter joy. - -Now, there happened to us about this time a certain adventure that came -near to cause the death of Mirdath the Beautiful; for one day as we -wandered, as ever, like two children in our contentment, I made remark -to Mirdath that there went only two of the great boar-hounds with us; -and she then told me that the third was to the kennels, being sick. - -Yet, scarce had she told me so much; ere she cried out something and -pointed; and lo! I saw that the third hound came towards us, at a run, -yet very strange-seeming in his going. And in a moment, Mirdath cried -out that the hound was mad; and truly, I saw then that the brute -slavered as he came running. - -And in a moment he was upon us, and made never a sound; but leaped at me -in one instant of time; all before I had any thought of such intent. But -surely, My Beautiful One had a dreadful love for me, for she cast -herself at the dog, to save me, calling to the other hounds. And she was -bitten in a moment by the brute, as she strove to hold him off from me. -But I to have him instant by the neck and the body, and brake him, so -that he died at once; and I cast him to the earth, and gave help to -Mirdath, that I draw the poison from the wounds. - -And this I did so well as I might, despite that she would have me stop. -And afterwards, I took her into mine arms, and ran very fierce all the -long and weary way to the Hall, and with hot skewers I burned the -wounds; so that when the doctor came, he to say I have saved her by my -care, if indeed she to be saved. But, truly, she had saved me in any -wise, as you shall think; so that I could never be done of honour to -her. - -And she very pale; but yet to laugh at my fears, and to say that she -soon to have her health, and the wounds healed very speedy; but, indeed, -it was a long and bitter time before they were proper healed, and she so -well as ever. Yet, in time, so it was; and an utter weight off my heart. - -And when Mirdath was grown full strong again, we set our wedding day. -And well do I mind how she stood there in her bridal dress, on that day, -so slender and lovely as may Love have stood in the Dawn of Life; and -the beauty of her eyes that had such sober sweetness in them, despite -the dear mischief of her nature; and the way of her little feet, and the -loveliness of her hair; and the dainty rogue-grace of her movements; and -her mouth an enticement, as that a child and a woman smiled out of the -one face. And this to be no more than but an hint of the loveliness of -My Beautiful One. - -And so we were married. - -Mirdath, My Beautiful One, lay dying, and I had no power to hold Death -backward from such dread intent. In another room, I heard the little -wail of the child; and the wail of the child waked my wife back into -this life, so that her hands fluttered white and desperately needful -upon the coverlid. - -I kneeled beside My Beautiful One, and reached out and took her hands -very gentle into mine; but still they fluttered so needful; and she -looked at me, dumbly; but her eyes beseeching. - -Then I went out of the room, and called gently to the Nurse; and the -Nurse brought in the child, wrapped very softly in a long, white robe. -And I saw the eyes of My Beautiful One grow clearer with a strange, -lovely light; and I beckoned to the Nurse to bring the babe near. - -My wife moved her hands very weakly upon the coverlid, and I knew that -she craved to touch her child; and I signed to the Nurse, and took my -child in mine arms; and the Nurse went out from the room, and so we -three were alone together. - -Then I sat very gentle upon the bed; and I held the babe near to My -Beautiful One, so that the wee cheek of the babe touched the white cheek -of my dying wife; but the weight of the child I kept off from her. - -And presently, I knew that Mirdath, My Wife, strove dumbly to reach for -the hands of the babe; and I turned the child more towards her, and -slipped the hands of the child into the weak hands of My Beautiful One. -And I held the babe above my wife, with an utter care; so that the eyes -of my dying One, looked into the young eyes of the child. And presently, -in but a few moments of time; though it had been someways an eternity, -My Beautiful One closed her eyes and lay very quiet. And I took away the -child to the Nurse, who stood beyond the door. And I closed the door, -and came back to Mine Own, that we have those last instants alone -together. - -And the hands of my wife lay very still and white; but presently they -began to move softly and weakly, searching for somewhat; and I put out -my great hands to her, and took her hands with an utter care; and so a -little time passed. - -Then her eyes opened, quiet and grey, and a little dazed seeming; and -she rolled her head on the pillow and saw me; and the pain of -forgetfulness went out of her eyes, and she looked at me with a look -that grew in strength, unto a sweetness of tenderness and full -understanding. - -And I bent a little to her; and her eyes told me to take her into mine -arms for those last minutes. Then I went very gentle upon the bed, and -lifted her with an utter and tender care, so that she lay suddenly -strangely restful against my breast; for Love gave me skill to hold her, -and Love gave My Beautiful One a sweetness of ease in that little time -that was left to us. - -And so we twain were together; and Love seemed that it had made a truce -with Death in the air about us, that we be undisturbed; for there came a -drowse of rest even upon my tense heart, that had known nothing but a -dreadful pain through the weary hours. - -And I whispered my love silently to My Beautiful One, and her eyes -answered; and the strangely beautiful and terrible moments passed by -into the hush of eternity. - -And suddenly, Mirdath My Beautiful One, spoke,--whispering something. -And I stooped gently to hark; and Mine Own spoke again; and lo! it was -to call me by the olden Love Name that had been mine through all the -utter lovely months of our togetherness. - -And I began again to tell her of my love, that should pass beyond death; -and lo! in that one moment of time, the light went out of her eyes; and -My Beautiful One lay dead in mine arms ... My Beautiful One.... - - - - -II - -THE LAST REDOUBT - - -Since Mirdath, My Beautiful One, died and left me lonely in this world, -I have suffered an anguish, and an utter and dreadful pain of longing, -such as truly no words shall ever tell; for, in truth, I that had all -the world through her sweet love and companionship, and knew all the joy -and gladness of Life, have known such lonesome misery as doth stun me to -think upon. - -Yet am I to my pen again; for of late a wondrous hope has grown in me, -in that I have, at night in my sleep, waked into the future of this -world, and seen strange things and utter marvels, and known once more -the gladness of life; for I have learned the promise of the future, and -have visited in my dreams those places where in the womb of Time, she -and I shall come together, and part, and again come together--breaking -asunder most drearly in pain, and again reuniting after strange ages, in -a glad and mighty wonder. - -And this is the utter strange story of that which I have seen, and -which, truly, I must set out, if the task be not too great; so that, in -the setting out thereof, I may gain a little ease of the heart; and -likewise, mayhap, give ease of hope to some other poor human, that doth -suffer, even as I have suffered so dreadful with longing for Mine Own -that is dead. - -And some shall read and say that this thing was not, and some shall -dispute with them; but to them all I say naught, save "Read!" And having -read that which I set down, then shall one and all have looked towards -Eternity with me--unto its very portals. And so to my telling: - -To me, in this last time of my visions, of which I would tell, it was -not as if I _dreamed_; but, as it were, that I _waked_ there into the -dark, _in the future of this world_. And the sun had died; and for me -thus newly waked into that Future, to look back upon this, our Present -Age, was to look back into dreams that my soul knew to be of reality; -but which to those newly-seeing eyes of mine, appeared but as a far -vision, strangely hallowed with peacefulness and light. - -Always, it seemed to me when I awaked into the Future, into the -Everlasting Night that lapped this world, that I saw near to me, and -girdling me all about, a blurred greyness. And presently this, the -greyness, would clear and fade from about me, even as a dusky cloud, and -I would look out upon a world of darkness, lit here and there with -strange sights. And with my waking into that Future, I waked not to -ignorance; but to a full knowledge of those things which lit the Night -Land; even as a man wakes from sleep each morning, and knows immediately -he wakes, the names and knowledge of the Time which has bred him, and in -which he lives. And the same while, a knowledge I had, as it were -sub-conscious, of this Present--this early life, which now I live so -utterly alone. - -In my earliest knowledge of _that_ place, I was a youth, seventeen years -grown, and my memory tells me that when first I waked, or came, as it -might be said, to myself, in that Future, I stood in one of the -embrasures of the Last Redoubt--that great Pyramid of grey metal which -held the last millions of this world from the Powers of the Slayers. - -And so full am I of the knowledge of that Place, that scarce can I -believe that none here know; and because I have such difficulty, it may -be that I speak over familiarly of those things of which I know; and -heed not to explain much that it is needful that I should explain to -those who must read here, in this our present day. For there, as I stood -and looked out, I was less the man of years of _this_ age, than the -youth of _that_, with the natural knowledge of _that_ life which I had -gathered by living all my seventeen years of life there; though, until -that my first vision, I (of this Age) knew not of that other and Future -Existence; yet woke to it so naturally as may a man wake here in his bed -to the shining of the morning sun, and know it by name, and the meaning -of aught else. And yet, as I stood there in the vast embrasure, I had -also a knowledge, or memory, of this present life of ours, deep down -within me; but touched with a halo of dreams, and yet with a conscious -longing for One, known even there in a half memory as Mirdath. - -As I have said, in my earliest memory, I mind that I stood in an -embrasure, high up in the side of the Pyramid, and looked outwards -through a queer spy-glass to the North-West. Aye, full of youth and with -an adventurous and yet half-fearful heart. - -And in my brain was, as I have told, the knowledge that had come to me -in all the years of my life in the Redoubt; and yet until that moment, -this _Man of this Present Time_ had no knowledge of that future -existence; and now I stood and had suddenly the knowledge of a life -already spent in that strange land, and deeper within me the misty -knowings of this our present Age, and, maybe, also of some others. - -To the North-West I looked through the queer spy-glass, and saw a -landscape that I had looked upon and pored upon through all the years of -that life, so that I knew how to name this thing and that thing, and -give the very distances of each and every one from the "Centre-Point" of -the Pyramid, which was that which had neither length nor breadth, and -was made of polished metal in the Room of Mathematics, where I went -daily to my studies. - -To the North-West I looked, and in the wide field of my glass, saw plain -the bright glare of the fire from the Red Pit, shine upwards against the -underside of the vast chin of the North-West Watcher--The Watching Thing -of the North-West.... "That which hath Watched from the Beginning, and -until the opening of the Gateway of Eternity" came into my thoughts, as -I looked through the glass ... the words of Aesworpth, the _Ancient_ -Poet (though incredibly _future_ to this our time). And suddenly they -seemed at fault; for I looked deep down into my being, and saw, as -dreams are seen, the sunlight and splendour of _this_ our Present Age. -And I was amazed. - -And here I must make it clear to all that, even as I waked from _this_ -Age, suddenly into _that_ life, so must I--_that_ youth there in the -embrasure--have awakened then to the knowledge of _this_ far-back life -of ours--seeming to him a vision of the very beginnings of eternity, in -the dawn of the world. Oh! I do but dread I make it not sufficient clear -that I and he were both _I_--the same soul. He of that far date seeing -vaguely the life that _was_ (that I do now live in this present Age); -and I of this time beholding the life that I yet shall live. How utterly -strange! - -And yet, I do not know that I speak holy truth to say that I, in that -future time, had _no_ knowledge of _this_ life and Age, before that -awakening; for I woke to find that I was one who stood apart from the -other youths, in that I had a dim knowledge--visionary, as it were, of -the past, which confounded, whilst yet it angered, those who were the -men of learning of that age; though of this matter, more anon. But this -I do know, that from that time, onwards, my knowledge and assuredness of -the Past was tenfold; for this my memory of that life told me. - -And so to further my telling. Yet before I pass onwards, one other thing -is there of which I shall speak--In the moment in which I waked out of -that youthfulness, into the assured awaredness of _this_ our Age, in -that moment the hunger of this my love flew to me across the ages; so -that what had been but a memory-dream, grew to the pain of _Reality_, -and I knew suddenly that I _lacked_; and from that time onwards, I went, -listening, as even now my life is spent. - -And so it was that I (fresh-born in that future time) hungered strangely -for My Beautiful One with all the strength of that new life, knowing -that she had been mine, and might live again, even as I. And so, as I -have said, I hungered, and found that I listened. - -And now, to go back from my digression, it was, as I have said, I had -amazement at perceiving, in memory, the unknowable sunshine and -splendour of this age breaking so clear through my hitherto most vague -and hazy visions; so that the ignorance of, Aesworpth was shouted to me -by the things which now I _knew_. - -And from that time, onward, for a little space, I was stunned with all -that I knew and guessed and felt; and all of a long while the hunger -grew for that one I had lost in the early days--she who had sung to me -in those faery days of light, that _had been_ in verity. And the -especial thoughts of that age looked back with a keen, regretful wonder -into the gulf of forgetfulness. - -But, presently, I turned from the haze and pain of my dream-memories, -once more to the inconceivable mystery of the Night Land, which I viewed -through the great embrasure. For on none did it ever come with weariness -to look out upon all the hideous mysteries; so that old and young -watched, from early years to death, the black monstrosity of the Night -Land, which this our last refuge of humanity held at bay. - -To the right of the Red Pit there lay a long, sinuous glare, which I -knew as the Vale of Red Fire, and beyond that for many dreary miles the -blackness of the Night Land; across which came the coldness of the light -from the Plain of Blue Fire. - -And then, on the very borders of the Unknown Lands, there lay a range of -low volcanoes, which lit up, far away in the outer darkness, the Black -Hills, where shone the Seven Lights, which neither twinkled nor moved -nor faltered through Eternity; and of which even the great spy-glass -could make no understanding; nor had any adventurer from the Pyramid -ever come back to tell us aught of them. And here let me say, that down -in the Great Library of the Redoubt, were the histories of all those, -with their discoveries, who had ventured out into the monstrousness of -the Night Land, risking not the life only, but the spirit of life. - -And surely it is all so strange and wonderful to set out, that I could -almost despair with the contemplation of that which I must achieve; for -there is so much to tell, and so few words given to man by which he may -make clear that which lies beyond the sight and the present and general -knowings of Peoples. - -How shall you ever know, as I know in verity, of the greatness and -reality and terror of the thing that I would tell plain to all; for we, -with our puny span of recorded life must have great histories to tell, -but the few bare details we know concerning years that are but a few -thousands in all; and I must set out to you in the short pages of this -my life there, a sufficiency of the life that had been, and the life -that was, both within and without that mighty Pyramid, to make clear to -those who may read, the truth of that which I would tell; and the -histories of that great Redoubt dealt not with odd thousands of years; -but with very millions; aye, away back into what they of that Age -conceived to be the early days of the earth, when the sun, maybe, still -gloomed dully in the night sky of the world. But of all that went -before, nothing, save as myths, and matters to be taken most cautiously, -and believed not by men of sanity and proved wisdom. - -And I, ...how shall I make all this clear to you who may read? The thing -cannot be; and yet I must tell my history; for to be silent before so -much wonder would be to suffer of too full a heart; and I must even ease -my spirit by this my struggle to tell to all how it was with me, and how -it will be. Aye, even to the memories which were the possession of that -far future youth, who was indeed I, of his childhood's days, when his -nurse of that Age swung him, and crooned impossible lullabies of this -mythical sun which, according to those future fairy-tales, had once -passed across the blackness that now lay above the Pyramid. - -Such is the monstrous futureness of this which I have seen through the -body of that far-off youth. - -And so back to my telling. To my right, which was to the North, there -stood, very far away, the House of Silence, upon a low hill. And in that -House were many lights, and no sound. And so had it been through an -uncountable Eternity of Years. Always those steady lights, and no -whisper of sound--not even such as our distance-microphones could have -discovered. And the danger of this House was accounted the greatest -danger of all those Lands. - -And round by the House of Silence, wound the Road Where The Silent Ones -Walk. And concerning this Road, which passed out of the Unknown Lands, -nigh by the Place of the Ab-humans, where was always the green, luminous -mist, nothing was known; save that it was held that, of all the works -about the Mighty Pyramid, it was, alone, the one that was bred, long -ages past, of healthy human toil and labour. And on this point alone, -had a thousand books, and more, been writ; and all contrary, and so to -no end, as is ever the way in such matters. - -And as it was with the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, so it was with -all those other monstrous things ... whole libraries had there been made -upon this and upon that; and many a thousand million mouldered into the -forgotten dust of the earlier world. - -I mind me now that presently I stepped upon the central -travelling-roadway which spanned the one thousandth plateau of the Great -Redoubt. And this lay six miles and thirty fathoms above the Plain of -the Night Land, and was somewhat of a great mile or more across. And so, -in a few minutes, I was at the South-Eastern wall, and looking out -through The Great Embrasure towards the Three Silver-fire Holes, that -shone before the Thing That Nods, away down, far in the South-East. -Southward of this, but nearer, there rose the vast bulk of the -South-East Watcher--The Watching Thing of the South-East. And to the -right and to the left of the squat monster burned the Torches; maybe -half-a-mile upon each side; yet sufficient light they threw to show the -lumbered-forward head of the never-sleeping Brute. - -To the East, as I stood there in the quietness of the Sleeping-Time on -the One Thousandth Plateau, I heard a far, dreadful sound, down in the -lightless East; and, presently, again--a strange, dreadful laughter, -deep as a low thunder among the mountains. And because this sound came -odd whiles from the Unknown Lands beyond the Valley of The Hounds, we -had named that far and never-seen Place "The Country Whence Comes The -Great Laughter." And though I had heard the sound, many and oft a time, -yet did I never hear it without a most strange thrilling of my heart, -and a sense of my littleness, and of the utter terror which had beset -the last millions of the world. - -Yet, because I had heard the Laughter oft, I paid not over-long -attention to my thoughts upon it; and when, in a little it died away -into that Eastern Darkness, I turned my spy-glass upon the Giants' Pit, -which lay to the South of the Giants' Kilns. And these same Kilns were -tended by the giants, and the light of the Kilns was red and fitful, and -threw wavering shadows and lights across the mouth of the pit; so that I -saw giants crawling up out of the pit; but not properly seen, by reason -of the dance of the shadows. And so, because ever there was so much to -behold, I looked away, presently, to that which was plainer to be -examined. - -To the back of the Giants' Pit was a great, black Headland, that stood -vast, between the Valley of The Hounds (where lived the monstrous Night -Hounds) and the Giants. And the light of the Kilns struck the brow of -this black Headland; so that, constantly, I saw things peer over the -edge, coming forward a little into the light of the Kilns, and drawing -back swiftly into the shadows. And thus it had been ever, through the -uncounted ages; so that the Headland was known as The Headland From -Which Strange Things Peer; and thus was it marked in our maps and charts -of that grim world. - -And so I could go on ever; but that I fear to weary; and yet, whether I -do weary, or not, I must tell of this country that I see, even now as I -set my thoughts down, so plainly that my memory wanders in a hushed and -secret fashion along its starkness, and amid its strange and dread -habitants, so that it is but by an effort I realise me that my body is -not there in this very moment that I write. And so to further tellings: - -Before me ran the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk; and I searched it, as -many a time in my earlier youth had I, with the spy-glass; for my heart -was always stirred mightily by the sight of those Silent Ones. - -And, presently, alone in all the miles of that night-grey road, I saw -one in the field of my glass--a quiet, cloaked figure, moving along, -shrouded, and looking neither to right nor left. And thus was it with -these beings ever. It was told about in the Redoubt that they would harm -no human, if but the human did keep a fair distance from them; but that -it were wise never to come close upon one. And this I can well believe. - -And so, searching the road with my gaze, I passed beyond this Silent -One, and past the place where the road, sweeping vastly to the -South-East, was lit a space, strangely, by the light from the -Silver-fire Holes. And thus at last to where it swayed to the South of -the Dark Palace, and thence Southward still, until it passed round to -the Westward, beyond the mountain bulk of the Watching Thing in the -South--the hugest monster in all the visible Night Lands. My spy-glass -showed it to me with clearness--a living hill of watchfulness, known to -us as The Watcher Of The South. It brooded there, squat and tremendous, -hunched over the pale radiance of the Glowing Dome. - -Much, I know, had been writ concerning this Odd, Vast Watcher; for it -had grown out of the blackness of the South Unknown Lands a million -years gone; and the steady growing nearness of it had been noted and set -out at length by the men they called Monstruwacans; so that it was -possible to search in our libraries, and learn of the very coming of -this Beast in the olden-time. - -And, while I mind me, there were even then, and always, men named -Monstruwacans, whose duty it was to take heed of the great Forces, and -to watch the Monsters and the Beasts that beset the great Pyramid, and -measure and record, and have so full a knowledge of these same that, did -one but sway an head in the darkness, the same matter was set down with -particularness in the Records. - -And, so to tell more about the South Watcher. A million years gone, as I -have told, came it out from the blackness of the South, and grew -steadily nearer through twenty thousand years; but so slow that in no -one year could a man perceive that it had moved. - -Yet it had movement, and had come thus far upon its road to the Redoubt, -when the Glowing Dome rose out of the ground before it--growing slowly. -And this had stayed the way of the Monster; so that through an eternity -it had looked towards the Pyramid across the pale glare of the Dome, and -seeming to have no power to advance nearer. - -And because of this, much had been writ to prove that there were other -forces than evil at work in the Night Lands, about the Last Redoubt. And -this I have always thought to be wisely said; and, indeed, there to be -no doubt to the matter, for there were many things in the time of which -I have knowledge, which seemed to make clear that, even as the Forces of -Darkness were loose upon the End of Man; so were there other Forces out -to do battle with the Terror; though in ways most strange and unthought -of by the human mind. And of this I shall have more to tell anon. - -And here, before I go further with my telling, let me set out some of -that knowledge which yet remains so clear within my mind and heart. Of -the coming of these monstrosities and evil Forces, no man could say much -with verity; for the evil of it began before the Histories of the Great -Redoubt were shaped; aye, even before the sun had lost all power to -light; though, it must not be a thing of certainty, that even at this -far time the invisible, black heavens held no warmth for this world; but -of this I have no room to tell; and must pass on to that of which I have -a more certain knowledge. - -The evil must surely have begun in the Days of the Darkening (which I -might liken to a story which was believed doubtfully, much as we of this -day believe the story of the Creation). A dim record there was of olden -sciences (that are yet far off in our future) which, disturbing the -unmeasurable Outward Powers, had allowed to pass the Barrier of Life -some of those Monsters and Ab-human creatures, which are so wondrously -cushioned from us at this normal present. And thus there had -materialized, and in other cases developed, grotesque and horrible -Creatures, which now beset the humans of this world. And where there was -no power to take on material form, there had been allowed to certain -dreadful Forces to have power to affect the life of the human spirit. -And this growing very dreadful, and the world full of lawlessness and -degeneracy, there had banded together the sound millions, and built the -Last Redoubt; there in the twilight of the world--so it seems to us, and -yet to them (bred at last to the peace of usage) as it were the -Beginning; and this I can make no clearer; and none hath right to expect -it; for my task is very great, and beyond the power of human skill. - -And when the humans had built the great Pyramid, it had one thousand -three hundred and twenty floors; and the thickness of each floor was -according to the strength of its need. And the whole height of this -pyramid exceeded seven miles, by near a mile, and above it was a tower -from which the Watchmen looked (these being called the Monstruwacans). -But where the Redoubt was built, I know not; save that I believe in a -mighty valley, of which I may tell more in due time. - -And when the Pyramid was built, the last millions, who were the Builders -thereof, went within, and made themselves a great house and city of this -Last Redoubt. And thus began the Second History of this world. And how -shall I set it all down in these little pages! For my task, even as I -see it, is too great for the power of a single life and a single pen. -Yet, to it! - -And, later, through hundreds and thousands of years, there grew up in -the Outer Lands, beyond those which lay under the guard of the Redoubt, -mighty and lost races of terrible creatures, half men and half beast, -and evil and dreadful; and these made war upon the Redoubt; but were -beaten off from that grim, metal mountain, with a vast slaughter. Yet, -must there have been many such attacks, until the electric circle was -put about the Pyramid, and lit from the Earth-Current. And the lowest -half-mile of the Pyramid was sealed; and so at last there was a peace, -and the beginnings of that Eternity of quiet watching for the day when -the Earth-Current shall become exhausted. - -And, at whiles, through the forgotten centuries, had the Creatures been -glutted time and again upon such odd bands of daring ones as had -adventured forth to explore through the mystery of the Night Lands; for -of those who went, scarce any did ever return; for there were eyes in -all that dark; and Powers and Forces abroad which had all knowledge; or -so we must fain believe. - -And then, so it would seem, as that Eternal Night lengthened itself upon -the world, the power of terror grew and strengthened. And fresh and -greater monsters developed and bred out of all space and Outward -Dimensions, attracted, even as it might be Infernal sharks, by that -lonely and mighty hill of humanity, facing its end--so near to the -Eternal, and yet so far deferred in the minds and to the senses of those -humans. And thus hath it been ever. - -And all this but by the way, and vague and ill told, and set out in -despair to make a little clear the beginnings of that State which is so -strange to our conceptions, and yet which had become a Condition of -Naturalness to Humanity in that stupendous future. - -Thus had the giants come, fathered of bestial humans and mothered of -monsters. And many and diverse were the creatures which had some human -semblance; and intelligence, mechanical and cunning; so that certain of -these lesser Brutes had machinery and underground ways, having need to -secure to themselves warmth and air, even as healthy humans; only that -they were incredibly inured to hardship, as they might be wolves set in -comparison with tender children. And surely, do I make this thing clear? - -And now to continue my telling concerning the Night Land. The Watcher of -the South was, as I have set to make known, a monster differing from -those other Watching Things, of which I have spoken, and of which there -were in all four. One to the North-West, and one to the South-East, and -of these I have told; and the other twain lay brooding, one to the -South-West, and the other to the North-East; and thus the four watchers -kept ward through the darkness, upon the Pyramid, and moved not, neither -gave they out any sound. Yet did we know them to be mountains of living -watchfulness and hideous and steadfast intelligence. - -And so, in a while, having listened to the sorrowful sound which came -ever to us over the Grey Dunes, from the Country of Wailing, which lay -to the South, midway between the Redoubt and the Watcher of the South, I -passed upon one of the moving roadways over to the South-Western side of -the Pyramid, and looked from a narrow embrasure thence far down into the -Deep Valley, which was four miles deep, and in which was the Pit of the -Red Smoke. - -And the mouth of this Pit was one full mile across, and the smoke of the -Pit filled the Valley at times, so that it seemed but as a glowing red -circle amid dull thunderous clouds of redness. Yet the red smoke rose -never much above the Valley; so that there was clear sight across to the -country beyond. And there, along the further edge of that great depth, -were the Towers, each, maybe, a mile high, grey and quiet; but with a -shimmer upon them. - -Beyond these, South and West of them, was the enormous bulk of the -South-West Watcher, and from the ground rose what we named the Eye -Beam--a single ray of grey light, which came up out of the ground, and -lit the right eye of the monster. And because of this light, that eye -had been mightily examined through unknown thousands of years; and some -held that the eye looked through the light steadfastly at the Pyramid; -but others set out that the light blinded it, and was the work of those -Other Powers which were abroad to do combat with the Evil Forces. But -however this may be, as I stood there in the embrasure, and looked at -the thing through the spy-glass, it seemed to my soul that the Brute -looked straightly at me, unwinking and steadfast, and fully of a -knowledge that I spied upon it. And this is how I felt. - -To the North of this, in the direction of the West, I saw The Place -Where The Silent Ones Kill; and this was so named, because there, maybe -ten thousand years gone, certain humans adventuring from the Pyramid, -came off the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, and into that place, and -were immediately destroyed. And this was told by one who escaped; though -he died also very quickly, for his heart was frozen. And this I cannot -explain; but so it was set out in the Records. - -Far away beyond The Place Where The Silent Ones Kill, in the very mouth -of the Western Night was the Place of the Ab-humans, where was lost the -Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, in a dull green, luminous mist. And of -this place nothing was known; though much it held the thoughts and -attentions of our thinkers and imaginers; for some said that there was a -Place Of Safety, differing from the Redoubt (as we of this day suppose -Heaven to differ from the Earth), and that the Road led thence; but was -barred by the Ab-humans. And this I can only set down here; but with no -thought to justify or uphold it. - -Later, I travelled over to the North-Eastern wall of the Redoubt, and -looked thence with my spy-glass at the Watcher of the North-East--the -Crowned Watcher it was called, in that within the air above its vast -head there hung always a blue, luminous ring, which shed a strange light -downwards over the monster--showing a vast, wrinkled brow (upon which an -whole library had been writ); but putting to the shadow all the lower -face; all save the ear, which came out from the back of the head, and -belled towards the Redoubt, and had been said by some observers in the -past to have been seen to quiver; but how that might be, I knew not; for -no man of our days had seen such a thing. - -And beyond the Watching Thing was The Place Where The Silent Ones Are -Never, close by the great road; which was bounded upon the far side by -The Giant's Sea; and upon the far side of that, was a Road which was -always named The Road By The Quiet City; for it passed along that place -where burned forever the constant and never-moving lights of a strange -city; but no glass had ever shown life there; neither had any light ever -ceased to burn. - -And beyond that again was the Black Mist. And here, let me say, that the -Valley of The Hounds ended towards the Lights of the Quiet City. - -And so have I set out something of that land, and of those creatures and -circumstances which beset us about, waiting until the Day of Doom, when -our Earth-Current should cease, and leave us helpless to the Watchers -and the Abundant Terror. - -And there I stood, and looked forth composedly, as may one who has been -born to know of such matters, and reared in the knowledge of them. And, -anon, I would look upward, and see the grey, metalled mountain going up -measureless into the gloom of the everlasting night; and from my feet -the sheer downward sweep of the grim, metal walls, six full miles, and -more, to the plain below. - -And one thing (aye! and I fear me, many) have I missed to set out with -particularness: - -There was, as you do know, all around the base of the Pyramid, which was -five and one-quarter miles every way, a great circle of light, which was -set up by the Earth-Current, and burned within a transparent tube; or -had that appearance. And it bounded the Pyramid for a clear mile upon -every side, and burned for ever; and none of the monsters had power ever -to pass across, because of what we did call The Air Clog that it did -make, as an invisible Wall of Safety. And it did give out also a more -subtile vibration, that did affect the weak Brain-Elements of the -monsters and the Lower Men-Brutes. And some did hold that there went -from it a further vibration of a greater subtileness that gave a -protecting against the Evil Forces. And some quality it had truly -thiswise; for the Evil Powers had no ability to cause harm to any -within. Yet were there some dangers against which it might not avail; -but these had no cunning to bring harm to any _within_ the Great Redoubt -who had wisdom to meddle with no dreadfulness. And so were those last -millions guarded until the Earth-Current should be used to its end. And -this circle is that which I have called the Electric Circle; though with -failure to explain. But there it was called only, The Circle. - -And thus have I, with great effort, made a little clear that grim land -of night, where, presently, my listening heard one calling across the -dark. And how that this grew upon me, I will set out forthwith. - - - - -III - -THE QUIET CALLING - - -Now, oft had I heard tell, not only in that great city which occupied -the thousandth floor, but in others of the one thousand, three hundred -and twenty cities of the Pyramid, that there was somewhere out in the -desolation of the Night Lands a second Place of Refuge, where had -gathered, in another part of this dead world, some last millions of the -human race, to fight unto the end. - -And this story I heard everywhere in my travels through the cities of -the Great Redoubt, which travels began when I came upon my seventeenth -year, and continued for three years and two hundred and twenty five -days, being even then but one day in each city, as was the custom in the -training of every child. - -And truly it was a great journey, and in it I met with many, whom to -know was to love; but whom never could I see again; for life has not -space enough; and each must to his duty to the security and well-being -of the Redoubt. Yet, for all that I have set down, we travelled much, -always; but there were so many millions, and so few years. - -And, as I have said, everywhere I went there was the same story of this -other Place of Refuge; and in such of the Libraries of those cities as I -had time to search, there were great numbers of works upon the existence -of this other Refuge; and some, far back in the years, made assertion -with confidence that such a Place was in verity; and, indeed, no doubt -did there seem in those by-gone ages; but now these very Records were -read only by Scholars, who doubted, even whilst they read. And so is it -ever. - -But of the reality of this Refuge, I had never a sound doubt, from the -day of my hearing concerning it from our Master Monstruwacan, who with -all his assistants occupied the Tower of Observation in the apex of the -Pyramid. And here let me tell that he and I had always an affinity and -close friendship one for the other; though he was full grown, and I but -a youth; yet so it was; and thus, when I had come to an age of -twenty-one years of life, he opened to me a post within the Tower of -Observation; and this was a most wondrous good fortune to me; for in all -the vast Redoubt, to be appointed to the Tower of Observation was the -most desired; for thereby, even as in these days doth Astronomy, was the -natural curiosity of Man eased somewhat, even while thwarted. - -Now, let me tell here also, lest it be thought that I was unduly -favoured because of my friendship with the Master Monstruwacan, that -there was a sound justification for his choice, in that to me had been -given that strange gift of hearing, which we called Night-Hearing; -though this was but a fanciful name, and meant little. Yet the peculiar -gift was rare, and in all the millions of the Pyramid, there was none -with the gift to a great degree, saving only myself. - -And I, because of this gift, could hear the "invisible vibrations" of -the aether; so that, without harking to the calling of our recording -instruments, I could take the messages which came continually through -the eternal darkness; aye, even better than they. And now, it may be the -better understood, how much was to be counted that I had grown to listen -for a voice that had not rung in mine ears for an eternity, and yet -which sang sweet and clear in my memory-dreams; so that it seemed to me -that Mirdath the Beautiful slept within my soul, and whispered to me out -of all the ages. - -And then, one day, at the fifteenth hour, when began the Sleep-Time, I -had been pondering this love of mine that lived with me still; and -marvelling that my memory-dreams held the voice of a love that _had -been_ in so remote an age. And pondering and dreaming thus, as a young -man may, I could fancy this aeon-lost One were whispering beauty into -my ears, in verity; so clear had my memory grown, and so much had I -pondered. - -And lo! as I stood there, harking and communing with my thoughts, I -thrilled suddenly, as if I had been smitten; for out of all the -everlasting night a whisper was thrilling and thrilling upon my more -subtile hearing. - -Through four long years had I listened, since that awakening in the -embrasure, when but a youth of seventeen; and now out of the -world-darkness and all the eternal years of that lost life, which now I -live in this Present Age of ours, was the whisper come; for I knew it -upon that instant; and yet, because I was so taught to wisdom, I -answered by no name; but sent the Master-Word through the night--sending -it with my brain-elements, as I could, and as all may, much or little, -as may be, if they be not clods. And, moreover, I knew that she who -called quietly would have the power to hear without instruments, if -indeed it were she; and if it were but one of the false callings of the -Evil Forces, or more cunning monsters, or as was sometimes thought -concerning these callings, the House of Silence, meddling with our -souls, then would they have no power to say the Master-Word; for this -had been proven through all the Everlasting. - -And lo! as I stood, trembling and striving not to be tense, which -destroys the receptivity, there came thrilling round and round my -spiritual essence the throb of the Master-Word, beating steadily in the -night, as doth that marvellous sound. And then, with all that was sweet -in my spirit, I called with my brain elements: "Mirdath! Mirdath! -Mirdath!" And at that instant the Master Monstruwacan entered that part -of the Tower of Observation, where I stood; and, seeing my face, stood -very quiet; for though he had not the power of Night-Hearing, he was -wise and thoughtful, and took much account of my gift; more-over, he had -but come from the Receiving Instrument, and thought vaguely to have -caught the throb of the Master-Word, though too faint to come proper -through the Instrument, so that he searched for me, in that I, who had -the Hearing, might listen for it, I being, as I have said, gifted in -that wise. - -And to him I told something of my story and my thoughts and my memories, -and of that awakening; and thus up to this present happening, and he -hearkened with sympathy and a troubled and wondering heart; for in that -age a man might talk sanely upon that which, in this age of ours would -be accounted foolishness and maybe the breathings of insanity; for -there, by the refinement of arts of mentality and the results of strange -experiments and the accomplishment of learning, men were abled to -conceive of matters now closed to our conceptions, even as we of this -day may haply give a calm ear to talk, that in the days of our fathers -would have been surely set to the count of lunacy. And this is very -clear. - -And all the while that I told my story, I listened with my spirit; but -save for a sense of faint, happy laughter that wrapped about me, I heard -naught. And nothing more all that day. - -Here let me put down that, because of my memories and half memories, I -would time and again dispute with our learned men; they being in doubt -as to the verity of that olden story of the Days of Light, and the -existence of the Sun; though something of all this was set out, as of -_truth_, in our oldest records; but I, remembering, told them many tales -that seemed fairy-like to them, and entranced their hearts, even whilst -I angered their brains, which refused to take seriously and as verity -that which their hearts accepted gladly, even as we receive the wonder -of poetry into our souls. But the Master Monstruwacan would listen to -aught I had to tell; aye! though I spoke through hours; and so it would -be, odd times, that having talked long, drawing my stories from my -Memory-Dreams, I would come back again into the present of that Future; -and lo! all the Monstruwacans would have left their instruments and -observations and recording, and be gathered about me; and the Master so -sunken in interest that he not to have discovered them; neither had I -noticed, being so full of the things which had been. - -But when the Master came back to knowledge of that present, he would -rouse and chide, and they, all those lesser ones, would fly swiftly and -guiltily to their various works; and yet, so I have thought since, each -with a muddled and bewildered and thoughtful air upon him; and hungry -they were for more, and ever wondering and setting questions about. - -And so it was also with those others--those learned ones who were not of -the Tower of Observation, and who disbelieved even whilst they hungered. -Listen would they, though I talked from the first hour, which was the -"dawn," to the fifteenth hour, which was the beginning of the "night"; -for the Sleep-Time was set thus, after other usage and experiment. And, -odd whiles, I found that there were among them, men of extraordinary -learning who upheld my tellings as tales of verity; and so there was a -faction; but, later, there grew more to believe; and whether they -believed, or not, all were ready to listen; so that I might have spended -my days in talk; only that I had my work to do. - -But the Master Monstruwacan believed from the beginning, and was wise -always to understand; so that I loved him for this, as for many another -dear quality. - -And so, as may be conceived, among all those millions I was singled out -to be known; for the stories that I told went downward through a -thousand cities; and, presently, in the lowest tier of the Underground -Fields, an hundred miles deep in the earth below the Redoubt, I found -that the very ploughboys knew something concerning my tellings; and -gathered about me one time and another when the Master Monstruwacan and -I had gone down, regarding some matter that dealt with the Earth-Current -and our Instruments. - -And of the Underground Fields (though in that age we called them no more -than "The Fields") I should set down a little; for they were the -mightiest work of this world; so that even the Last Redoubt was but a -small thing beside them. An hundred miles deep lay the lowest of the -Underground Fields, and was an hundred miles from side to side, every -way; and above it there were three hundred and six fields, each one less -in area than that beneath; and in this wise they tapered, until the -topmost field which lay direct beneath the lowermost floor of the Great -Redoubt, was but four miles every way. - -And thus it will be seen that these fields, lying one beneath the other, -formed a mighty and incredible Pyramid of Country Lands in the deep -earth, an hundred miles from the base unto the topmost field. - -And the whole was sheathed-in at the sides with the grey metal of which -the Redoubt was builded; and each field was pillared, and floored -beneath the soil, with this same compound of wonder; and so was it -secure, and the monsters could not dig into that mighty garden from -without. - -And all of that Underground Land was lit, where needed, by the -Earth-Current, and that same life-stream fructified the soil, and gave -life and blood to the plants and to the trees, and to every bush and -natural thing. - -And the making of those Fields had taken maybe a million years, and the -"dump" thereof had been cast into the "Crack," whence came the -Earth-Current, and which had bottom beyond all soundings. And this -Underground Country had its own winds and air-currents; so that, to my -memory, it was in no ways connected to the monstrous air-shafts of the -Pyramid; but in this I may be mistaken; for it has not been given to me -to know all that is to be known concerning that vast Redoubt; nor by any -one man could so much knowledge be achieved. - -Yet that there were wise and justly promoted winds in that Underground -Country, I do know; for healthful and sweet they were, and in the -corn-fields there was the sweet rustle of grain, and the glad, silken -laughter of poppies, all beneath a warm and happy light. And here, did -the millions walk and take excursion, and go orderly or not, even as in -these days. - -And all this have I seen, and the talk of a thousand lovers in the -gardens of that place, comes back to me; and with it all the memory of -my dear one; and of a faint calling that would seem to whisper about me -at times; but so faint and attenuated, that even I, who had the -Night-Hearing, could not catch its import; and so went, listening ever -the more intently. And oft times calling. - -Now there was a Law in the Pyramid, tried and healthful, which held that -no male should have freedom to adventure into the Night Land, before the -age of twenty-two; _and no female ever_. Yet that, after such age, if a -youth desired greatly to make the adventure, he should receive three -lectures upon the dangers of which we had knowledge, and a strict -account of the mutilatings and horrid deeds done to those who had so -adventured. And if, after this had passed over him, he still desired, -and if he were accounted healthful and sane; then should he be allowed -to make the adventure; and it was accounted honour to the youth who -should add to the knowledge of the Pyramid. - -But to all such as went forth into the danger of the Night Land, there -was set beneath the skin of the inner side of the left forearm, a small -capsule, and when the wound had healed, then might the youth make the -adventure. - -And the wherefore of this, was that the spirit of the youth might be -saved, if he were entrapped; for then, upon the honour of his soul, must -he bite forth the capsule, and immediately his spirit would have safety -in death. And by this shall you know somewhat the grim and horrid danger -of the Dark Land. - -And this I have set down because later I was to make huge adventure into -those Lands; and even at this time, some thought of the same had come to -me; for always I went listening for that quiet calling; and twice I sent -the Master-Word throbbing solemnly through the everlasting night; yet -this I did no more, without certainty; for the Word must not be used -lightly. But often would I say with my brain-elements "Mirdath! -Mirdath!"--sending the name out into the darkness; and sometimes would I -seem to hear the faint thrilling of the aether around me; as though one -answered; but weakly, as it were with a weakened spirit, or by -instrument that lacked of its earth-force. - -And thus, for a great while there was no certainty; but only a strange -anxiousness and no clear answer. - -Then, one day as I stood by the instruments in the Tower of Observation, -at the thirteenth hour there came the thrilling of beaten aether all -about me, as it were that all the void was disturbed. And I made the -Sign for Silence; so that the men moved not in all the Tower; but bowed -over their breathing-bells, that all disturbance might cease. - -And again came the gentle thrilling, and broke out into a clear, low -calling in my brain; and the calling was my name--the old-earth name of -this day, and not the name of that age. And the name smote me, with a -frightenedness of fresh awakening memories. And, immediately, I sent the -Master-Word into the night; and all the aether was full of movement. And -a silence came; and later a beat afar off in the void of night, which -only I in all that great Redoubt could hear, until the heavier -vibrations were come. And in a moment there was all about me the -throbbing of the Master-Word, beating in the night a sure answer. Yet, -before this I knew that Mirdath had called; but now had surety. - -And immediately, I said "Mirdath," making use of the instruments; and -there came a swift and beautiful answer; for out of the dark there stole -an old love-name, that she only had ever used to me. - -And, presently, I minded me of the men, and signed to them that they -should continue; for the Records must not be broken; and now I had the -communication full established. - -And by me stood the Master Monstruwacan, quietly as any young -Monstruwacan, waiting with slips to make any notes that were needful; -and keeping a strict eye upon those others; but not unkindly. And so, -for a space of wonder, I had speech with that girl out in the darkness -of the world, who had knowledge of my name, and of the old-earth -love-name, and named herself Mirdath. - -And much I questioned her, and presently to my sorrow; for it seemed -that her name was not truly Mirdath; but Naani; neither had she known my -name; but that in the library of that place where she abode, there had -been a story of one named by my name, and called by that sweet love-name -which she had sent out somewhat ruthless into the night; and the girl's -name had been Mirdath; and when first she, Naani had called, there had -come back to her a cry of Mirdath, Mirdath; and this had minded her so -strangely of that olden story which had stayed in her memory; that she -had answered as the maid in that book might have answered. - -And thus did it seem that the utter Romance of my Memory-love had -vanished, and I stood strangely troubled for sorrow of a love of olden -times. Yet, even then I marvelled that any book should have story so -much like to mine; not heeding that the history of all love is writ with -one pen. - -Yet, even then in that hour of my strange, and quaintly foolish pain, -there came a thing that set me thrilling; though more afterwards, when I -came to think afresh upon it. For the girl who spoke to me through the -night made some wonder that my voice were not deeper; yet in quiet -fashion, and as one who says a thing, scarce wotting what they say. But -even to me then, there came a sudden hope; for in the olden days of this -Present Age my voice had been very deep. And I said to her that maybe -the man in the book was said to have had a deep tone of speech; but she, -seeming puzzled, said nay; and at that I questioned her the more; but -only to the trouble of her memory and understanding. - -And strange must it seem that we two should talk on so trivial a matter, -when there was so much else that we had need to exchange thought upon; -for were a man in this present day to have speech with those who may -live within that red planet of Mars within the sky, scarce could the -wonder of it exceed the wonder of a human voice coming through that -night unto the Great Redoubt, out of all that lost darkness. For, -indeed, this must have been the breaking of, maybe, a million years of -silence. And already, as I came to know later, was the news passing -downward from City to City through all the vast Pyramid; so that the -Hour-Slips were full of the news; and every City eager and excited, and -waiting. And I better known in that one moment, than in all my life -before. For that previous calling, had been but vaguely put about; and -then set to the count of a nature, blown upon over-easily by -spirit-winds of the half-memory of dreams. Though it is indeed true, as -I have set down before this, that my tales concerning the early days of -the world, when the sun was visible, and full of light, had gone down -through all the cities, and had much comment and setting forth in the -Hour-Slips, and were a cause for speech and argument. - -Now concerning the voice of this girl coming to us through the darkness -of the world, I will set out that which she had to tell; and this, -indeed, but verified the tellings of our most ancient Records, which had -so long been treated over lightly: There was, it would seem, somewhere -out in the lonesome dark of the Outer Lands, but at what distance none -could ever discover, a second Redoubt; that was a three-sided Pyramid, -and moderate small; being no more than a mile in height, and scarce -three quarters of a mile along the bases. - -When this Redoubt was first builded, it had been upon the far shore of a -sea, where now was no sea; and it had been raised by those wandering -humans who had grown weary of wandering, and weary of the danger of -night attacks by the tribes of half-human monsters which began to -inhabit the earth even so early as the days when the half-gloom was upon -the world. And he that had made the plan upon which it was builded, was -one who had seen the Great Redoubt, having lived there in the beginning, -but escaped because of a correction set upon him for his spirit of -irresponsibility, which had made him to cause disturbance among the -orderly ones in the lowest city of the Great Redoubt. - -Yet, in time, he too had come to be tamed by the weight of fear of the -ever-growing hordes of monsters, and the Forces that were abroad. And so -he, being a master-spirit, planned and builded the smaller Redoubt, -being aided thereto by four millions, who also were weary of the harass -of the monsters; but until then had been wanderers, because of the -restlessness of their blood. - -And they had chosen that place, because there they had discovered a sign -of the Earth-Current in a great valley which led to the shore; for -without the Earth-Current no Refuge could have existence. And whilst -many builded and guarded, and cared for the Great Camp in which all -lived, others worked within a great shaft; and in ten years had made -this to a distance of many miles, and therewith they tapt the -Earth-Current; but not a great stream; yet a sufficiency, as was -believed. - -And, presently, after many years, they had builded the Pyramid, and -taken up their refuge there, and made them instruments, and ordained -Monstruwacans; so that they had speech daily with the Great Pyramid; and -thus for many long ages. - -And the Earth-Current then to begin to fail; and though they laboured -through many thousands of years, they came to no better resource. And so -it was they ceased to have communication with the Great Redoubt; for the -current had a lack of power to work the instruments; and the recording -instruments ceased to be sensible of our messages. - -And thereafter came a million years, maybe, of silence; with ever the -birthing and marrying and dying of those lonesome humans. And they grew -less; and some put this to the lack of the Earth-Current, which dwindled -slowly through the centuries of that Eternity. - -And once in a thousand years, maybe, one among them would be Sensitive, -and abled to hear beyond ordinary; and to these, at times, there would -seem to come the thrilling of the aether; so that such an one would go -listening; and sometimes seem to catch half messages; and so awaken a -great interest in all the Pyramid; and there would be turning up of old -Records, and many words and writings, and attempts to send the -Master-Word through the night; in which, doubtless sometimes they -succeeded; for there was set down in the Records of the Great Redoubt -certain occasions on which there had come the call of the Master-Word, -which had been arranged and made holy between the two Redoubts in the -early days of that second life of this world. - -Yet, now for an hundred thousand years, there had been none Sensitive; -and in that time the people of the Pyramid had become no more than ten -thousand; and the Earth-Current was weak and powerless to put the joy of -life into them; so that they went listlessly, but deemed it not strange, -because of so many aeons of usage. - -And then, to the wonder of all, the Earth-Current had put forth a new -power; so that young people ceased to be old over-soon; and there was -happiness and a certain joy in the living; and a strange birthing of -children, such as had not been through half a million years. - -And then came a new thing. Naani, the daughter of the Master -Monstruwacan of that Redoubt had shown to all that she was Sensitive; -for she had perceived odd vibrations afloat in the night; and concerning -these she told her father; and presently, because their blood moved -afresh in their bodies, they had heart to discover the plans of the -ancient instruments; for the instruments had long rusted, and been -forgotten. - -And so they builded them a new instrument to send forth a message; for -they had no memory at that time that the brain-elements had power to do -thus; though, mayhap, their brain-elements were weakened, through so -many ages of starvation of the Earth-Current, and could not have obeyed, -even had their masters known all that we of the Great Redoubt knew. - -And when the instrument was finished, to Naani was given the right to -call first across the dark to discover whether indeed, after that -million years of silence, they were yet companied upon this earth, or -whether they were in truth lonely--the last poor thousands of the -Humans. - -And a great and painful excitement came upon the people of the lesser -pyramid; for the loneliness of the world pressed upon them; and it was -to them as though we in this age called to a star across the abyss of -space. - -And because of the excitement and pain of the moment, Naani called only -vaguely with the instrument into the dark; and lo! in a moment, as it -seemed, there came all about her in the night the solemn throb of the -Master-Word, beating in the night. And Naani cried out that she was -answered, and, as may be thought, many of the people wept, and some -prayed, and some were silent; but others beseeched her that she call -again and quickly to have further speech with those of their kind. - -And Naani spoke the Master-Word into the night, and directly there came -a calling all about her: "Mirdath! Mirdath!" and the strange wonder of -it made her silent a moment; but when she would have made reply, the -instrument had ceased to work, and she could have no further speech at -that time. - -This, as may be thought, occasioned much distress; and constant work -they had between the instrument and the Earth-Current, to discover the -reason for this failing; but could not for a great while. And in that -time, oft did Naani hear the call of "Mirdath" thrilling about her; and -twice there came the solemn beat of the Master-Word in the night. Yet -never had she the power to answer. And all that while, as I learned in -time, was she stirred with a quaint ache at heart by the voice that -called "Mirdath!" as it might be the Spirit of Love, searching for its -mate; for this is how she put it. - -And thus it chanced, that the constant thrilling of this name about her, -woke her to memory of a book she had read in early years, and but half -understood; for it was ancient, and writ in an olden fashion, and it set -out the love of a man and a maid, and the maid's name was Mirdath. And -so, because she was full of this great awakening of those ages of -silence, and the calling of that name, she found the book again, and -read it many times, and grew to a sound love of the beauty of that tale. - -And, presently, when the instrument was made right, she called into the -night the name of that man within the book; and so it came about that I -had hoped too much; yet even now was I strangely unsure whether to cease -from hoping. - -And one other thing there is which I would make clear. Many and oft a -time had I heard a thrilling of sweet, faint laughter about me, and the -stirring of the aether by words too gentle to come clearly; and these I -make no doubt came from Naani, using her brain-elements unwittingly and -in ignorance; but very eager to answer my callings; and having no -knowledge that, far off across the blackness of the world, they thrilled -about me, constantly. - -And after Naani had made clear all that I have set out concerning the -Lesser Refuge, she told further how that food was not plentiful with -them; though, until the reawakening of the Earth-Current, they had gone -unknowing of this, being of small appetite, and caring little for aught; -but now wakened, and newly hungry, they savoured a lack of taste in all -that they ate; and this we could well conceive, from our reasonings and -theory; but happily not from our knowledge. - -And we said unto them, that the soil had lost its life, and the crops -therefrom were not vital; and a great while it would take for the earth -within their pyramid to receive back the life-elements. And we told them -certain ways by which they might bring a more speedy life to the soil; -and this they were eager to do, being freshly alive after so long a time -of half-life. - -And now, you must know that in all the great Redoubt the story went -downwards swiftly, and was published in all the Hour-Sheets, with many -comments; and the libraries were full of those who would look up the -olden Records, which for so long had been forgotten, or taken, as we of -this day would say, with a pinch of salt. - -And all the time I was pestered with questions; so that, had I not been -determined, I should scarce have been allowed to sleep; moreover, so -much was writ about me, and my power to hear, and divers stories -concerning tales of love, that I had been like to have grown mazed to -take note of it all; yet some note I did take, and much I found -pleasant; but some displeasing. - -And, for the rest, I was not spoiled, as the saying goes; for I had my -work to do; moreover, I was always busied Listening, and having speech -through the darkness. Though if any saw me so, they would question; and -because of this, I kept much to the Tower of Observation, where was the -Master Monstruwacan, and a greater discipline. - -And then began a fresh matter; though but an old enough trick; for I -speak now of the days that followed that re-opening of the talk between -the Pyramids. Oft would speech come to us out of the night; and there -would be tales of the sore need of the Lesser Redoubt, and callings for -help. Yet, when I sent the Master-Word abroad, there would be no -answering. And so I feared that the Monsters and Forces of Evil _knew_. - -Yet, at times, the Master-Word would answer to us, beating steadily in -the night; and when we questioned afresh, we knew that they in the -Lesser Redoubt had caught the beat of the Master-Word, and so made -reply; though it had not been they who had made the previous talk, which -we had sought to test by the Word. And then they would make -contradiction of all that had been spoken so cunningly; so that we knew -the Monsters and Forces had sought to tempt some from the safety of the -Redoubt. Yet, was this no new thing, as I have made to hint; saving that -it grew now to a greater persistence, and there was a loathsome cunning -in the using of this new knowledge to the making of wicked and false -messages by those evil things of the Night Land. And it told to us, as I -have made remark, how that those Monsters and Forces had a full -awaredness of the speech between the Pyramids; yet could they have no -power to say the Master-Word; so had we some test left, and a way to -sure knowledge of what made talk in the night. - -And all that I have told should bring to those of this Age something of -the yet unbegotten terror of that; and a quiet and sound thankfulness to -God, that we suffer not as humanity shall yet suffer. - -But, for all this, let it not be thought that they of that Age accounted -it as suffering; but as no more than the usual of human existence. And -by this may we know that we can meet all circumstances, and use -ourselves to them and live through them wisely, if we be but prudent and -consider means of invention. - -And through all the Night Land there was an extraordinary awakening -among the Monsters and Forces; so that the instruments made constant -note of greater powers at work out there in the darkness; and the -Monstruwacans were busied recording, and keeping a very strict watch. -And so was there at all that time a sense of difference and awakening, -and of wonders about, and to come. - -And from The Country Whence Comes The Great Laughter, the Laughter -sounded constant ... as it were an uncomfortable and heart-shaking -voice-thunder rolling thence over the Lands, out from the unknown East. -And the Pit of the Red Smoke filled all the Deep Valley with redness, so -that the smoke rose above the edge, and hid the bases of the Towers upon -the far side. - -And the Giants could be seen plentiful around the Kilns to the East; and -from the Kilns great belches of fire; though the meaning of it, as of -all else, we could not say; but only the cause. - -And from the Mountain Of The Voice, which rose to the South-East of the -South-East Watcher, and of which I have made no telling hitherto, in -this faulty setting-out, I heard for the first time in that life, the -calling of the Voice. And though the Records made mention of it; yet not -often was it heard. And the calling was shrill, and very peculiar and -distressful and horrible; as though a giant-woman, hungering strangely, -shouted unknown words across the night. And this was how it seemed to -me; and many thought this to describe the sound. - -And, by all this, may you perceive how that Land was awakened. - -And other tricks there were to entice us into the Night Land; and once a -call came thrilling in the aether, and told to us that certain humans -had escaped from the Lesser Redoubt, and drew nigh to us; but were faint -for food, and craved succour. Yet, when we sent the Master-Word into the -night, the creatures without could make no reply; which was a very happy -thing for our souls; for we had been all mightily exercised in our -hearts by this one message; and now had proof that it was but a trap. - -And constantly, and at all hours, I would have speech with Naani of the -Lesser Redoubt; for I had taught her how she might send her thoughts -through the night, with her brain-elements; but not to over-use this -power; for it exhausts the body and the powers of the mind, if it be -abused by exceeding usage. - -Yet, despite that I had taught her the use of her brain-elements, she -sent her message always without strength, save when she had use of the -instrument; and this I set to the cause that she had not the health -force needful; but, apart from this, she had the Night-Hearing very -keen; though less than mine. - -And so, with many times of speech, and constant tellings of our doings -and thoughts, we drew near in the spirit to one another; and had always -a feeling in our hearts that we had been given previous acquaintance. - -And this, as may be thought, thrilled my heart very strangely. - - - - -IV - -THE HUSHING OF THE VOICE - - - ("Dearest, thine own feet tread the world at night-- - Treading, as moon-flakes step across a dark-- - Kissing the very dew to holier light ... - Thy Voice a song past mountains, which to hark - Frightens my soul with an utter lost delight.") - -Now, one night, towards the end of the sixteenth hour, as I made ready -to sleep, there came all about me the thrilling of the aether, as -happened oft in those days; but the thrilling had a strange power in it; -and in my soul the voice of Naani sounded plain, all within and about -me. - -Yet, though I knew it to be the voice of Naani, I answered not -immediately; save to send the sure question of the Master-Word into the -night. And, directly, I heard the answer, the Master-Word beating -steadily in the night; and I questioned Naani why she had speech with me -by the Instrument at that time, when all were sleeping, and the watch -set among the Monstruwacans; for they in the little Pyramid had their -sleep-time to commence at the eleventh hour; so that by this it was five -hours advanced towards the time of waking; and Naani should have slept; -nor have been abroad to the Tower of Observation, apart from her father. -For I supposed that she spoke by the Instrument, her voice sounding very -clear in my brain. Yet, to this question, she made no answer in kind; -but gave a certain thing into my spirit, which set me trembling; for she -said certain words, that began: - -"Dearest, thine own feet tread the world at night--" - -And it well may be that she set me to tremble; for as the words grew -about me, there wakened a memory-dream how that I had made these same -words to Mirdath the Beautiful in the long-gone Eternity of this our -Age, when she had died and left me alone in all the world. And I was -weak a little with the tumult and force of my emotion; but in a moment I -called eagerly with my brain-elements to Naani to give some explaining -of this thing that she had spoken to the utter troubling of my heart. - -Yet, once more she made no direct answer; but spoke the words again to -me across all the dark of the world. And it came to me suddenly, that it -was not Naani that spoke; but Mirdath the Beautiful, from out of all the -everlasting night. And I called: "Mirdath! Mirdath," with my -brain-elements, into the night; and lo! the far, faint voice spoke again -to my spirit through all the darkness of eternity, saying again those -words. Yet, though the voice was the voice of Mirdath the Beautiful, it -was also the voice of Naani; and I knew in all my heart that this thing -was in verity; and that it had been given to me to be birthed once more -into this world in the living-time of that Only One, with whom my spirit -and essence hath mated in all ages through the everlasting. And I called -with my brain-elements and all my strength to Naani; but there came no -answer; neither sign of hearing, though through hours I called. - -And thus at last I came to an utter exhaustion; but neither could be -quiet, nor sleep. Yet, presently, I slept. - -And when I waked, my first memory was of the wondrous thing which had -befallen in the sleep-time; for none in all this world could have known -those words; save it had been the spirit of Mirdath, my Beautiful One, -looking from above my shoulder in that utter-lost time, as I made those -words to her, out of an aching and a broken heart. And the voice had -been the voice of Mirdath; and the voice of Mirdath had been the voice -of Naani. And what shall any say to this, save that which I had in my -heart. - -And immediately I called to Naani, once, and again twice; and in a -little moment there came all about me the throbbing of the Master-Word, -beating solemnly in the night; and I sent the Master-Word to give -assurance, and immediately the voice of Naani, a little weak as was it -always when she had not the Instrument, but sent the message with her -brain-elements. - -And I answered her, and questioned her eagerly concerning her sayings of -the past time of sleep; but she disclaimed, and made clear to me that -she had no knowledge of having spoken; but had slept through all that -time of which I made to tell; and, indeed, had dreamed a very strange -dream. - -And for a little while I was confused, and meditated, not knowing what -to think; but came suddenly again to a knowledge that Naani's far voice -was thrilling the aether all about; and that she would tell to me her -dream; which had set strong upon her mind. - -And she told the dream to me, and in the dream she had seen a tall, dark -man, built very big, and dressed in unfamiliar clothing. And the man had -been in a little room, and very sorrowful, and lonesome; and in her -dream she had gone nigh to him. - -And presently the man made to write, that he might ease him by giving -expression to his sorrow; and Naani had been able to read the words that -he wrote; though to her waking spirit the language in which they were -writ was strange and unknown. Yet she could not remember what he had -writ, save but one short line, and this she had mind of in that he had -writ the word Mirdath above. And she spoke of the strangeness of this -thing, that she should dream of this name; but supposed that I had fixed -it upon her, by my first callings. - -And then did I, with something of a tremble in my spirit, ask Naani to -tell me what she remembered of the writing of that big, sorrowful -stranger. And, in a little moment, her far voice said these words all -about me: - - "Dearest, thine own feet tread the world at night--" - -But no more had she memory of. Yet it was a sufficiency, and I, maybe -with a mad, strange triumph in my soul, said unto her with my -brain-elements that which remained of those words. And my spirit felt -them strike upon the spirit of Naani, and awake her memory, as with the -violence of a blow. And for a little while she stumbled, dumb before so -much newness and certainly. And her spirit then to waken, and she near -wept with the fright and the sudden, new wonder of this thing. - -And immediately, all about me there came her voice thrilling, and the -voice was the voice of Mirdath, and the voice of Naani; and I heard the -tears of her spirit make pure and wonderful the bewildered and growing -gladness of her far voice. And she asked me, as one who had suddenly -opened the Gates of Memory, whether she might be truly Mirdath. And I, -utter weak and shaken strangely because of this splendour of fulfilment, -could make no instant answer. And she asked again, but using mine old -love-name, and with a sureness in her far voice. And still I was so -strangely dumb, and the blood to thud peculiar in mine ears; and this to -pass; and speech to come swift. - -And this way to be that meeting of our spirits, across all the -everlasting night. - -And you shall have for a memory-picture, how that Naani stood there in -the world in that far eternity, and, with her spirit having speech with -mine, looked back through the part-opened gates of her memory, into the -past of this our life and Age. Yet more than this she saw, and more than -was given to me in that Age; for she had memory now and sight of other -instances, and of other comings together, which had some confusion and -but half-meanings to me. Yet of this our present Age and life, we spoke -as of some yesterday; but very hallowed. - -Now, as may be conceived, the wonder of this surety which had come into -my life stirred me fiercely to its completion; for all my heart and -spirit cried out to be with that one who was Mirdath, and now spoke with -the voice of Naani. - -Yet, how should this be won; for none among all the learned men of that -Mighty Pyramid knew the position of the Lesser Redoubt; neither could -the Records and Histories of the World give us that knowledge; only that -there was a general thought among the Students and the Monstruwacans -that it lay between the North-West and the North-East. But no man had -any surety; neither could any conceive of the distance from us of that -Refuge. - -And counting all this, there was yet the incredible danger and peril of -the Night Land, and the hunger and desolation of the Outer Lands, which -were sometimes named the Unknown Lands. - -And I spoke much with Naani concerning this matter of their position; -yet neither she nor her father, the Master Monstruwacan of that Refuge, -had any knowing either of our position; only that the Builder of the -Lesser Redoubt had come out of the Southward World in the Beginning, as -they had knowledge of by the Records. - -Also, the father of Naani set that ancient Compass to bear; for, as he -made explanation to us through the Instrument, so great a power of the -Earth-Current must be ours that, perchance it was our force which did -affect the pointer from steadfastness. For, indeed, the needle did swing -in an arc, as we heard, that held between the North and the South; -within the Westward arc; but this it had done ever with them, and so was -a very helpless guide; save that, maybe, as we had thought, the force of -the Earth-Current that was with us, had in truth some power to pull the -needle towards us. And if this were so of verity, we made a reckoning -that set the Lesser Redoubt to the North; and they did likewise, and put -us to the South; yet was it all built upon the sand of guess-work; and -nothing to adventure the life and soul upon. - -Now we, of curiosity; though a million times had it been done in the -past ages, set the compass before us, having it from the Great Museum. -But, as ever in that age, it did spin if we but stirred the needle, and -would stop nowheres with surety, for the flow of the Earth-Current from -the "Crack" beneath the Pyramid had a power to affect it away from the -North, and to set it wandering. And this may seem very strange to this -present Age; yet to that, it was most true to the seeming nature of -things; and harder to believe that ever it did once point steadfastly, -to prove a guide of sureness, and unfailing. - -For, be it known, we knew the positions of the Land by tradition, coming -from that ancient time when, in the Half-Gloom they had builded the -Pyramid; they having known the use of that ancient compass, and with -sight of the Sun had named the Positions; though we of that far future -day had forgotten the very beginnings of those Names of Direction; and -used them but because our fathers did a million years and more. And -likewise we did the same with the names of the day and the night and the -weeks and the months and the years; though of the visible markings of -these there was nothing but only and always the everlasting night; yet -the same seeming very natural to that people. - -Now, Naani, having heed to my constant questions, craved with an utter -keen hunger that I might come to her; but yet forbade it, in that it -were better to live and commune in the spirit, than to risk my soul, and -mayhaps die, in the foolishness of trying to find her in all the -darkness of the dead world. Yet, no heed had I taken of her commands, -had I but known of a surety the _direction_ in which she might be -discovered; and gained some knowledge of the space between, for this -might be named by thousands of miles, or but by hundreds; though a great -distance it was surely. - -Yet, one other thing there was, that has point in this place; for when I -sent my speech out into the night, using my brain-elements, I came to -know that, whether I had a knowledge of the North, or no knowledge at -the moment, yet did I turn oft with a sure instinction to that -Direction. And of this, the Master Monstruwacan took very great note, -and had me to experiment many a time and way, and so enclosed about with -screens, or with bandages across mine eyes, that I could not, save by -that inward Knowing, have any knowledge to point me the way. Yet would I -turn Northwards very frequent, by a certain feeling; and seemed unable -of speech, if I were turned otherwise by force. - -But when we asked Naani whether she had an unusualness in this matter, -she could discover none; and we could but take note curiously of that -which affected my habits; and which truly I set to the attracting of her -spirit; for I had mind that she did be somewheres out that way in the -darkness of the world; but yet was this no more than to suppose, as you -perceive. - -And the Master Monstruwacan wrote a study of this matter of the -Northwardness of my turning; and it was set out in the Hour-Slips of the -Tower of Observation; and so it came to be copied by the Hour-Slips of -the great cities, and made much comment, and much calling up to me -through the home instruments; so that with this, and the speech that -went about concerning my powers to hear, I was much in talk, and -diversely pleased and oft angered by overmuch attention and importunity. - -And now, whilst I pondered this matter in all my spirit and being, how -that I should some way come to Naani, there befell a very terrible -thing. And in this wise must I tell it: - -It was at the seventeenth hour, when all the millions of the Mighty -Pyramid slept, that I was with the Master Monstruwacan in the Tower of -Observation taking my due turn. And sudden, I heard the thrilling of the -aether all about me, and the voice of Naani in my soul, speaking. And I -sent the Master-Word into the darkness of the world, and presently, I -heard the solemn answer beating steadfastly in the night; and -immediately I called to Naani with my brain-elements, to know what thing -troubled her in her sleep. - -And her voice came into my spirit, weak and far and faint, and so that -scarce I could make to hear the words. Yet, in a while I gathered that -all the peoples of the Lesser Redoubt were in very deadly trouble; for -that the Earth-Current had failed suddenly and mightily; and they had -called her from her sleep, that she might listen whether we answered -their callings by the Instrument; but, indeed, no calling had come to -us. - -And they who had been of late so joyful, were now grown old with sorrow -in but an hour or two; for they feared that the fresh coming of the -Earth-Current had been but the final flicker and outburst before the -end. And, even in this short while of our speech, did it seem to me that -the voice of Naani grew further off from me; and I felt like to have -broken my heart with the trouble of this thing. - -And through all that remained of that sleep-time, did I converse with -Naani, as might two lovers who shall presently part forever. And when -the cities awoke, the news went throughout them, and all our millions -were in sorrow and trouble. - -And thus was it for, maybe, a little month; and in that time had the -voice of Naani grown so weak and far-off that even I that had the -Night-Hearing, could scarce make real its meaning. And every word was to -me a treasure and a touch upon my soul; and my grief and trouble before -this certain parting drove me that I could not eat, neither have rest; -and this did the Master Monstruwacan take upon him to chide and correct; -for that, if any were to help, how should it be done if I that had the -Night-Hearing, and heard even now that the recording Instruments were -dumb, came to ill-health. - -And because of this, and such wisdom as was mine, I made to eat and -order my life that I might have my full powers. Yet was this beyond all -my strength; for, presently, I knew that the people of the Lesser -Pyramid were threatened by the monsters that beset them; and later I had -knowledge from faint, far words whispered in my brain, that there had -been a fight with an outside Force that had harmed many in their minds; -so that in madness they had opened the gate and had run from the Lesser -Pyramid, out into the darkness of the Lands about them; and there had -their physical bodies fallen to the monsters of those Lands; but of -their souls who may know? - -And this, we set assuredly to the failure of the Earth-Current, which -had robbed them of all force and power; so that, in those few weeks all -life and joy of living had left them; and neither hunger nor thirst had -they, much, nor any great desire to live; but yet a new and mighty fear -of death. And this doth seem very strange. - -And, as may be thought, all this made the Peoples of the Great Redoubt -think newly of the Earth-Current that issued from the "Crack" beneath -the Pyramid; and of their latter end; so that much was writ in the -Hour-Slips concerning this matter; yet in the main to assure us that we -ourselves might each be free from a disturbed heart; though some went -foolishly to the other event, and spoke of a speedy danger to us, -likewise; as is ever the way. But the truth of our own case lay, maybe, -somewhere between. - -And all the Hour-Slips were full also of imaginings of the terror of -those poor humans out in the darkness of the world, facing that end -which must come upon all, even upon our mighty Pyramid; though, as most -would believe, so far away in some future eternity, that we have no -cause to trouble. - -And there were sad poems writ to the peoples of that Lesser Redoubt, and -foolish plans set about to rescue them; but none to put them to effect; -and no way by which so great a thing might be done; and doth but show -how loosely people will speak out of an over-security. Yet to me, there -had come a certain knowledge that I must make the adventure, though I -achieved naught save mine own end. Yet, it were better to cease quickly, -than that I should feel, as now I did feel. - -That same night, in the Eighteenth Hour, there was a great disturbance -in the aether about the Mighty Pyramid; and I was awakened suddenly by -the Master Monstruwacan; that I might use my gift of the Night-Hearing -to hearken for the throbbing of the Master-Word, which they had thought -to come vaguely through the Instruments; but no one of the Monstruwacans -was sensitive enough of soul to account truly whether this was so. - -And lo! as I sat up in the bed, there came the sound of the Master-Word, -beating in the night about the Pyramid. And immediately there was a -crying in the aether all about me: "We are coming! We are coming!" - -And mine inwards leaped and sickened me a moment, so shaken was I with a -sudden belief; for the message seemed some ways to come to me from very -near to the Great Redoubt; as that they who sent it were nigh to hand. - -And, forthwith, I called the Master-Word into the night; but no answer -did there come for a while, and then a faint thrilling of the aether -about me, and the weak pulse of the Master-Word in the night, sent by a -far voice, strangely distant. And I knew that the voice was the voice of -Naani; and I put a question through all the darkness of the dead world, -whether she were within the Lesser Redoubt, and safe thus far. - -And presently, there came a faint disturbance about me, and a small -voice in my soul, speaking weakly and out of an infinite distance; and I -knew that far away through the night Naani spoke feebly, with her -brain-elements; and that she abode within the Lesser Pyramid; but that -she too had heard that strange pulse of the Master-Word in the night, -and that message: "We are coming! We are coming!" And vastly had this -thing disturbed her, waking her within her sleep; so that she knew not -what to think; save that we were devising some method to come to them. -But this I removed from doubt, saying that she must not build on vain -hoping; for I would not have her doubly tortured by the vanity of such -believing. And, thereafter, having said such things as I might, though -few they were, to comfort her, I bade her, gently, to sleep; and turned -therewith to the Master Monstruwacan, who waited in quiet patience; and -had no knowledge of that which I had heard and sent; for his hearing was -but the normal; though his brain and heart were such as made me to love -him. - -And I told the Master Monstruwacan many things as I put my clothing -about me; how that there had indeed been the calling of the Master-Word; -but not by any of that Lesser Redoubt; but that, to my belief, it had -come from nigh about the Great Pyramid. Moreover, it was sent by no -instrument; as I wotted that he did guess; but, as it seemed to me, by -the brain-elements of many, calling in unison. - -And all this did I set out to the Master Monstruwacan; and with -something uncertain of fear and trouble in my heart; yet with a blind -expectation; as, indeed, who would not. Though, no longer was I shaken -by that first thought of Her nearness. - -And I said to the Master Monstruwacan that we should go to the Tower of -Observation, and search the Night Lands with the great spy-glass. - -And we did this, and lo! presently, we saw a great number of men pass -over the Electric Circle that went about the Pyramid; yet they came not -_to_ us; but went outwards towards the blackness and the strange fires -and hideous mysteries of the Night Land. And we ceased from spying, and -looked swiftly at one another, and knew in our hearts that some had left -the Mighty Pyramid in the Sleep-Time. - -Then the Master Monstruwacan sent word to the Master Watchman that his -wardership had been outraged, and that people left the great Pyramid in -the Sleep-Time; for this was against the Law; and none ever went out -into the Night Land, save the Full Watch were posted to the Great Door; -and at a due time, when all were wakeful; for the Opening Of The Door -was made known to all the Millions of the Great Redoubt; so that all -might be aware; and know that no foolishness was done without their -wotting. - -Moreover, ere any had power to leave the Pyramid, they must pass The -Examination, and Be Prepared; and some of this have I set out already. -And so stern was the framing of the Law, that there were yet the metal -pegs upon the inner side of the Great Gate, where had been stretched the -skin of one who disobeyed; and was flayed and his hide set there to be a -warning in the Early Days. Yet the tradition was remembered; for, as I -might say it, we lived very close about the place; and Memory had no -room whereby she might escape. - -Now the Master Watchman, when he heard that which the Master -Monstruwacan had to tell, went hastily with some of the Central Watch -from the Watch-Dome, to the Great Gate; and he found the men of the -Sleep-Time Watch, with the Warder of the Gate, all bound, and stopt in -the mouth, so that none could make outcry. - -And he freed them, and learned that nigh five hundred young men, from -the Upper Cities, by the bigness of their chests, had come upon them -suddenly, and bound them, and escaped into the night through the -Eye-Gate in the top of the Great Gate. - -And the Master Watchman was angry, and demanded why that none had called -by the instruments of the Watch House; but lo! some had made to call -thus, and found them unable to wake the recorders which lay in the -central Watch-Dome; for there had been tampering. - -Now, after this, they made certain new rules and Laws concerning the -order of Watching, and made tests of the lesser instruments of the -inward Pyramid, nightly, upon the coming of the Sleep-Time, which was, -even in that strange age, by tradition called the Night, as I have given -hint; though hitherto, until the way of my story was known, I have used -a word for the sleep hours that was yet not of that time; but somewhat -an invention to make this history free from the confusion of "night" and -"day," when, in truth, it was always night without upon the world. Yet, -after this, shall I keep to mine use the luxury of the true names of -that time; and yet, how strange is it that the truth should be of so -little to our thinking. - -And so to go forward with my telling; for, though all this care were now -taken, it had no force until afterward; and at this moment were those -poor foolish youths out in all the danger of the Night Land, and no way -by which they might be succoured, or called back; save that Fear or -Wisdom should come to them quickly, that they cease from so wild an -attempt. For it was to make rescue of those in that other, unknown -Pyramid, out in all the darkness of the World's Night that was their -intent, as we had speedy knowledge from those boon friends that had been -in the secret of their plot, which had seemed to them great and heroic; -and was so, in verity, but that neither they who went, nor they who -stayed, had a true awaredness of the danger they had dealing with, being -all naught but raw and crude youths; yet, doubtless, with the makings of -many fine and great men among them. - -And because some had thus abetted that which they knew to be against the -Law, which was framed to the well-being and safety of all, there were -certain floggings, which might the better help their memories in the -future as to the properness of their actions and wisdom. - -Moreover, they who returned, if any, would be flogged, as seemed proper, -after due examination. And though the news of their beatings might help -all others to hesitation, ere they did foolishly, in like fashion, yet -was the principle of the flogging not on this base, which would be both -improper and unjust; but only that the one in question be corrected to -the best advantage for his own well-being; for it is not meet that any -principle of correction should shape to the making of human signposts of -pain for the benefit of others; for in verity, this were to make one pay -the cost of many's learning; and each should owe to pay only so much as -shall suffice for the teaching of his own body and spirit. And if others -profit thereby, this is but accident, however helpful. And this is -wisdom, and denoteth now that a sound Principle shall prevent Practice -from becoming monstrous. - -Yet, now I must hasten that I set down how it fared with those five -hundred youths that had made so sad an adventure of their lives and -unprepared souls; and were beyond our aid to help them, who might not -so much as make any calling to them, to bid them to return; for to do -this would have been to tell to all the Monsters of the Land that humans -were abroad from the Mighty Pyramid. - -And this would have been to cause the monsters to search the youths out -to their destruction, and maybe even to awaken the Forces to work them -some dread Spiritual harm, which was the chief Fear. - -Now, presently, through all the cities of the Great Redoubt, the news -had gone how that five hundred foolish Youths had adventured out into -the despair of the Night Land; and the whole Pyramid waked to life, and -the Peoples of the South came to the Northern sides, for the Great Gate -lay in the North-West side; and the Youths had made from there, not -straightly outwards, but towards the North; and so were to be seen from -the North-East embrasures, and from those within the North-West wall. - -And thus, in a while were they watched by all the mighty multitudes of -the Great Pyramid, through millions of spy-glasses; for each human had a -spying-glass, as may be thought; and some were an hundred years old, and -some, maybe ten thousand, and handed down through many generations; and -some but newly made, and very strange. But all those people had some -instrument by which they might spy out upon the wonder of the Night -Land; for so had it been ever through all the eternity of darkness, and -a great diversion and wonder of life was it to behold the monsters about -their work; and to know that they plotted always to our destruction; yet -were ever foiled. - -And never did all that great and terrible Land grow stale upon the soul -of any, from birth until death; and by this you shall know the constant -wonder of it, and that _sense of enemies in the night about us,_ which -ever filled the heart and spirit of all Beholders; so that never were -the embrasures utterly empty. - -Yet, many beheld not the Land from the embrasures; but sat about the -View-Tables, which were set properly in certain places throughout the -cities, and so beheld the Night Land, without undue cranings, or poising -of spy-glasses, though less plain-seen. And these same tables were some -form of that which we of this age name Camera Obscura; but made very -great, and with inventions, and low to the floor, so that ten thousand -people might sit about them in the raised galleries, and have -comfortable sight. Yet this attracted not the young people, save they -were lovers; and then, in truth, were they comfortable seats for -quietness and gentle whisperings. - -Yet now, as may be supposed, with all the Peoples of the Mighty Pyramid -grown eager to look towards one part of the Night Land, the embrasures -were hid in the crowds; and such as could gain no view therethrough, -thronged about the View-Tables. And so was it in all the hours of -leisure; so that women had scarce patience to attend their children; but -must hasten to watch again, that lonesome band of foolish youths making -so blind and unshaped a trial to come upon that unknown Lesser Redoubt, -somewhere out in all the night of the world. - -And in this wise passed three days and nights; yet both in the -sleep-time and the time of waking did great multitudes cease not to -watch; so that many went hungry for sleep, as in truth did I. And -sometimes we saw those Youths with plainness; but other times they were -lost to our sight in the utter shadows of the Night Land. Yet, by the -telling of our instruments, and the sense of my hearing, there was no -awaredness among the Monsters, and the Forces of Evil, that any were -abroad from the Pyramid; so that a little hope came into our hearts that -yet there might be no tragedy. - -And times, would they cease from their way, and sit about in circles -among the shadows and the grey moss-bushes, which grew hardly here or -there about. And we knew that they had food with them to eat; for this -could we see with plainness, as some odd, grim flare of light from the -infernal fires struck upon one or another strangely, and passed, and -left them in the darkness. - -And who of you shall conceive what was in the hearts of the fathers, and -the mothers that bore the youths, and who never ceased away from the -Northward embrasures; but spied out in terror and in tears, and maybe -oft with so good glasses as did show them the very features and look -upon the face of son and son. - -And the kin of the watchers brought to them food, and tended them, so -that they had no need to cease from their watching; and beds were made -in the embrasures, rough and resourceful, that they might sleep quickly -a little; yet be ever ready, if those cruel Monsters without made -discovery of those their children. - -Thrice in those three days of journeying to the Northward, did the -Youths sleep, and we perceived that some kept a watch, and so knew that -there was a kind of order and leadership among them; also, they had each -his weapon upon his hip, and this gave to us a further plea to hope. - -And concerning this same carrying of weapons, I can but set out here -that no healthful male or female in all the Mighty Pyramid but possessed -such a weapon, and was trained to it from childhood; so that a ripe and -extraordinary skill in the use thereof was common to most. Yet some -breaking of Rule had there been, that the Youths had each achieved to be -armed; for the weapons were stored in every tenth house of the cities, -in the care of the charging-masters. - -And here I must make known that these weapons did not shoot; but had a -disk of grey metal, sharp and wonderful, that spun in the end of a rod -of grey metal, and were someways charged by the Earth-Current, so that -were any but stricken thereby, they were cut in twain so easy as aught. -And the weapons were contrived to the repelling of any Army of Monsters -that might make to win entrance to the Redoubt. And to the eye they had -somewhat the look of strange battle-axes, and might be lengthened by the -pulling out of the handles. - -Now, the Youths made, as I have told, to the Northward; but had first to -keep a long way to the North-East, that they might come clear of the -Vale of Red Fire. And this wise they journeyed, and kept the Vale about -seven miles to the North-West of them, and so were presently beyond the -Watcher of the North-East, and going with a greater freedom, and having -less care to hide. - -And this way, it may be, certain of the giants, wandering, perceived -them, and went swiftly to make attack and destroy them. But some order -went about among the youths, and they made a long line, with a certain -space between each, because of the terror of their weapon, and -immediately, it seemed, the Giants were upon them, a score and seven -they were, and seeming to be haired like to mighty crabs, as I saw with -the Great Spy-Glass, when the great flares of far and mighty fires threw -their fierce light across the Dark Lands. - -And there was a very great and horrid fight; for the Youths broke into -circles about each of the Giants, and many of those young men were torn -in pieces; but they smote the Monsters from behind and upon every side, -and we of the Mighty Pyramid could behold at times the grey, strange -gleam of their weapons; and the jether was stirred about me by the -passing of those that died; yet, by reason of the great miles, their -screams came not to us, neither heard we the roars of the Monsters; but -into our hearts, even from that great distance and safety, there stole -the terror of those awesome Brutes; and in the Great Spy-Glass I could -behold the great joints and limbs and e'en, I thought, the foul sweat of -them; and their size and brutishness was like to that of odd and -monstrous animals of the olden world; yet part human. And it must be -borne to mind that the Fathers and the Mothers of those Youths beheld -all this dread fight from the embrasures, and their other kin likewise -watched, and a very drear sight was it to their hearts and their human, -natural feelings, and like to breed old age, ere its due. - -Then, in a time, the fight ceased; for of those seven and twenty Giant -Brutes there remained none; only that there cumbered the ground seven -and twenty lumbering hillocks, dreadful and grim. For the lesser dead we -could not see proper. - -And we that were within the Pyramid saw the Youths sorted together by -their leaders, all in the dim twilight of that place; and with the Great -Spy-Glass I made a rough count, and found that there lived of them, -three hundred; and by this shall you know the power of those few -monstrous things, which had slain full two hundred, though each youth -was armed with so wondrous a weapon. And I set the word through the -Pyramid, that all might have some knowledge of the number that had -died; for it was better to know, than to be in doubt. And no spy-glass -had the power of The Great Spy-Glass. - -After this fight, the youths spent a time having a care to their bodies -and wounds; and some were made separate from the others, and of these I -counted upon fifty; and whilst the others made to continue their march -towards the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, these were constrained by -one who was the Leader, to return to the Pyramid. And in a little, I saw -that they came towards us, wearily and with many a halt, as that they -suffered great wounds and harm of the fight. - -But those others (maybe two hundred and fifty Youths) went onwards into -the Night Land; and though we sorrowed at this thing; yet was there come -a huge pride into our hearts that those raw ones, who yesterday were but -children, had so held themselves in the battle, and done a great deed -that day. And I wot that whilst their mothers wept, easeless, their -fathers' hearts swelled within them, and held somewhat of their Pain -away from them for a time. - -And all this while, those wounded Youths came slowly, and rested, and -came on again, the better helping the worse; and a great excitement and -trouble there was in all the Mighty Pyramid, to learn which were they -that came, and they that went, and who lay out there quietly among the -slain. But none might say anything with surety; for, even with that -great spy-glass in the Tower of Observation, they were not overplain; -save when some light from the fires of the Land flared high, and lit -them. For they stood not up into the glare of the fires, as had the -Giants. And though I saw them with clearness, yet I knew them not; for -there was so mighty a multitude in that Vast Redoubt, that none might -ever know the half even of their rulers. - -And about this time, there came a fresh matter of trouble to our minds; -for one of the Monstruwacans made report that the instruments were -recording an influence abroad in the night; so that we had knowledge -that one of the Evil Forces was Out. And to me there came an awaredness -that a strange unquiet stole over the Land; yet I knew it not with mine -ears; but my spirit heard, and it was as though trouble and an -expectation of horror did swarm about me. - -And once, listening, I heard the Master-Word beating strangely low, and -I knew the aether to thrill about me, and a faint stirring was there in -my soul, as of a faint voice, speaking; and I knew that Naani called to -me some message across the night of the world; yet weak and coming -without clear meaning; so that I was tormented and could but send -comfort to her, with my brain-elements. And presently I knew that she -ceased to speak. - -And, later, I heard that there was a new matter forward in the Redoubt; -for ten thousand men had assembled to attend the Room of Preparation -for the Short Preparation; and by this we knew that those poor Youths -who stumbled towards us through the dark, were presently to have help. - -And through all that Sleep-Time, there went forward the Spiritual and -the Physical Preparation of the ten thousand; and upon the morrow they -slept, whilst an hundred thousand made ready their arms. - -And in this space of time the two hundred and fifty Youths that went -towards the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, had come very nigh thereto; -having gone very warily and with some slowness, because, as may be, of -the lesson of the Giants. - -And to us in the Pyramid, the instruments made known constantly that -Influence which was abroad, and which all those of the Tower of -Observation thought to proceed from the House of Silence. Yet, nothing -could we see with the Great Spy-Glass, and so could come to no sure -knowing; but only to fear and wonder. - -And, presently, the Youths were upon the Great Road, and turned to the -Northward. And beyond them, a great way, stood the House of Silence, -upon a low hill at a certain distance to the right of the Road. - -By now, they that were wounded had come to within, maybe, fifteen miles -of the Great Redoubt; and the news went through all the Cities, that the -ten thousand men that were Prepared, made to arm themselves. And I went -down by the Tower Lift, and saw them come down by thousands from the -Room of Preparation; and none might go nigh to them, or cause them to -speak; for they were made Ready, and were, as it might be, holy. - -And all the millions of the Mighty Pyramid stood in their cities about -certain of the Main Lifts, and watched those thousands go downwards, all -in their armour of grey metal, and each one armed with the Diskos, which -was that same very terrible weapon, which all had training to. - -And I doubt not but that the Young Men of the Pyramid looked, with -longing in their hearts, that they might have been among those that went -forth to succour. Yet, the older men had graver thoughts in their -hearts; for the blood ran more soberly in them, and they had knowledge -and memory of the Peril. And by this, I would make clear that I speak -less of the peril of the body, which is common to every state of life; -but of the peril of the spirit. - -And it may be thought by those of this age, that it was most strange -that they of that, having all the knowledge of eternity to aid them, had -no weapon by which to shoot, and kill at a distance. - -But, indeed, this had not been so in the past; as our Histories did -show; for some wondrous weapons there had been, that might slay without -sound or flash at a full score miles and more; and some we had whole -within the Great Museum; and of others but the parts in decay; for they -had been foolish things, and reckless to use; for we of that Great -Pyramid, wanted not to kill a few of the Monsters that lay at a great -distance; but only those which came nigh, to harm us. - -And concerning those same weapons that killed silently at a great -distance, we had now little knowledge, save that they did waste the -Earth-Current; and no practice had we concerning their workings; for it -was, maybe, an hundred thousand years gone that they had been used, and -found to be of no great worth in a close attack, and harmful otherwise -to the peace, in that they angered, unneedful, the Forces of that land, -slaying wantonly those monsters which did no more than beset the Mighty -Redoubt at a great distance. For, as may be seen by a little thought, we -did very gladly keep a reasonable quietness, and refrained from aught -that should wake that Land; for we were born to the custom of that -strange life, and lived and died in peace, for the most part; and were -very content to have security, and to be neutral in all things that did -not overbear us; but, as it were, always armed, and ready. - -But concerning the great and Evil Forces that were abroad in the Night -Land, these we had no power to harm; nor could we hope for more than -that we had security from them, which indeed we had; but the hugeness of -their power was about us, and we dared not to wake it; save through such -extremity as had come to pass by this folly of the Youths; though, even -now, we had no thought to attack aught; but only to succour those -wounded ones. - -And concerning this simplicity of weapons, which excites somewhat even -my wonder in this our present age, it may be that the powers of -chemistry were someways quaintly limited by conditions in that age; and -there to be always a need to spare the Earth-Current; and hence, by this -cause and by that, we were brought, by the extreme, nigh to the -simplicity of the early world; yet with a strange and mighty difference, -as all may know who have read. - -Now, presently, the Word was sent to every City throughout the Great -Redoubt--as was the Law--that the Great Gate should be opened; and each -city sent its Master, to form the Full Watch, as was the Law. And each -went clad in grey armour, and carrying the Diskos. And the Full Watch -numbered, two thousand; for there were also the Watchmen. - -Then the lights in the Great Causeway were made dim; so that the opening -of the Gate should cast no great glare from within into the Night Land, -to tell the Watcher of the North-West, and all the Monsters, that -certain humans went out from the Mighty Pyramid. But whether the vast -and hidden Forces of Evil had knowledge, we knew not; and they who went -must but chance it, remembering that they were Prepared, and had the -Capsule. - -And the ten thousand that were Prepared, went out through the Great -Gateway, into the night; and the Full Watch stood back from them, and -spoke no word, but saluted silently with the Diskos; and they that went, -raised each the Diskos a little, and passed out into the dark. - -Then the Great Gate was shut; and we made to wait and to watch, with -trouble and expectation within our hearts. And at the embrasures many -did comfort the women of those men. - -And I went back, upwards by miles, until I came to the Tower of -Observation; and I looked out from there into the Night Land, and saw -that the ten thousand halted at the Circle, and made arrangement of -themselves, and sent some before and upon either hand, and so went -forward into the Night Land. - -And after that, I went to the Great Spy-Glass, and turned it towards the -two hundred and fifty Youths that were far off, upon the Road Where The -Silent Ones Walk; yet for awhile I could not perceive them, for all the -Road seemed empty. But afterward I saw them, and they were clambering -back into the Road, having gone aside, as I thought, because of the -passing of one of those Silent Ones, that I saw now at a distance to the -Southward of them. - -There passed then, some three hours; and in that time I varied my -watching between those far-off Youths, and the Ten-thousand that went -forward to succour the wounded, that were now, maybe, scarce nine miles -distant from the Mighty Pyramid, and the Ten-thousand came very close to -them. And, in truth, in a little while, they spied one the other, and I -gathered, in spirit, something of the rejoicing of those youths; yet -weak and troubled were they, because of their wounds, and their -knowledge of failure, and their disobedience of the Law. - -And, presently, they were surrounded by the Ten-thousand, and carried -upon slings; and all that body swung round towards the Pyramid, and came -back at a great pace. - -And, in the same time, I heard the sound that made them so swift to -hasten; for there smote up through the night the Baying of the Hounds; -and we knew that they were discovered. And I swept the Great Spy-Glass -over the Land, towards the Valley Of The Hounds, that I might discover -them quickly; and I saw them come lumbering, at a strange gallop, and -great as horses, and it might be only ten miles to the East. - -And I looked once upon the Watcher of the North-East, and I saw and -marvelled that the great bell-ear quivered constantly; and I knew that -it had knowledge, and gave signal to all the Land. Then did one of the -Monstruwacans report that a new and terrible Influence was abroad in the -Land; and by the instrument, we had knowledge that it approached; and -some of the Monstruwacans called foolishly with weak voices to the -Ten-thousand to haste; forgetting, and desiring only their safety from -that which came near. - -Then, looking with the Great Spy-Glass, I saw that there moved across -the Land, from the direction of the Plain of Blue Fire, a mighty Hump, -seeming of Black Mist, and came with prodigious swiftness. And I called -to the Master Monstruwacan, that he come and look through one of the -eye-pieces that were about the Great Spy-Glass; and he came quickly, and -when he had looked a while, he called to the Monstruwacan that had made -report. And the Monstruwacan answered, and replied that the Influence -drew nearer, by the reading of the instrument; yet of the thing itself -the man had no sight. - -And I ceased not to look, and in a little while, the Humped thing passed -downwards into the Vale of Red Fire, which lay across the Land that way. -But I watched steadfastly, and presently I saw the black Hump climb up -from the Vale of Red Fire upon this side, and come through the night, so -that in scarce a minute it had come halfway across that part of the -Night Land. - -And my heart stood quiet with fear, and the utter terror of this -Monster, which I knew to be surely one of the Great Forces of Evil of -that Land, and had power, without doubt, to destroy the spirit. And the -Master Monstruwacan leapt towards the Home-Call, and sent the great -Sound down to the Ten-thousand, that they might attend, and immediately, -he signalled to them to Beware. Yet, already I perceived that they knew -of this Utter Danger that was upon them; for I saw them slay the Youths -quickly, that their spirits might not be lost; for they were Unprepared. -But the men, being Prepared, had the Capsule, and would die swiftly in -the last moment. - -I looked again towards the Hump, and saw that it came like a Hill of -Blackness in the Land, and was almost anigh. Then there happened a -wonder; for in that moment when all had else gone quickly, that they -might save their souls, out of the earth there rose a little Light, like -to the crescent of the young moon of this early day. And the crescent -rose up into an arch of bright and cold fire, glowing but little; and it -spanned above the Ten-thousand and the dead; and the Hump stood still, -and went backwards and was presently lost. - -And the men came swiftly towards the Mighty Pyramid. Yet, ere they were -come to safety, the Baying of the Hounds sounded close upon them, and -they faced to the danger; yet, as I could know, without despair, because -that they yet lived after so enormous a peril. - -And the Hounds were very nigh, as now I beheld with the Great Spy-Glass; -and I counted five score, running with mighty heads low, and in a pack. -And lo! as the Hounds came at them, the Ten-thousand drew apart, and had -a space between the men, that they might have full use of that terrible -Diskos; and they fought with the handles at length, and I saw the disks -spin and glisten and send out fire. - -Then was there a very great battle; for the Light that arched above -them, and held away The Power from their souls, made not to protect them -from this danger of the lesser monsters. And at an hundred thousand -embrasures within the Mighty Pyramid, the women cried and sobbed, and -looked again. And in the lower cities it was told, after, that the -Peoples could hear the crash and splinter of the armour, as the Hounds -ran to and fro, slaying; aye, even the sound of the armour between their -teeth. - -Yet, the Ten-thousand ceased not to smite with the Diskos; and they -hewed the Hounds in pieces; but of the men that went forth, there were a -thousand and seven hundred slain by the Hounds, ere the men won to -victory. - -Then came that wearied band of heroes back to the home shelter of the -Vast Redoubt; and they bore their dead with them, and the Youths that -they slew. And they were received with great honour, and with exceeding -grief, and in a great silence; for the thing admitted not of words, -until a time had passed. And in the cities of the Pyramid there was -mourning; for there had been no sorrow like unto this through, mayhap, -an hundred thousand years. - -And they bore the Youths to their Mothers and to their Fathers; and the -Father of each made thanks to the men that they had saved the soul of -his son; but the women were silent. Yet, neither to the Father nor to -the Mother, was ever made known the name of the slayers; for this might -not be; as all shall see with a little thought. - -And some did remember that, in verity, all was due to the unwisdom of -those Youths, who had heeded not the Law and their life-teachings. Yet -had they paid to the uttermost, and passed outwards; and the account of -their Deeds was closed. - -And all this while did great numbers spy toward the Road Where The -Silent Ones Walk, that they might watch that band of Youths afar in the -Night Land, who went forward amid those horrid dangers. Yet, when the -dead Youths had been brought in, many had ceased to look out for a time -and had turned to questioning, and some had made inspection that they -might know which had come back, and which lay out there where the Giants -had slain them, or went forward to more dreadful matters. - -But who of those that were abroad, were slain, or still went onward, we -had but indifferent knowledge; though the men of the Ten-thousand knew -somewhat, having had speech with the wounded Youths, ere they slew them. -And, as may be thought, these men were sorely questioned by the Mothers -and the Fathers of those Youths that were not accounted of; yet I doubt -that few had much knowledge wherewith to console them. - -Now there was presently, in the Garden of Silence, which was the -lowermost of all the Underground Fields, the Ending of those seventeen -hundred heroes, and of the Youths that they saved and slew. And the -Garden was a great country, and an hundred miles every way, and the roof -thereof was three great miles above, and shaped to a mighty dome; as it -had been that the Builders and Makers thereof did remember in their -spirits the visible sky of this our present age. - -And the making of that Country was all set out in a single History of -seven thousand and seventy Volumes. And there were likewise seven -thousand and seventy years spent to the making of that Country; so that -there had unremembered generations lived and laboured and died, and seen -not the end of their labour. And Love had shaped it and hallowed it; so -that of all the wonders of the world, there has been none that shall -ever come anigh to that Country of Silence--an hundred miles every way -of Silence to the Dead. - -And there were in that roof seven moons set in a mighty circle, and lit -by the Earth-Current; and the circle was sixty miles across, so that all -that Country of Quiet was visible; yet to no great glare, but a sweet -and holy light; so that I did always feel in my heart that a man might -weep there, and be unashamed. - -And in the midst of that silent Country, there was a great hill, and -upon the hill a vast Dome. And the Dome was full of a Light that might -be seen in all that Country, which was the Garden of Silence. And -beneath the Dome was the "Crack," and within it the glory of the -Earth-Current, from which all had life and light and safety. And in the -Dome, at the North, there was a gateway; and a narrow road went upward -to the gateway; and the Road was named The Last Road; and the Gateway -was named by no name, but known to all as The Gateway. - -And there were in that mighty Country, long roadways, and hidden methods -to help travel; and constant temples of rest along the miles; and -groves; and the charm of water, falling. And everywhere the Statues of -Memory, and the Tablets of Memory; and the whole of that Great -Underground Country full of an echo of Eternity and of Memory and Love -and Greatness; so that to walk alone in that Land was to grow back to -the wonder and mystery of Childhood; and presently to go upwards again -to the Cities of the Mighty Pyramid, purified and sweetened of soul and -mind. - -And in my boyhood, I have wandered oft a week of days in that Country of -Silence, and had my food with me, and slept quietly amid the memories; -and gone on again, wrapped about with the quiet of the Everlasting. And -the man-soul within would be drawn mightily to those places where the -Great Ones of the past Eternity of the World had their Memory named; but -there was that within me which ever drew me, in the ending, to the Hills -of the Babes; those little hills where might be heard amid the -lonesomeness of an utter quiet, a strange and wondrous echo, as of a -little child calling over the hills. But how this was I know not, save -by the sweet cunning of some dead Maker in the forgotten years. - -And here, mayhaps by reason of this Voice of Pathos, were to be found -the countless Tokens of Memory to all the babes of the Mighty Pyramid, -through a thousand ages. And, odd whiles, would I come upon some -Mother, sitting there lonely, or mayhaps companied by others. And by -this little telling shall you know somewhat of the quietness and the -wonder and the holiness of that great Country hallowed to all Memory and -to Eternity and to our Dead. - -And it was here, into the Country of Silence, that they brought down the -Dead to their Burial. And there came down into the Country of Silence, -maybe an Hundred Million, out of the Cities of the Pyramid, to be -present, and to do Honour. - -Now they that had charge of the Dead, did lay them upon the road which -ran up unto The Gateway, even that same road which was named The Last -Road. And the Road moved upwards slowly with the Dead; and the Dead went -inward through The Gateway; first the poor Youths, and afterward they -that had given up life that they might save them. - -And as the Dead went upwards, there was a very great Silence over all -the miles of the Country of Silence. But in a little while there came -from afar off, a sound as of a wind wailing; and it came onwards out of -the distance, and passed over the Hills of the Babes, which were a great -way off. And so came anigh to the place where I stood. Even as the -blowing of a sorrowful wind did it come; and I knew that all the great -multitudes did sing quietly; and the singing passed onwards, and left -behind it an utter silence; even as the wind doth rustle the corn, and -pass onwards, and all fall to a greater seeming quietness than before. -And the Dead passed inward through The Gateway, into the great light and -silence of the Dome; and came out no more. - -And again from beyond the far Hills of the Babes there was that sound of -the millions singing; and there rose up out of the earth beneath, the -voices of the underground organs; and the noise of the sorrow passed -over me, and went again into the distance, and left all hushed. - -And lo! as there passed inward to the silence of the Dome the last of -those dead Heroes, there came again the sound from beyond the Hills of -the Babes; and as it came more nigh, I knew that it was the Song of -Honour, loud and triumphant, and sung by countless multitudes. And the -Voices of the Organs rose up into thunder from the deep earth. And there -was a great Honour done to the glory of the Dead. And afterwards, once -more a silence. - -Then did the Peoples of the Cities arrange themselves so that from every -city whence had come a Hero, were the People of that City gathered -together. And when they were so gathered, they set up Tokens of Memory -to the Dead of their City. But afterwards did charge Artists to the -making of sculpture great and beautiful to that same end; and now did -but place Tablets against that time. - -And afterwards the People did wander over that Country of Silence, and -made visit and honour to their Ancestors, if such were deserving. - -And presently, the mighty lifts did raise them all to the Cities of the -Pyramid; and thereafter there was something more of usualness; save that -ever the embrasures were full of those that watched the Youths afar upon -the Great Road. And in this place I to remember how that our spy-glasses -had surely some power of the Earth-Current to make greater the impulse -of the light upon the eye. And they were like no spy-glass that ever you -did see; but oddly shaped and to touch both the forehead and the eyes; -and gave wonderful sight of the Land. But the Great Spy-Glass to be -beyond all this; for it had the Eyes of it upon every side of The Mighty -Pyramid, and did be truly an Huge Machine. - -And to me, as I went about my duties, or peered forth through the Great -Spy-Glass at the Youths upon the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, there -came at times a far faint thrilling of the aether; so that sometimes I -was aware that there was the beating of the Master-Word in the night; -but so strange and weak, that the Instruments had no wotting of it. And -when this came, then would I call back through all the everlasting night -to Naani, who was indeed Mirdath; and I would send the Master-Word with -my brain-elements; and afterwards such comfort as I might. - -Yet hard and bitter was the truth of my helplessness and weakness, and -the utter terror and might of the Evil Forces and Monsters of the Night -Land. So that I was like to have brake my heart with pondering. - -And the silence would come again; and anon the weak thrilling of the -Aether; but no more the far voice speaking in my soul. - - - - -V - -INTO THE NIGHT LAND - - -Now, after that destruction which had come upon the Ten-thousand, and -the fresh assurance that was upon us of the terror of the Night Land, it -may be known that there could be no more thought to succour. Though, in -truth, those Youths that went now upon the Road Where The Silent Ones -Walk were far beyond our aid. - -Yet might it be thought that we should have signalled to them, calling -by the Home-Call, which was that great Voice which went forth from the -Machine above the sealed base of the Mighty Pyramid. But this we might -not do; for then we gave signal to the Monsters of that Land, that some -were even now abroad from the Pyramid; yet we could no more than hope -that the Evil Forces had no wotting of them; for, in verity, none might -ever know the knowledge or the Ignorance which those Powers did possess. - -Yet, it must be kept to the mind that we knew even then there was an -Influence abroad in the Land, strange and quiet; so that the Instruments -did not more than make record of it. And as I have surely set down ere -now, we had belief that it did come from that House of Silence, afar in -the Night Land, upon that low hill to the North of the Great Road. And -many among the Monstruwacans feared that it was directed upon the -Youths; but of this there could be no surety; and we could but wait and -watch. - -Now, about this time those poor Youths did draw nigh to that part of the -Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, where it turned more swiftly to the -North; and they to be now at no mighty distance from that grim and -horrid House. - -And presently we knew that the Influence had a greater Power in the -Land; and I had an assuredness that it came from the House; yet no -certain proof was this. But I set out my feelings to the Master -Monstruwacan; and he had trust in them and in my power; moreover, he -also had belief within himself that some secret Power came out from the -House of Silence. - -And some talk there was at times that we send the Home-Call into the -night, to give warning to the Youths of our knowledge and our fear; and -to entreat them to make a safe endeavour to return swiftly. Yet was this -an error; and refused by the Master Monstruwacan; for it was not meet -that we put the souls of those Youths in peril, until such time as we -had certainty that they should be lost if we did not bestir ourselves. -For, indeed, this Home-Call was as a mighty Voice, calling over the -world, and did have so exceeding a noise, that it had immediately told -all that Land how that some were yet abroad from the Great Redoubt. And -here will I set down how that the Home-Call had no use in those ages; -but had been a Call in the olden time when yet the great flying-ships -went abroad over the world. - -And there passed now a day and a night; and in all that time there -ceased not great multitudes to peer forth into the Night Land at the -Youths. For it was known concerning the Influence, and all felt that the -Youths did draw nigh very speedy to their fate; and much talk there was; -and many things said, and much foolish speech, and kind intent; but no -courage to go forth to make further attempt to rescue; which, in truth, -calls not for great astonishment, as I have surely writ or oft thought. - -And in this place let me set down that the Land was, as it might be -said, waked, and unquiet, and a sense of things passing in the night, -and of horrid watchfulness; and there were, at this time and at that, -low roars that went across the Land. And if I have not told the same -before this time, it must be set to count against me and my telling; -for, indeed, I should have writ it down before this place. Yet is the -difficulty of my task great; and all must bear with me, and entreat for -me that I have courage, so that I may come at last to strength and -wisdom to tell all that I did see. - -Now, in the space of this day and night, it was known that the Youths -had not slept, neither had they eaten, save once, as they who had the -watch through the Great Spy-Glass did affirm. But they to hasten alway -at a woeful speed towards the North, along that Great Dismal Road, so -that presently they must cease, or slay themselves with their endeavour. - -And all this did give surety to our fears that they were under a spell -from that horrid House afar in the Land; and we had an assurance that -this thing was. For, presently, there came a Monstruwacan to the Master -Monstruwacan to report that there had come sudden a mighty Influence -into the Land; and in the same moment, as it might be, I spied through -the Great Spy-Glass, and did see those Youths break swiftly from the -Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, and begin to run very swift that they -might come quickly to the House of Silence. - -Then did the Master Monstruwacan hesitate not; but did send the -Home-Call across the world, aye, even to those poor doomed ones that -hastened, unknowing, to the terror which did compel them. And -immediately upon the sound, the Master did send a message to the natural -eye, in set language, and made warning that they suffered themselves to -be drawn to their destruction by a Force that came from within the House -of Silence. - -And he besought them to put forth the strength of their spirits, and do -battle for their souls; and if they could in no wise compass a victory -over _that which drew them onwards_, to slay themselves quickly, ere -they went into that House to the horror of utter destruction. - -And in all the Pyramid was there a great silence; for the bellowing of -the Home-Call bred a quietness, because of that which it did portend; -and it was swiftly known by the millions that the Master Monstruwacan -did plead for the souls of the Youths; and there went forth, -unknowingly, a counter-force from the Mighty Pyramid, by reason of the -prayers and soul-wishings of the countless millions. - -And the counter-force was plain to my inward hearing, and beat all the -aether of the world into a surge of supplication; so that it stunned my -spirit with the great power of it. And it seemed to me, as it were, -that there was a vast spiritual-noise in all the night; and I spied -tremblingly through the Great Spy-Glass, and lo! the Youths did cease -from their swift running, and were come together in a crowd, and had a -seeming to be confused; as might some who have waked suddenly from -sleep, to find that they walked in their sleep, and had come to a -strange place. - -Then came there a great roar from all the millions that spied from the -embrasures--from nigh five hundred thousand embrasures they did look, -and I count not the great View-Tables. And the shouting rose up like to -the roaring of a mighty wind of triumph, yet was it over-early to sound -for victory. For the counter-force which came from the intensity of so -many wills blent to one intent, was brake, and the Evil Force which came -forth out of the House did draw the Youths again; so that they heeded -not their salvation; but turned once again to their running. - -And the Mighty Pyramid was full of a shaken silence, and immediately of -lamentation and sorrow and horror at this thing. But in that moment -there did happen a fresh wonder; for there grew suddenly before those -poor Youths, billows of mist--as it had been of pure white fire, shining -very chill; yet giving no light upon them. - -And the mist of cold fire stayed their way, so that we had knowledge -that there fought for the souls of them, one of those sweet Powers of -Goodness, which we had belief did strive to ward our spirits at all -times from those Forces of Evil and Destruction. And all the millions -saw the thing; but some with a great clearness, and many doubtful; yet -were all advanced more in spiritual sight and hearing than the normal -Peoples of this Age. - -But of them all, none had the Night-Hearing, to know a soul having -speech in the aether half across the world. Yet, as I have said, some -there had been aforetime who were thus given the Hearing, even as was I. - -And there came a Monstruwacan to the Master Monstruwacan to make report -that the Influence had ceased to work upon the Instruments; and by this -thing we knew that in verity the Force which proceeded out from the -House of Silence was cut off from us, and from those Youths; and we had -assurance that there fought a very mighty Power for the salvation of the -souls of the Youths. - -And all the Peoples were silent, save for an underbreath of wonder and -talk; for all were utter stirred with hope and fear, perceiving that the -Youths had some chance given unto them to return. - -And whilst the Youths yet wavered in their minds, as I perceived with -the Great Spy-Glass, and the knowledge of my soul, and of my natural -wit, lo! the Master Monstruwacan sent once more the great Voice of the -Home-Call abroad into the Land; and immediately besought those Youths -for the sake of their souls and the love which their Mothers had for -them, to come swiftly Homewards, whilst they had yet this great Power -to shield them, and allow them sweet sanity. - -And I thought that some did look towards the Pyramid, as that they -answered to the mighty Voice of the Home-Call, and did read the message -which the Master Monstruwacan made to them. But in a moment they faced -about, seeming to have a good obedience to one who did always lead; and -of whom I had inquired, and found to be one named Aschoff, who was a -great athlete of the Nine-Hundredth-City. And this same Aschoff, out of -the boldness and bravery of his heart, did make, unwitting, to destroy -the souls of them all; for he went forward and leapt into the billows of -the bright shining fire that made a Barrier in the way of their -Destruction. - -And immediately the fire ceased from its shining, and gave way and sank -and grew to a nothingness; and Aschoff of the Nine-Hundredth-City began -again to run towards the House of Silence; and all they that were with -him, did follow faithfully, and ceased not to run. - -And they came presently to the low Hill whereon was that horrid House; -and they went up swiftly--and they were two hundred and fifty, and -wholesome of heart, and innocent; save for a natural waywardness of -spirit. - -And they came to the great open doorway that "hath been open since the -Beginning," and through which the cold steadfast light and the -inscrutable silence of Evil "hath made for ever a silence that may be -felt in all the Land." And the great, uncased windows gave out the -silence and the light--aye, the utter silence of an unholy desolation. - -And Aschoff ran in through the great doorway of silence, and they that -followed. And they nevermore came out or were seen by any human. - -And it must be known that the Mothers and the Fathers of those Youths -looked out into the Night Land, and saw that thing which came to pass. - -And all the people were silent; but some said presently that the Youths -would come forth again; yet the people knew in their hearts that the -young men had gone in to Destruction; for, in truth, there was that in -the night which spoke horror to the souls of all, and a sudden utter -quiet in all the Land. - -But unto me (that had the Night-Hearing) there came a great Fear of that -which might be whispered into my spirit, out of the Quietness of the -night--of the agony of those young men. Yet there came no sound, to the -hearing of the soul; neither then nor in all the years that were to -come; for, in verity, had those Youths passed into a Silence of which -the heart cannot think. - -And here will I tell how that the strange Quiet which did fill all the -Land, seeming to brood within the night, was horrid beyond all the -roarings which had passed over the darkness in the time that went -before; so that it had given my spirit some rest and assurance to hear -but the far-echoing, low thunder of the Great Laughter, or the whining -which was used at times to sound in the night from the South-East, where -were the Silver-fire Holes that opened before the Thing that Nods. Or -the Baying of the Hounds, or the Roaring of the Giants, or any of those -dreadful sounds that did often pass through the night. For they could -not have offended me as did that time of silence; and so shall you judge -how dreadful was that quiet, which did hold so much of horror. - -And surely it will be known that none had thinkings now, even in idle -speech, that any should have power to succour the Peoples of the Lesser -Redoubt. Neither, as I have said, had any the knowledge of the place -where it did stand. - -And so was it made plain that those Peoples must suffer and come -unhelped and alone to their end; which was a sad and dreadful thought to -any. Yet had those within the Great Pyramid come already to much sorrow -and calamity because that some had made attempt in this matter. And -there had been for gain, only failure, and the sorrow of Mothers, and -the loneliness of Wives, and of kin. And now this dread horror upon us, -which concerned those lost Youths. - -Now, as may be conceived, this _sure knowledge_ that we might give no -succour to the People of the Lesser Redoubt, weighed heavy upon my -heart; for I had, maybe with foolishness, held vague hopes and wonders -concerning our power to make expedition secretly into the Night, to -discover that Lesser Pyramid, and rescue those poor thousands; and above -all, as may be thought, had I the thought of that sweet moment in which -I should step forward out of the night and all mystery and terror, and -put forth mine arms to Naani, saying: "I am That One." And knowing, in -my soul, that she that had been mine in that bygone Eternity, should -surely know me upon the instant; and call out swiftly, and come swiftly, -and be again unto me in that age, even as she had been in this. - -And to think upon it, and to know that this thing should never be; but -that, even in that moment of thought, she that had been mine in these -olden days of sweetness, might be even then suffering horror in the -Power of some foul Monster, was like a kind of madness; so that nearly I -could seize the Diskos, and run forth unprepared into the evil and -terror of the Night Land, that I should make one attempt to come to that -Place where she abode, or else to cast off my life in the attempt. - -And oft did I call to Naani; and always I sent the Master-Word beating -through the night, that she might have assurance that it was indeed I -that did speak unto her spirit, and no foul thing or Monster, spelling -evil and lies unto her. - -And oft did I make to instruct her that never should she be tempted -forth from the shelter of that Redoubt in which she did live, by any -message out of the night; but always to await the Master-Word; and, -moreover, to have a sure knowledge that none that was her Friend would -ever seek to entice her into the night. - -And this way and that way would I speak with Naani, sending my words -silently with my brain-elements; yet was it doleful and weariful and -dreadful always to have speech into the dark, and never to hear the -answering beat of the Master-Word, and the sweet, faint voice whispering -within my soul. Yet, once and again, would I have knowledge that the -aether did thrill about me, weakly, and to mine inward hearing it would -seem that the Master-Word did beat faintly in the night; and thereafter -would my heart have a little comfort, in that I had assurance, of a -kind, that the love-maid of my memory-dreams did still live. - -And constant, I put forth my soul to hark; so that my health failed me, -with the effort of my harking; and I would chide my being, that I had -not a wiser control; and so make a fight to do sanely. - -Yet, day by day, did my heart grow more weary and restless; for, indeed, -it did seem that life was but a very little matter, against so great a -loss as my heart did feel to suffer. - -And oft, at this time and that, did there come a Voice speaking plainly -out of the night, and did purport to be the voice of Naani; but ever I -did say the Master-Word unto the Voice, and the Voice had no power by -which it could make the one answer. Yet I jeered not at the Voice, to -show contempt of its failing to bewit me; but let the matter bide; and -the Voice would be silent a time; and again would make a calling unto -me; but never did I make speech with it (for therein lies the danger to -the soul), but always did speak the Master-Word to its silencing; and -thereafter would shut the thing from my memory, and think only upon -sweet and holy matters, as it might be Truth and Courage, but more often -of Naani, which was both sweet and holy to my spirit and heart and -being. - -And so it was as I have set down, there were Monsters without in the -Night that did torment me; having, it may be, intent to lure me unto -destruction; or indeed it doth chance that they had no hope but to -plague me with malice. - -And, as may be thought, all this considering of my trouble, and the -giving of my strength unto Naani through the night of the world, that -she might have comfort and help, did work upon me; so that I grew thin, -plainly to the eye of those that loved me. - -And the Master Monstruwacan, he that did love me, as I were his son, -chid me gently, and had wise speech with me; so that I but loved him the -more, yet without having gain of health; for my heart destroyed me, as -it doth if love be held back and made always to weep. - -And it may be thought strange that my Mother and my Father did not talk -also with me; but I had neither Mother nor Father those many years; and -this thing I should have set down early; so that none should waste -thought pondering to no end. But the blame is to my telling. - -Now, concerning my love-trouble, there did happen a certain thing which -gave me to decide; for one night I waked from a sore troubled sleep, and -it did seem that Naani did call my name, mine olden love name, and in a -voice of utter anguish and with beseeching. And I sat up in the bed, and -sent the Master-Word into the Night, with my brain-elements; and -presently all about me there was the solemn beat of the Master-Word, -answering; but weak, and gone faint, that scarce I might hear it. - -And I called again with my brain-elements unto Naani, that was Mirdath; -and spoke to give her assurance, and to haste to tell unto me that which -was so wrong and pitiful with her. And who shall be amazed that I was -shaken with the eagerness of my spirit, in that it was so long since -Naani had spoken clear within my soul; and now behold, her voice. - -Yet, though I did call many a time unto the everlasting night, there -came no more the voice of Naani, speaking strangely within my spirit; -but only at times a weak thrilling of the aether about me. - -And, at the last I grew maddened with the sorrow of this thing, and the -sense and knowledge of harm about the maid; and I stood upright upon my -feet, and I raised my hands, and gave word and honour unto Naani through -all the blackness of the night, that I would no more abide within the -Mighty Pyramid to my safety, whilst she, that had been mine Own through -Eternity, came to horror and destruction by the Beasts and Evil Powers -of that Dark World. And I gave the word with my brain-elements, and bade -her to be of heart; for that until I died I would seek her. But out of -the Darkness there came naught but the silence. - -Then I clothed me swiftly, and went up quickly to the Tower of -Observation, that I might speak instant with the Master Monstruwacan; -for my heart burned in me to intention, and to be doing speedily that -which I had set upon myself to do. - -And I came to the Master Monstruwacan, and told all to him; and how that -I did mean no more to suffer in quiet and to no end; but to make -adventure into the Night Land, that I find Naani, or perchance find a -swift peace from this my long troubling. - -Now, when the Master Monstruwacan heard that which I had to say, it sat -heavily upon him, and he besought me long and many times that I refrain -from this thing; for that none might achieve so great a task; but that I -should be lost in my Youth before many days were gone by. Yet to all his -speech I said naught, save that this thing was laid upon me, and even as -I had promised, so should I make to act. - -And in the ending, the Master Monstruwacan perceived that I was set to -this thing, and not to be moved; and he did put it to me how that I had -grown to leanness, with so much troubling, and that I should have wisdom -to wait awhile, that I put on my full strength. - -But even as I was, so would I go; and this I told to him, gently; and -showed how that the thing was meet and helpful to the safety of my soul; -for that my strength was still in me; yet was I sweeter in spirit -because that I stood lean and pure, and much poor dross and littleness -had been burned from me; so that fear was not in me. And all do I lay to -the count of my love, which doth purify and make sweet and fearless the -human heart. - -And because I was even as I have said, so was I the less in trouble of -the Forces of Evil; for long and sore had been my Preparation of Spirit; -and I wot that none had ever gone forth into the Darkness, so long -withholden from that which doth weaken and taint the spirit. - -And here let me set down how that the Three Days of Preparation, which -were Proper to those that willed to go forth into the Night Land, had -for their chief aim the cleansing of the spirit; so that the Powers of -Evil did have a less ableness to harm. - -But also it was, as I have said, that none should go forth in ignorance -of the full dreadfulness of all that held the Night; for it was at the -Preparation that there was made known certain horrors that were not told -unto the young; and of horrid mutilations, and of abasements of the -soul, that did shake the heart with fear, if but they were whispered -into the hearing. And these things were not set down in any book that -might be lightly come by; but were warded and safe locked by the Master -of The Preparation, in the Room of Preparation. - -And, indeed, when I did hear that which presently I was to hear, I had -wonder in my heart that ever any went out into the Night Land; or that -ever the Room of Preparation should have other than Students that meant -not to go forth, but only to achieve some knowledge of that which hath -been done, and mayhaps shall be once again. - -Yet, in verity, is this but the way of the human heart; and hath always -been, and will be so in all the years, for ever. For to adventure is the -lust of Youth; and to leave Safety is the natural waywardness of the -spirit; and who shall reprove or regret; for it were sorrowful that this -Spirit of Man should cease. Yet must it not be thought that I do uphold -fightings to the death or to mutilation, _between man and man_; but -rather do sorrow upon this thought. - -Now, when the morrow came, if thus I shall speak of that which was -outwardly even as the night, though changing alway within the Mighty -Pyramid, I went unto the Room of Preparation; and the Door was closed -upon me; and I underwent the Full Preparation; that I might have full -power and aid to come to success through all the terror of the Night -Land. - -And three days and three nights did I abide within the Room of -Preparation; and upon the fourth day was mine armour brought unto me; -and the Master of the Preparation stood away from me, silent and with -sorrow upon his face; but touching me not, neither coming anigh to aid -me; nor having any speech with me; for none might crowd upon me, or -cause me to answer. - -And, presently, was I clad with the grey armour; and below the armour a -close-knit suit of special shaping and texture, to have the shape of the -armour, and that I might not die by the cold of the Night Land. And I -placed upon me a scrip of food and drink, that might keep the life -within me for a great time, by reason of its preparation; and this lay -ready to me, with the armour, and was stitched about with the Mark of -Honour; so that I knew loving women thus to speed me. - -And when all was done and made ready, I took up the Diskos, and bowed in -silence to the Master of the Preparation; and he went towards the door, -and opened it; and signalled that the People stand back; so that I might -go forth untouched. And the People stood back; for many had crowded to -the door of the Room of Preparation, so that I knew how that my story -must be to the heart of all, in all the Cities of the Great Redoubt; for -to come unbidden anigh that Door was against the Lesser Law, and that -any erred in this matter, betokened much. - -And I went out through the Door; and there was a mighty lane of people -unto the Great Lift. And about the Great Lift, as I went downwards, did -the countless millions stand; and all in a great silence; but having -dear sympathy in their souls; yet loyal unto my safety, in that none in -all the Mighty Pyramid did make speech unto me, or call out aught. And -as I went downward through the miles, lo! all the aether of the world -seemed to be surged with the silent prayers and speedings of those quiet -multitudes. - -And I came at last unto the Great Gate; and behold the dear Master -Monstruwacan did stand in full armour, and with the Diskos, to do me -honour, with the Full Watch, as I went forth. And I looked at him, -quietly, and he looked unto me, and I bent my head to show respect; and -he made silent salute with the Diskos; and afterwards I went onwards -towards the Great Gateway. - -And they made dim the lights in the Great Causeway, that there should no -glare go forth into the Land, when the Gate was opened; and behold, they -opened not the lesser gate within the greater, for me; but did honour my -journey, in that they swung wide the Great Gate itself, through which a -monstrous army might pass. And there was an utter silence all about the -Gate; and in the hushed light the two thousand that made the Full Watch, -held up each the Diskos, silently, to make salute; and humbly, I held up -the Diskos reversed, and went forward into the Dark. - - - - -VI - -THE WAY THAT I DID GO - - -Now I went forward for a space, and took heed not to look backwards; but -to be strong of heart and spirit; for that which did lie before me had -need of all my manhood and courage of soul, that I come to the succour -of that Maid afar in the darkness of the World, or meet my death proper, -as it might need to be. - -And thus did I go forward steadfastly, and conscious in all my being of -the emotions of that parting from my mighty Home, and of the tenderness -and wiseness that did underlie so much curbed rule and guidance. - -And my heart was warm towards the Master Monstruwacan for that great -honour, that he should come downward in armour to make one with the Full -Watch, that he might uphold me to a lofty spirit at the moment of my -going. - -And all that time as I went forward, was the aether of the night about -me, in tumult with the thoughts and blind wishings of the great millions -I had but now left to my back. - -And, presently, as I steadied somewhat upon my emotions, I was conscious -of the exceeding coldness of the night air, and of the different taste -of it upon my lungs and in the mouth; and it had, as it were, a wondrous -keen sharping upon my palate, and did fill the lips more in the -breathing; so that it may be supposed it had more body within it than -that air which did fill the plateau of the Thousandth City where was my -home; for the air of every City was of difference, and the greater -between one that was afar up and another nigh to the earth, as may be -thought; so that many Peoples did migrate unto that level which gave -them best healthfulness; but under rule, and with a guidance of -quantities. And not all that were lacking of health; for, some are ever -contrary. - -And here let me set down that, within the deeps of the Fields, there was -air utter varied and wonderful, that might charm one here and likewise -sorrow another that were happier elsewhere; so that all might have -suiting, did they but wander, and have Reason to companion them. - -And thus did I go forward, full of new thoughts and olden memories, and -fresh-breaking wonders; neither forgetting something of doubts and fears -more than a little. And again was it most cunning strange to be out -there in the Night Land--though not yet afar--where often had my fancies -and imaginings led me; yet until that time never had I touched foot, in -all that life, upon the outward earth. And this must be a wondrous -quaint seeming thought to those of this present day. - -And so came I, at last, nigh to the Circle that did go about the -Redoubt; and presently I was come to it; and something astonished was I -that it had no great bigness; for I had looked for this by _reasoning_; -having always a mind to picture things as they might be truly, and hence -coming sometimes to the wonder of a great truth; but odd whiles to -errors that others had not made. And now, lo! I did find it but a small, -clear tube that had not two inches of thickness; yet sent out a very -bright and strong light, so that it seemed greater to the eye, did one -but behold from a distance. - -And this is but a little thing to set to the telling; yet may it give -something of the newness of all; and, moreover, shall you have memory -with me in this place, how that oft had I seen Things and Beast-Monsters -peer over that same little tube of light, their faces coming forward out -of the night. - -And this had I seen as child and man; for as children, we did use to -keep oft a watch by hours upon an holiday-time, through the great -glasses of the embrasures. And we did always hope each to be that one -that should first discover a monster looking inwards upon the Mighty -Pyramid, across the shining of the Circle. And these to come oft; yet -presently to slink away into the night; having, in verity, no liking for -that light. - -And pride had we taken of ourselves to perceive those monsters which had -most of ugliness and horror to commend them; for, thereby did we stand -to have won the game of watching, until such time as a more fearsome -Brute be discovered. And so went the play; yet with ever, it doth seem -to me now, something of a half-known shudder to the heart, and a child's -rejoicing unknowingly in that safety which had power to make light the -seeming of such matters. - -And this, also, is but a small matter; yet doth it bear upon the -inwardness of my feelings; for the memories of all my youth and of the -many Beasts that I had seen to peer across the Light, did come upwards -in my mind in that moment; so that I did give back a little, unthinking -of what I did; but having upon me the sudden imagining of that which -might come out of the Dark, beyond. - -And I to stand a little moment, and presently had grown free in my heart -to have courage of farewell; and so did turn me at last to the viewing -of that wondrous Home of the Last Millions of this World. And the sight -was an astonishment and an uplifting, that indeed there was so mighty a -thing in all the earth. - -And well might be that there were Monsters and Forces gathered together -about that Hill of Life, out of all the Darkness of the World; for the -thing was as a Mighty Mountain that went up measureless into the night; -and spread out upon the earth to the right and to the left of me, so -that it did seem to hold all the world with its might. - -And in the nearer slope were there three hundred thousand great -embrasures, as well I did know; there being in all the four sides of the -Redoubt, twelve hundred thousand embrasures, as was set out in the books -of the schools, and upon the cover of Atlas-books as they still quaintly -to be called, and many another place, as might be supposed. - -And half a mile upward was the lowest tier of those great window-places, -and above that, countless other tiers. And a great light came out from -them into the darkness; so that I looked up into the night many miles, -and yet did see them in shining rows; and did make separate each -embrasure from its fellow for a great way. But there grew yet more, -above in the mighty distance, so that they were lost in the upward space -of the night, and did seem to me presently but as a constant, glimmering -fire, that did shape a shining Peak into the blackness of the heavens, -dwindling into the utmost height. And thus was that Everlasting -Monument. - -Then did it come to me that those little things, which I did see to -cluster against the embrasures, were in truth the countless millions of -the Mighty Redoubt; and this I could make out with some plainness in -those lower embrasures, which were the more near to me than they above; -for the Peoples were set against the light within, yet were as small -things like unto insects, in that distance, and within so Huge a Bulk. - -And I knew that they looked out upon me, and did watch through their -spy-glasses. And I sent my gaze upwards again along that great Slope of -grey metal, aye! upward again to where it strode glimmering into the -Blackness, and so at last to the little star that did crown that Wonder -of the World in the eternal night. And, for a little, I did stare -towards that far light; for it came from within that Tower of -Observation, where so lately I had spended my life; and I had knowledge -within my heart that the dear Master Monstruwacan did bend the Great -Spy-Glass upon me, through which so oft had I spied. And I raised the -Diskos unto him, in salutation and farewell, though I saw him not at all -through that vast space. - -And my heart was very full; yet my soul but the stronger for it. And -then, behold, I was aware of a murmur in the night, coming to me, dim -and from afar off; and I saw the little shapes of the Peoples in the -lower embrasures, in constant movement; and I knew upon the instant that -the Multitudes did take that salute unto themselves, and cried out and -waved to me their farewells, or to come back--as may be. - -And, indeed, I was but a lonesome person looking up at that great -mountain of metal and Life. And I knew that I had danger to realise my -plight; and I stayed no more; but did raise the Diskos, reversed, as was -but meet from one young man unto all the Millions. - -And I looked swiftly upward through those eight great miles of night, -unto that Final Light which did shine in the black heavens; so that my -friend should know that I thought of him that was beyond my sight, in -that last moment. And it may be that the invisible millions that were -far up in the night, in the Upper Cities, did take that also to be a -meaning of farewell to themselves; for there came down out of the -monstrous height, a far, faint murmur of sound, as of a vague wind up in -the night. - -Then did I lower the Diskos, and turn me about. And I breasted strangely -against the Air Clog, and stept forward across the Circle, into the -lonesomeness of the Night Land. And I looked no more behind; for that -which was my Home did weaken my heart somewhat, to behold; so that I -made determination that I look not again to my back, for a great while. - -Yet, about me as I went, there was constant surging in the aether of the -world; and it did tell unto me how that those, my people and kin, had -continual mind of me, both in prayer and wishings, and in a perpetual -watching. And the same gave to me a feeling as of being something -companied; yet, in a time, it came to me that this disturbance of the -aether should tell to some Evil Force how that I was there abroad in the -Land. But how to stop this thing, who should have power? For, of truth, -had I been among them to make a full explaining of the danger, they had -been yet powerless to cease; for but to have such great multitudes -a-think upon one matter, was to set a disturbance about, as should be -most clear to all. - -Now, at the beginning, I did walk outwards into the Night Land, somewhat -blindly, and without sure direction; being intent only to put a good -space to my back, that I might cure somewhat the ache which did weaken -my heart at the first. - -But, in awhile, I ceased somewhat from my overswiftness, and did put -thought to my going. And I came quickly to reason that I should try a -new way through the Land; for it might be that there was an -over-watchfulness in that part which had been trod by the Youths. - -And I began therewith to set this thought to the practice; and went not -direct towards the North; but to the North and West; and so in the end -to mean to circle around to the back of the North-West Watcher, and -thence to the North of the Plain Of Blue Fire; and afterwards, as might -be, have a true and straightway to the North; and by this planning come -a long way clear of that House of Silence, which did put more fear upon -me than all else that was horrid in the Land. - -Yet, as all will see, this made to me a greater journey; though, in -verity, it were better to go slowly and win to success, than to make a -greater haste towards Destruction; which was, indeed, surely to be mine -end, did I not go warily. - -Now it may be thought upon with wonder, that I did go so assuredly to -the North; but I went thiswise, part by an inward Knowing, and part come -upon by much latter studying, within the Pyramid, of olden books; and by -reasoning upon all things that I did observe, that had seemings of -verity in them. - -And because of this constant searching upon one matter, I had come, but -a while back, upon a little book of metal, very strange and ancient, -that had lain forgot in a hid place in the Great Library through ten -hundred thousand years, maybe, or less or more, for all that I had -knowing. - -And much that was writ in the book was common knowledge, and set mostly -to the count of fairy-tales and suchlike, even as we of this our age -take not over-surely any belief in Myths of olden times. Yet had I -always much liking for such matters, perceiving behind that outer shell -which did win always so much unbelief, the kernel of ancient truths and -happenings. - -And thus was it, concerning this little book which I had made discovery -of; for it told again, that which oft I had heard (even as we in this -age, read of the Deluge) how that once, in a time monstrous far back -from that, but utter future to this age of ours, the world did brake -upwards in a vast earth-quaking, that did rend the world for a thousand -miles. - -And there came a mighty chasm, so deep that none might see the bottom -thereof; and there rushed therein an ocean, and the earth did burst -afresh with a sound that did shake all the cities of the world; and a -great mist lay upon the earth for many days, and there was a mighty -rain. - -And, indeed, this was just so set in certain Histories of the Ancient -World. Also, there was made reference to it, within some olden Records. -Yet nowise to be taken with a serious mind, to the seeming of the -peoples of the Mighty Pyramid; but only as a quaint study for the -Students, and to be set out in little tales that did entertain the -nurseries; or, as it might be, wise men and the general. - -Yet, there was this, about that small and peculiar book, that it did -speak of many of these things, as it were that it did quote from the -pens of those that did have actual witness; and set all out with a -strange gravity, that did cause one to consider it as meant to be indeed -the tellings of Truth, and to seem thiswise to have great difference -from all that I had read before concerning those matters. - -And there was, further, a part in the ending of the book, that did seem -to be writ of a time that came afterwards, maybe an hundred thousand, -and maybe a million years; but who shall say. - -And therein it did tell of an huge and mighty Valley that did come out -of the West, towards the South-East, and made turning thence Northwards, -and was a thousand miles both ways. And the sides thereof were an -hundred miles deep, and the Sun did stand in the Western end, and made a -red gloom for a thousand miles. And in the bottom there were great seas; -and beasts strange and awesome, and very plentiful. - -Now this, as may be seen, was as the talk of Romance; yet did I turn my -wits to their natural end, and made thus plain of it. For, in truth, I -to have something of belief, and it to seem to me that in a bygone -Eternity, when the world was yet light, as in my heart I knew to have -been indeed a thing of verity, there was a great and wondrous -earthquake. - -And the earthquake did burst the world up, along a certain great curve -where it had weakness; and there fell into the yawning furnace of the -world, one of the great oceans; and immediately made of itself steam, -and so brake upwards again, and tore the earth mightily in its swift -uprising. - -And thereafter there was a mist and confusion and rain upon the world. -And, indeed, all very seemly put; and not to be taken as a light tale. - -Then, in that ending of the book, there was one that did write, having -lived in a vast later age, when the Sun had come anigh to his dying, and -the upward earth was grown quiet and cold and not good to live upon. And -in that time the Mighty Chasm had been calmed by the weight of an -Eternity, so that it was now a most deep and wondrous Valley, that did -hold Seas and great Hills and Mountains; and in it were great forests of -kinds, and Lands that were good and healthful; and Places given over to -Fire, and to Steamings, and Sulphur Clouds; so that they held Poisons -that had ill for Man. - -And Great Beasts were there down in that far depth, that none might see -ever, save by a strong spy-glass. And such there were in the Early -World, and had now been bred in the Ending by those inward forces of -Nature which did make the Valley a place of Good Warmth; so that there -was, as it were, once more the Primal World born to give new birth unto -such olden Monsters, and to others, new and Peculiar to that Age and -Circumstance. - -And all this, indeed, did the book give also; but constrained and -difficult to take clearly to the heart, and not like to the wise plain -speech of the early tellings; so that I must even set it out here in -mine own speech. - -And it did seem to me, by my reading, that Man had come at one time to a -great softness of Heart and Spirit through many ages of over-ease. But -that the World did come to coldness and unfriendliness, by reason of the -Sun's slow ceasing. - -And there was presently, in naturalness, a Race upon the earth that were -hardy, and made to fight for their lives; and did perceive that the -Mighty Valley that cut the World in twain, was a place of Warmth and -Life; and so did make to adventure their bodies down that wondrous -Height; and were many Ages coming safe to the Bottom; but did find safe -places in the downward way where they built them Houses, and made to -live, and begot them children; and these grew up to that life of -constant and great climbings, and of hard workings upon The Road, which -was the One Intent of that People; so that the book did speak of them -always as The Road Makers. - -And thus did they make downwards through the long years and the ages; -and many generations did live and die, and saw not the reaching of the -Road down into that Great Vale that lay so monstrous deep in the World. - -But in the end they did come there with the Road; and they were very -Hardy; and they did fight with the Monsters and slay many; and they -built them many Cities, through great years in the Mighty Valley, and -did make the Road from City unto City along that Great Valley, even unto -the Bight of the Valley. And they found here a constant darkness and -Shadow; for that the Sun could not make a shining around that Great -Corner. Yet, even here they ceased not to make the Road; but took it -around, and a mighty way unto the North; passing it among strange Fires -and Pits that burned from out of the earth. - -But there was presently, such a power and horror of Monsters and Evil -Things in that Valley of Shadow, that the Road Makers were made to go -Backwards into the Red Light which did fill the Westward Valley, and -came from that low Sun. - -And they went back unto their Cities; and lived there mayhaps an hundred -thousand years; and grew wise and cunning in all matters; and their Wise -People did make dealings and had experiment with those Forces which are -Distasteful and Harmful unto Life; but they did this in Ignorance; for -all that they had much wisdom; thinking only to Experiment, that they -come to greater knowings. But they did open a way for those Forces; and -much harm and Pity did come thereby. And then had all People to have -Regret; yet too late. - -Now, presently, when an hundred thousand years had gone, or it may be a -greater space; there came slowly the utter twilight of the world, as the -sun to die the more; so that presently it gave but an utter gloomy -light. And there grew upon many of the Peoples of the Cities of the -Valley, a strangeness and a wildness; so that strange things were done, -that had been shameful to all in the Light. And there were wanderings, -and consortings with strange outward beings, and presently, many Cities -were attacked by monsters that did come from the West; and there was a -Pandemonium. - -Then was an Age of Sorrows and Fightings, and Hardenings of the Spirit -and of the Heart, for all that were of good Fibre; and this did breed a -Determined Generation; and there grew up into the World a Leader; and he -took all the sound Millions; and did make a mighty Battle upon all -Foulness and upon all that did harm and trouble them; and they drove -their Enemies down the Valley, and up the Valley, and did utterly -scatter and put them to flight. - -Then did that Man call all his Peoples together; and did make it plain -how that the Darkness grew upon the World, and that the Foul and -dreadful Powers abroad, were like to be more Horrid when a greater Gloom -came. - -And he put to them that they Build a Mighty Refuge; and the Peoples did -acclaim; and lo! there was built, presently, a Great House. But the -Great House was not Proper; and that Man did take all the Peoples to -Wander; and they came to the Bight; and there was built at last that -Great and Mighty Pyramid. - -Now this is the sense and telling of that book; and but late had I read -it; and talked somewhat of it with my dear friend, the Master -Monstruwacan; but not overmuch; for I had taken so sudden a mind to GO, -that all else had dropped from about me. Yet, to us it did seem clear -that there was no life in all the invisible upper world; and that, -surely, that Great Road whereon the Silent Ones did walk, must be that -same Road which the hardy Peoples of that age did make. - -And it did seem wise to the Master Monstruwacan, and unto me, that if -any should find the Lesser Redoubt, they must surely do so somewhere -within the mighty Valley; but whether The Road that led into the West, -where was the Place of the Ab-humans, should bring me to it, I had no -knowing; nor whether it might lie on the Northward way. And I, maybe, to -wander a thousand miles wrong; if, in truth, I were not into some -dreadful trouble before. - -And, indeed, no reason of value was there to give me hope that the -Lesser Pyramid lay either to the West, or where the Road went -North-ward, beyond the House of Silence. Yet I did so feel it to be -somewhere to the North, that I had made a determination to search that -way for a great distance, the first; and if I could not come upon aught, -then I should have sober thought that it did lie Westward. But in the -Valley someways, I had feeling of assurance that it must be; for it was -plain that the telling of the book was sound in its bottom sense; as -might be seen; for how should any live in the utter bleak and deadly -chill of the silent upper world that lay an hundred miles up in the -night, hid and lost for ever. - -And strange is it to think of those wondrous and mighty cliffs that -girt us about, and yet were fast held from us in the dark; so that I -had not known of them, save for the telling of that book; though, in -truth, it had been always supposed that we lived in a great deep of the -world; but, indeed, it was rather held in belief that we abode in the -bed of some ancient sea, that did surely slope gradual away from us, and -not go up abrupt and savage. - -And here let me make so clear as I may that the general peoples had no -clear thought upon any such matters; though there was something of it -taught in the schools; yet rather this and that, of diverse conclusions, -as it might be thinkings of the Teachers, after much study, and some -ponderings. For one man, having a lack of imagining, would scoff, and -another, maybe, to take it very staidly, but some would build Fancy upon -the tellings of the Records, and make foolish and fantastic that which -had groundings in Truth; and thus is it ever. But to the most Peoples of -the Pyramid, there was no deep conviction nor thought of any great hid -World afar in the darkness. For they gave attention and belief only to -that which lay to their view; nor could a great lot come to imagine that -there had been ever any other Condition. - -And to them, it did seem right and meet that there should be strange -things, and fires from the earth, and an ever-abiding night, and -monsters, and matters hid and tangled much in mystery. - -And very content were the most of them; though some had in them the -yeast of imaginings, or the pimples of fancy upon them, and to these -there seemed many possibilities; though the first to read out to sanity; -and the second, to expect and have speech towards much that was foolish -or to no purpose. - -And of these vague believings of the peoples, have I made hint before, -and need not have much trouble to it now. Save that, with the children, -as is ever the way, those olden tales had much believing; and the -simplicity of the Wise did mate with the beliefs of the Young; and -between them did lie the Truth. - -And so did I make speed towards the North, having a strong surety in my -heart and mind that there were but two ways to my search; for without of -the Valley, afar up in the dead lonesomeness of the hidden world, was a -cold that was shapen ready to Death, and a lacking, as I must believe, -of the sweet, needful air that yet did lie in plenty in that deep place -of the earth. So that, surely, the mighty Valley somewheres to hold that -other Redoubt. - -Yet, as I have said, I went not direct to my journey, but otherwise, for -those sound reasons which I did set down a time back. - - - - -VII - -THE NIGHT LAND - - -Now, as I went towards the North and West, I steered me warily for a -great while, that I come safe of that Great Watcher of the North-West. -And as I made forward, I put thought to all matters which must concern -me; so far as I had imagining to see. And first I did consider the speed -that I should keep; and found presently that I did well to be moderate; -for that I had before me a great and mighty journey; and indeed, who -might speak knowingly of the end thereof? - -And another matter, I did arrange; for I would make the times of my -goings forward, and the times of mine eatings and sleepings all to a -wise and regular fashion; that, thereby, I might go a great way, with -the less harm to my body; so that I should be strong when the need did -come for my strength. And I made in the end that I should eat and drink, -at every sixth hour, and at the eighteenth hour sleep me until the -twenty-fourth. - -And by this means did I eat thrice in that time, and have six hours of -sleep. And this seemed very good to me, and I did strive always to -manage thus in all my great journeying in the Night Land. Yet, as may be -supposed, there were times oft and many when I must watch without -ceasing, and leave my slumber unto the future; for the Land was full of -grim and dreadful Perils. - -And, as doth be human, I brake my rule straightway in the beginning; for -I ceased not to walk for one-and-twenty hours, hiding and creeping, as -the need did be in those places that were like to show me unto the -Watcher; and when I did think upon food, it did sicken me; so that I -would eat by and by, as I made it within my thoughts. - -But when one-and-twenty hours had gone, I grew very weary and something -faint; and was forced that I look about for some place where I might -have rest. And, in a little while, I did see, away off, a small -fire-hole, the like of which I had passed odd times even so early. And I -made to come nigh to that part; for there would be warmth from the -chill of the Night Land, and mayhaps a place dry and convenient to my -slumber. - -And when I came anigh, I saw that it was a cheerful place, as it might -be said, amid so much gloom; for the hole was but a few paces wide, and -full of a dull, glowing fire, that did bubble somewhat, and throw off a -small sulphur-smoke. And I sat me down, at no great way, and did place -the Diskos on the rock to my hand. - -And I moved not, awhile; but was aweary, so that I had not the courage -to eat, neither to drink; but must turn me and look back to the Mighty -Pyramid; and, in truth, though I had come a very good space, yet was I -so anigh to it, that I was both cheered and put out of heart; for it did -seem close upon me, by reason of its greatness, so that I, who had -journeyed a hard and weariful way, was shaken with the greatness of the -task that was upon me. - -Yet was this but one side of my heart; for it was good to feel the -nearness of my Mighty Home; and I knew that there did countless millions -make watch upon me, as I sat; yet did I make no sign; for it is not meet -to make a constant farewell; but to GO. Yet was it very strange to be -thus near, and to show such behaviour as were proper to one afar from -all humanity. But so it was that I ordered my ways; for it did seem -proper to me; yet was I happy to know that the dear Master Monstruwacan -must, time and oft, have spied upon me through the Great Spy-Glass; and -mayhaps did watch me in that moment. - -And it grew in me that I did act weakly to hold off from mine Vittles, -and showed foolishness before my kind friend afar; and I did ope my -scrip, and take therefrom three tablets, the which I chewed and did eat; -for this was a strong food, treated that it had but small bulk. Yet were -they not filling to the belly; and I made that I would drink well, that -I might feel that something was therein. - -And to this end, I shook from a strong and especial tube, a dust; and I -caught the dust within a little cup; and the air did make an action upon -that dust, as it were of chemistry; and the dust did boil and make a -fizzing in the cup, and rose up and filled it with a liquid that was of -simple water; yet very strange to see come that way; but ordinary after -a time. - -And in this way, as might be seen, had I such food and drink in but a -little scrip, that might keep life within me for a great time. Yet was -it a way of discomfort, and lacking to the mouth and to the belly; but a -sufficient thing unto the need of the body, and good matter for a -thankful heart, in that dark and hungry Land. - -Now, when I had eaten, I did go over in their order, those things which -I did carry; for there was, beside the Diskos and that scrip of food, a -pouch that did contain matters various. And these, I did look into; and -afterward did take out a small compass that I had been give by the -Master Monstruwacan, so that I might find of its workings without the -Great Redoubt; and, he had said unto me, that it might be that I should -pass far off into the Night Land, and lose the Mighty Pyramid amid so -great a Country and so plentiful a Darkness. Then, perchance, if that -ancient principle did still lurk within the machine, though turned no -more to the North, but unto the Pyramid, then should it guide my feet -Homeward out of the Everlasting Night, and thus have once more that -ancient use which, as I do know, is common unto this age. - -And this was a very cunning thing to have with me, if but it held -service to the Earth-Current, and a rare thing, which the Master -Monstruwacan did make with his own hands and much skill and pains, from -an olden one that had place within the Great Museum, and concerning -which I have told somewhat, before this place. - -And I set the thing upon the ground; but it had no certain way with it; -but did spin and waver constantly, and this I made to consider, and -remembered that I was yet above that part where, afar in the earth did -spread the greatness of the Underground Fields; and I was, haply, but a -little way off from the "Crack"; though a mighty way above. - -And it pleasured me to wonder whether the dear Master Monstruwacan did -behold how that I made test with the compass; for the light was good -from the fire-hole; and the Great Spy-Glass had a great strength. Yet, -had I no certainty; for, as I did know, from much watchings, there was -no surety in the searching of the Land, by the Glass; for there was oft -plainness where you did think surely none should see, and anon a -dullness where might be thought that the sight went gaily. And this may -be plain to all; for the wavering of the lights from the strange fires -was not to be accounted to rule; but made a light here, and a darkness -there, and then did change about, oddly. Moreover, there were smokes and -mists that did come upwards from the earth, in this place and in that; -and had somewhiles a greatness; but oft were small, and did lurk low, -and had no power but to confuse the sight. - -And, presently, I did put by the compass in my pouch, and made to -compose myself unto sleep. But here would I now set down how that, in -the end, after I had gone many days' journeyings outward from the Mighty -Pyramid, I did indeed find it to draw the Northward part of the needle -unto it; and this was a comfort and a pleasure to my spirit; moreover, -if ever I did get back, as I did think, it would be a matter for great -interest unto the Master Monstruwacan; yet, in verity, were there other -matters that should hold him more; for he was right human, as all should -know. - -And, moreover, concerning this same compass, I did find a fresh thing; -for, after a yet greater time, as I shall set out in a due place, if I -do but remember, which doubt is ever my fear to fret me, I came a -mighty way from the Redoubt, and, lo! fearing that I might indeed lose -that, My Great Home, in the Darkness of the World, I did pull out that -strange wonder of the needle, that I might have comfort by its homeward -pointing. And I did discover a new power in the night; for the machine -did point no more directwards unto the Great Redoubt; but was a point -unto the Westwards; so that I had knowledge that some Great Power afar -in the Darkness of the World did sway upon it; and I had a childlike -wonder that this might be, in truth, that same Power of the North, of -which the books, and my Memory-Dreams did tell. And, indeed, no doubt -should there be upon this matter; yet who might not have doubt in that -time, that they should perceive after an eternity, that ancient -Northward Force swaying that small servant unto an olden obedience. And -it was, as it were, a revealing unto me, how that to know within the -brain is one matter; but to have knowledge within the heart is another; -for I had always known concerning this Northward Force; but yet had not -known with the true meaning of Knowledge. - -And yet one other matter there was to cause doubt, at that moment of -this new knowing; for it came to me that maybe the power of that Lesser -Redoubt did begin to act upon the machine, even as the Earth-Current of -the Great Pyramid did hold yet a strong drawing upon the needle; and -were this so, then did I not surely begin to stand anigh unto my -Journey's end; for that less power of the Lesser Redoubt could have no -impudence to pull, save that I had come to a closeness with it. - -Yet, in truth, as I do now have knowledge, it was the North that drew; -and I do seem to make a great telling about this little matter; but how -else shall I show to you mine inward mind, and the lack of knowledge and -likewise the peculiar knowings that did go to the making of that time, -and the Peoples thereof, which is but to say the same thing twice over. - -And now, as I did say, I made to compose myself for sleep; and to this -end, I took a cloak-matter which did cross my shoulder and hip, and -wrapt it about me, and lay down there in the darkness of the Night, by -that strange fire-hole. - -And I lay the Diskos beside me, within the cloak; for it was, indeed, my -companion and friend in bitter need; so that I had pleasure to feel the -strange thing anigh to me. And as I did lie there, in those moments that -do drowse the Soul, as it were that they do proceed as breath out of the -mouth of Sleep, I had a half-knowing that the aether did surge about me; -and I doubt not but that there had watched my every doing, many of the -Millions, and had been humanly stirred, at my commending of my spirit -unto sleep; and thus did shake the aether of the world about me, with -their unity of sympathy. - -And, mayhaps, I had some little knowing of this thing, as I did pass, -drowsy, into slumber; and it is surely like that I slept the better for -it. Moreover, I was wondrous tired and worn, and thus did sleep very -strong and heavy; yet I mind me that my last dim thinkings were upon -that sweet maid I did go to find. And in slumber did I have speech with -her in dreams, and a strange happiness about me, and all seeming to be -touched by fairy-light, and freed from the sorrow of life. - -And it was from a sweet and lovely sleeping, such as this, that I was -waked suddenly by a great and mighty sound; and I came instant to a -possessing of my senses; and I knew that the mighty Voice of the -Home-Call did go howling across the Night. And, swift and silent, I slid -the cloak from about me, and took the haft of that wondrous Diskos into -mine hand. - -And I did look towards the Pyramid, quickly, for a message; for I had a -sure knowledge that there had a great Need arisen, and that some Terror -came towards me out of the Dark; else they had never waked all the Night -Land to a knowing that an human was abroad out of the Mighty Refuge. - -And even as I did peer towards the Great Redoubt, I could not abide to -keep my gaze entire that way; but did take a large and fearful look all -about me; yet could make to see nothing; and so did stare, eager and -anxious, afar into the upper blackness of the Night, where did shine -that Final Light of the Tower of Observation; and the same while -crouched, and holding the Diskos, and making to glance across my -shoulders, and to watch for the message, and all in the same moment. - -And then, afar upwards in the prodigious height, I did see the great, -and bright and quick darting flashes of a strange green fire, and did -know that they spelled to me in the Set-Speech a swift warning that a -grey monster, that was a Great Grey Man, had made scent of me in the -dark, and was even in that moment of time, crawling towards me through -the low moss-bushes that lay off beyond the fire-hole to my back. And -the message was sharp; and bade me to leap into the bushes unto my left; -and to hide there; so that I might chance to take the thing to an -advantage. - -And, as may be thought, they had scarce flashed the tale unto me; but I -was gone in among the shadows of a clump of the moss-bush that did grow -anigh; and I sweat with a strange terror, and a cold and excited shaking -of the heart; yet was my spirit set strong to conquer. - -And lo! as I did crouch there, hidden, I saw something come very quiet -out of the bushes that did grow beyond the fire-hole; and it was great, -and crept, and was noways coloured but by greyness in all its parts. And -the glare from the fire-hole did seem to trouble it; so that it looked, -laying its head to the ground, and spying along the earth, in a strange -and Brutish fashion; that it might oversee the glare of the fire-hole. -Yet, I doubt that it saw beyond the fire with plainness; for, in a -moment, it crept swift in among the bushes again, and came out towards -the edge of the fire-hole in another place; and this it did thrice unto -my left, and thrice unto my right; and every time did lay its head to -the earth, and spy along; and did hunch its shoulders, and thrust -forward the jaw horridly and turn the neck, as a very nasty beast might -go, wanton. - -Now, as you may think, this manner of the Beast-Man did shake my courage -mightily; for I did think each time that it did go inward among the -moss-bushes, that it had made discovery of me, and would make to take me -in the back, from out of the dark of the bushes; and this was an -uncomfortable thing to consider, as others might think also, had any -been there in the bush with me. And then, in truth, did that same swift -sense of mine Hearing, prove helpful to my saving; for, behold, the -thing did go back into the moss-bushes, after that last coming out; and -did seem to make as it had made a failing to discover me, and had no -further intent, save to return unto the Night; and I had this thought -truly in mine heart, and for maybe a minute; and then, lo! within my -soul a voice did speak plain, and did warn me that the thing did make a -great compass among the moss-bushes about the fire-hole, having made -discovery of me; and it did go warily to take me in the back, from the -other side. - -Now, when I heard this voice speak within my spirit, I had knowledge -that the dear Master Monstruwacan made watch from the Tower of -Observation, and did send the speech with his brain-elements, having in -mind that I had the Night-Hearing. And I trusted the speech; for in the -same moment of time there did beat all about me in the Night the solemn -throb of the Master-Word, as that it had been added with speed, to give -instant assurance. And I leapt quick from that clump of the moss-bush, -unto another, and crouched, and made a watch all about me; and kept the -ears of my spirit open, knowing that the Master Monstruwacan did also -watch all, for me. - -And, suddenly, I saw a little moving of a bush that grew to the back of -those bushes in which I had been hid; and there came out of the bush -that moved, a great grey hand, and moved the moss of the clump where I -had been, as it were that something peered out of the moving bush. And -there followed the great grey head of the Grey Man, and the head went -into the clump of the moss-bush where I had been. - -And I knew that I must strike now; and I leapt, and smote with the -Diskos; and the thing fell upon its side, and the great grey legs came -out of the hither bushes, and twitched and drew upwards; but the head -remained in the bush where I had been hid. And I stood away from the -thing whilst it died; and in mine hand the Diskos did spin and send -forth fire; as it were that it did live, and did know that it had slain -a great and horrid monster. - -And presently the Grey Man was dead; and I went away from those bushes, -unto the far side of the fire-hole. And I stood with the Diskos held -high and spinning and sending out fire, that they within the Mighty -Pyramid might know that I had slain the Beast-Man; for it might be that -it lay too much in the shadow for them to look upon. - -But the Master Monstruwacan spoke not again to me; for, indeed, it was -not meet to do so, except it might save me from a sure danger; for, as -you may know from my past tellings, there were Powers of the Night Land -that did hearken unto such matters; and it was like enough that there -had been overmuch done, even thus, for my further safety. Yet the thing -could not be helped. - -And now that I was a little calmed, and eased from my fear, I could know -that all that the aether of the night was disturbed by the gladness of -the millions within the Great Redoubt; so that it was plain how great a -multitude had given note unto the fight; and their hearts to beat in -sweet sympathy and natural fear; so that I did feel companied and -befriended; though, as it may be thought, something shaken yet about the -heart. - -Now, in a little time, I did gather unto me my wits and had myself to -order; and I looked to see how the hours did go, and I found that I had -surely slumbered through ten hours. And I reproached myself; for, -indeed, I had slept oversound by reason of my having lacked a regular -way and time, as I had with a proper wisdom made to be my rule. And I -resolved that I would obey the wit of my Reason in all the future time, -and make to eat and rest in due season, as you will wot that I did -before intend. - -Then, with a self-reproachful heart, I went around the small fire-hole, -and caught up my cloak and other matters. And I turned me towards the -Mighty Pyramid, and did look once upwards along all the great slope, -where it did go measureless into the far blackness of the Everlasting -Night; and I made no salutation; for I had so resolved, as you will -know; moreover, I desired not to call forth any unneedful disturbance of -the aether of the world, which indeed must be, did I make to stir the -emotions of the Millions. - -And I turned me then away, and went off into the night, going swift and -cautious, and bearing the Diskos cunningly and almost, as it were, with -a love for that strange and wondrous weapon that had so befriended me, -and slain the foul Grey Man with one stroke. And I had feeling that it -did know me, and had a comradeship for me; and I doubt none will -understand this; save, it might be, they of the olden days that did -carry one strong sword always. Yet was the Diskos more than the sword; -for it did in truth seem to live with the fire and the flame of the -Earth-Current that did beat within it. - -And it was well acknowledged within the Great Redoubt, that none might -touch the Diskos of another; for that the thing went crustily, as it -might be said, in the hands of a stranger; and if any made foolishness -of this knowledge, and did persist much to such an handling, or making -to use, the same would presently act clumsy with the weapon, and come to -an hurt; and this was a sure thing, and had been known maybe an hundred -thousand years; or perchance a greater time. - -And by this it doth seem wise to believe that there did grow always an -affinity between the nature of the man--which doth, as ever, include the -woman--and the Diskos that he did use in his Practice; and because of -this known thing, and that the place would elsewise be lumbered with -olden weapons of those that did die, it was a Law and Usage that there -was placed with the Dead, the Diskos of the Dead, there upon The Last -Road in the Country Of Silence, and was thus made to give back unto the -Earth-Current, the power that did lie in it. And this doth seem to a -careless thinker, as it were that I told once again those olden customs -of the Ancient Folk; but this is otherwise, and had a sound reason to -it; yet, if you do so believe, I doubt not but that a right human -sentiment was something at the bottom, which is proper; for it is meet -that Love should mate with Wisdom to mother Comfort in our sorrows; and -it is a warm thing to do aught for our dead; and none may say nay to -this. - -Now, as I did go onwards into the Night Land, looking ever to this -shadow and to that, it may be conceived how my heart would stir with -swift fear, at this and that; and that my body would oft quiver to leap -aside; and as swift discover that naught assailed. - -And so did I go forward, and always with imaginings and wonders -concerning what manner of uncouth Being or Brute might come out of the -darknesses all about. Yet, in all that time, there was a certain -proudness of the heart, that I did come safe out of the power of the -Grey Man, and did surely slay him. But, truly, it were well that the -praise be considered, and not overmuch given unto me; for I had died as -I slept, but that they of the Great Redoubt, had made a watch over me, -and waked me unto my saving. - -Now, presently, as I walked, I grew something faint, and had knowledge -that I did foolishly; for, indeed, I should have eat after my fight; yet -may I be forgiven for this forgetting, in that I had been much shaked -and put about. - -And I sat me down in a little clear place among the bushes, and did eat -three of the tablets, and did once more shake forth the dust that did -turn in the air to a natural water by a proper and natural chemistry of -these matters. And after I had eat, I sat a little while, and did think, -and did look upwards at the great slope of the Pyramid in the night; and -all the time did I listen with mine ears and with my spirit; and kept -the Diskos across my knees, and looked this way and that, very frequent; -but nothing came anigh. - -And so I rose presently, and went onwards, and walked for six hours -towards the North and the West. And I made much to the West, for a -little, that I might come clear of the North-West Watcher. Yet, after a -space, I made to do foolishly; for I changed my mind about, and kept -something more towards the North, so that I should have a surer sight of -that Monster. - -And this was, in truth, a rash and naughty thing to consider; for if I -were but seen, then should that grim Brute make a signal unto the Evil -Powers, and I be met swiftly with destruction. But surely the heart is a -strange and wayward thing, and given to quick fears, and immediately -unto great and uncountable rashnesses. And so I did go forward unwisely -to the Northward of a safe and proper going; and it may be that an -influence was upon me, and drew me thatwards; but who shall say. - -Now, a great time I walked, and made a halt upon every sixth hour, and -did eat and drink, and look a little unto the monstrous towering of the -Great Redoubt; and afterwards make strong mine heart, and go forward -again. And always I did go warily, and chiefly among the low moss-bush; -but sometimes out upon stony ground, and oft across places where sulphur -did puff somewhat from the ground in a low smoke, very strong in the -nostrils and not liked inwardly. - -And as I made onwards, I looked always to my right and to my left, and -anon to the rear; yet made a constant observation of the Mighty Watcher, -that I did begin to draw nigh unto. And oft did I stoop to crawl, and my -hands did bleed somewhat; but after I was troubled so, I put on the -great gloves that made complete the grey armour, and so was shod proper -to such journeying. - -And, presently, when eighteen hours did have passed since that my sudden -awakening to the peril of the Grey Man, I did search about for a place -to slumber; for I would keep wisely unto my ruling, and go not over long -lacking of sleep; and by this planning I should be the less like to -sleep oversound, and so should set my spirit to listen whilst I did -sleep; and by so much as my spirit should serve me with faith, should I -have safety. And this thing is plain, and wants not more to the saying -thereof. - -And I came presently unto a sudden place where the land did go downwards -brokenly, as that it had been burst a great while gone by the inward -fires; and I looked downwards over the edge of that place, and went -round about it, and did see presently a ledge upon the far side, that -was difficult to come upon; yet a place of some little safety to any -that might go down to it; for it was awkward to see, and did any monster -seek to come at me, I should have chance of warning; and might go -downwards a greater way in time to my salvation. - -And by this determination, I abode; and came down to that place with -labour; but was cheerful of heart that I had found so sure a shelter. -And I eat my three tablets, and drank the water that I did get from the -powder. And so made to compose my body to sleep. Yet, at this time, a -thought did come to me, and I made calculation afresh; and laughed -somewhat at that my poor counting; for, indeed, I had thought to eat but -thrice in the twenty and four hours; yet by my arranging, I was made, -indeed, to eat four times, as you shall see immediately by a little -thought. And this thing came more strong upon my spirit than any might -think; for I did eat overmuch for the lasting of the food; though, in -verity, it was but little to my belly; as you must all think, and have -sympathy for my discomfort. - -And I considered a little, and had determined that I should afterwards -in my journeying, eat but two of the tablets to my meal; and this was a -wise thought, and like much wisdom, a discomposing thing. But so it was, -and I set it down that you may know the arranging of my ways at that -time. - -Now, in all this while of meditation, I had been setting my cloak about -me, and was fast set to my sleeping; for I had walked a weary way. And I -lay me down upon my left side, with my back to the rock, which did -overhang me something above; so that I was contented to feel hid from -things that might pass by in the Night. And I had the cloak about me, -and the Diskos close against my breast, within the cloak, and my head -upon my pouch and upon my scrip. - -And as I lay thus a moment easeful, I could see that so mighty was the -uprising of the Great Pyramid that it was not hid from me even thus, but -did stand upward into the night, and did shine, and was plain to be seen -above the further edge of that deep place where I did lie. - -And I fell upon sleep, looking upward at that Final Light, where, as -might be, the Master Monstruwacan did bend the Great Spy-Glass upon my -lonesomeness, as I lay there upon the ledge. - -And this was a thought of sweet comfort upon which to slumber; the which -I did; but my spirit lay wakeful within my breast, and did listen -through the night; and harked for all evil matters and things that did -make to come anigh. But also my spirit did whisper unto Naani as I went -into sleep; and so passed I into dreams. - -Now, it may be thought that I did act with a strange valiance, in that I -composed my body so properly to slumber, and with but a little trouble -of the heart concerning the coming of monsters. And in truth this hath -seemed somewhat so to me, thinking since that time; but I do but set the -thing that is truth; and make not to labour to an illusion of truth; and -so must tell much that doth seem improper to the Reality. Yet must all -bear with me, and have understanding of the hardness of setting forth -with true seeming the honesty of Truth, which, in verity, is better -served oft times by timely and cunning lies. And so shall you understand -this matter so well as I. - -And presently my spirit waked me there in the half dark of the Night -Land; and I looked swift about me, and upwards, and saw nothing to -fear. Then did I peer at my dial; and made to discover that I had slept -full over six quiet hours; and by this I knew the reason of mine -awaking; for it was so great impressed upon me by mine inward sense and -being. And this you shall understand, someways, who have thought, ere -sleep, to wake to a certain time of the morning; and by understanding -shall you believe and give me all your kind harking and human sympathy. - -And I made to have a smartness of going, which is ever hard to the newly -waked; and I eat two tablets, the while my belly did cry out for an -wholesome and proper filling; but I drank some of the water, and so did -ease somewhat of my hunger. - -Then did I wind my cloak to its shape, and put upon me my gear, which -was the scrip and the pouch, and the Diskos to my hip; and I clomb out -from that place of rest. Yet, before I did come rightly up into the -open, I peered about, and made some surety that no evil Brute was anigh. -And then I gat me out, and stood upon my feet, and looked for a little -upwards at the mighty slope of the Great Redoubt, which did seem yet -very nigh unto me, by reason of it being so monstrous in bigness. - -And I wondered whether in that moment the Master Monstruwacan did look -down upon me, with the Great Spy-Glass. And afterwards I turned away -swiftly, and went on into the Night Land; for it did always make me -shaken with lonesomeness to look upon my Great Home. And so I did go -forward with a strong and uncaring stride; but grew presently to -quietness, and to have back the proper caution of my going. Yet had I -not gone all foolishly, for I had taken the Diskos from my hip, ere -this; so that I possessed it handily. - -Now there is one matter which shall seem but a small and natural -occurring unto you; yet was strong upon me in that time; and this thing -was that I did begin now to see the Night Land from the new outlooking -of my distance from the Mighty Pyramid. And it was as that a man of this -day did go from the earth to travel among the stars, and lo! should he -not find them to shift upon his vision; so that the Great Bear and this -and that shaping of the star clusterings, should make a new order, as he -did wander onwards; and so should he find that there was naught that was -truly fixed, as he did before then think; but all to alter according -unto the place whence the looking! And this thing shall be plain unto -you, though no thought be put to the matter; for it is of an evident -verity that doth need not argument to expound. And so shall you have -memory of me, there a-wander among those strange shapings and wonders of -that grim Land, the which I had never but supposed to seem but as my -memory did retain them, from the lookings of all my life within the -Great Redoubt. And so it was; and ever there did this thing and that -open out to a new view, and the Night Land take to itself a constant new -aspect to mine eyes which had never until that time had but the one -fixed vision of the same. - -And you shall understand with me how that when, about the fourteenth -hour of that day's travel, I did draw very nigh unto the monstrous -Watcher of the North-West, it did seem so utter strange from this fresh -aspect that I had been like to think that I did see a new Monster. For, -in truth, when I did come at last to creep to within a mile of it, among -the low moss-bushes, I was confounded that the mighty chin did come -forward towards the Great Redoubt, even as the upward part of a vast -cliff, which the sea doth make hollow about the bottom; for it did hang -out into the air above the glare of the fire from the Red Pit, as it had -been a thing of Rock, all scored and be-weathered, and dull red and -seeming burned and blasted by reason of the bloody shine that beat -upward from the deep of the Red Pit. - -And by the way in which I do tell upon it, you shall know that I did -surely view it something from the side at this immediate time; for, in -truth, it was then that I did draw the nearer; and, moreover, I was the -more astonished at this viewing, than I had been to the front; for it -was so utter strange, and shapen so different from the Brute that did -hang in my memory. - -And a great time I did lie there upon my belly; and shaken by a fear of -the Beast; yet emboldened, as you may conceive, by having come to the -side; and being hopeful in my heart that I was very secure within so -great a shadow and the thick sheltering of the moss-bushes. - -And surely it was that I did creep more nigh, the while that I did look; -for presently I had a very plain seeing of the Great Monster; and did -know where I had gotten to, and thereby did acknowledge unto myself that -this was an utter foolishness; and like, for all that any might say, to -lead unto destruction. Yet, as all must know, there was the first fear, -and the ceasing of this fear, as I did wot that I was so little a thing -to heed out there in the shadows. And presently a gaining of courage, -and the prick of my Being that did crave to see clear this exceeding -Wonder. And so was I come close, more or less, having gone far upon my -hands and knees; yet sometimes to pause; but afterwards on again. - -Now by this nearness, I was the more truly able to perceive how that the -Bulk of the Watcher did rise up into the Night, like a Hill; and the -colour was mostly black, save and indeed where it did face to the red -shine of the Pit; and concerning this I have done telling. - -And so did I lie there, and stare a great while, parting a small hole in -the moss-bushes that I might spy through the same. And the thing was -squat there, and might have root within the earth, so it did seem to -mine imaginings, as I did stare with a dumb wonder. And there were -monstrous warts upon the thing, and indents and a mighty ruggedness and -lumpings; as it were that it did be pimpled with great boulders that -were inbred within that monstrous hide. And where the shine from the -Pit of Red Fire did strike upon these, they did stand out into the -darkness away from the skin, as you of this Age shall see mountains of -the moon catch a bright fire from the Sun, and show plain upon the night -of the moon. - -Now, as I have set down, I did lie there and look a great while; and it -came presently to me that there was unease within the Mighty Pyramid, -among the Millions; for I did feel the aether of the world to be -disturbed by their distress; and so had a knowing that they had a -cunning wareness concerning the place where I did hide among the -moss-bushes. - -And the thrilling in the night did bring a wisdom into my head; for, in -verity, as I have said, this was a foolish matter that I was upon. And I -gat a thought that the Watcher might have an awaredness of the trouble -of the Multitudes; and, indeed, for all that I did know, it had a full -knowledge of all my wandering; though concerning this, I did think -otherwise truly in my heart; as is a most human and proper way to make -comfortable the spirit, where Doubt can have no ease from Reason. - -And I made that I would go backwards to a good distance from the -Watcher, and go forward again upon my journeying, if but that I come -safe from so unwise an adventuring. And as I did begin to return, it was -to me as that all my senses were newly awake; for I had a sudden knowing -that I was within the atmosphere, should I not call it, of the Monster. - -And I gat an abrupt and horrid shaking of the spirit; for I did feel in -verity that my soul had come too anigh; and that the Beast had a sure -knowledge concerning me; yet did make to my destruction with no haste; -but after that way and fashion that did seem proper unto it. - -And this feeling you shall understand the better, maybe, when I do tell -that it was to me as that the air all about me was full of a quiet and -steadfast life and keen intelligence that I did believe to come forth -from the Watcher on every side; so that I did feel as one already within -the gaze of some Great and Evil Power. - -Yet, though I had a great terror upon me, I made no foolish haste; but -commanded my soul to courage, and put a guard upon my way of going, and -so made a very quiet journey for maybe two full miles; and afterwards -did allow myself something more of haste; for I was now grown easier in -my spirit; and felt apart from the spirit of the Great Watcher. - -And after a longer while, I did leave that hill of watchfulness to my -rear; and was gone onward into the night; yet, as may be known, with a -vague unease and trouble to my heart, and a swift and frequent turning -to learn surely that no Evil Thing came after me. For, as you may know, -I could nowise have forgetting, concerning that great quiet Life which -did seem to be living in all the air around that Mighty Bulk. For it had -been all about me in the night, as I have told, and I to feel that I had -been surely discovered! And thus shall you know how shaken was my -spirit, in verity. - -Now, presently, at the eighteenth hour of that day's travel, I ceased -from my journeying, that I might eat and drink; and I did sit a little -while, and looked back upon the strange and monstrous thing which I had -come beyond. And the great humped back and vast shoulders of the -Watching-Thing rose up into the night, black and cumbrous against the -red shine of the Pit. And thus, as you shall think, had that Brute -looked always unto the Mighty Pyramid, through Eternity, and did cease -not from watching, and was steadfast and silent and alone; and none did -understand. - -And after I had eat, and drunk some of the water, I went onward for a -full matter of six hours more; being minded to have no sleep until I had -put a great way between me and the Watcher. And in this part of my -journey did I come to The Place Where The Silent Ones Kill, as it was -named in the Maps. And I observed a very wondrous caution, and went away -from it a little, unto the North, where I did see at a distance the -shinings of fire-holes; the which did promise me warmth through my -slumber. - -And here you must know that the Place Where The Silent Ones Kill was an -utter bare place, where all did seem of rock, and no bush did seem to -grow thereon; so that a man might not come to any hiding; though, in -truth, there might be some hole here or there; yet was none shown in any -map within the Pyramid; neither did there seem to be any such to me, as -I did creep there among the moss-bushes to the Northward of the Place, -and look constant and fearful towards it; so that I should see quickly -whether any Silent One did move across all the grey quiet of that rocky -plain. - -And concerning this same Place Where The Silent Ones Kill, it were well -to make an explanation how that there was always a little and -far-spreaded light over all that lonesomeness; and the light was -something grey-seeming; as it were that a lichen might grow upon the -rocks, and send out a little uncomfortable glowing, even as certain -matters do in these times, if you do but know the place and the time to -seek them. Yet was the light exceeding weak, and very cold and dismal, -and did seem truly to show naught with a sureness; so that it did appear -to the eye, if one did look fixedly, that there were shadows that did -move here or there, as it were of silent beings; and none might know, in -truth, whether this shaping of the greyness was to the clouding of the -Reason, or that the eye did see of Reality. Yet, if one did look with -the Great Spy-Glass, then might there be some surety and plainness; and -likewise was it so, if one did have come sufficient anigh to that -uncomfortable Place, even as I then did be. And so you shall conceive -how that I did slide very quiet from bush unto bush; for I had alway in -all my life had a very dread fear of this place; and oft did I peer out -into the dim grey light of the lonesome plain unto my left; and would -think sometimes to perceive the shapes of the Silent Ones stood vague -and watchful; yet, on the instant, to see nothing. - -And thus I did go onward, and came presently to a part where the grey -plain did stretch out a bareness into the Night Land to my front; so -that my way ended, unless I did make a long passing round about. - -And I sat there among the moss-bushes, and did consider, and lookt out -cunningly through a spy-hole of the bush in which I did sit. And I -perceived that the part of the plain which did jut bareness into the -Land before me had no greatness of size; but might be passed swiftly in -but a little running. And this thing should save me a wearisome going -round; so that I made to consider it with a serious mind; and all the -time did I search the bare greyness before me, and saw presently that it -was surely empty. - -And I made to adventure myself across, running very swift until I had -come to the far side. And lo! as I did go to rise up out of the bush, -mine eyes were opened, as it were, and I saw that there was something -amid the constant greyness; and I fell quickly into the bush; and did -sweat very chill; but yet did haste to look. - -And I saw now that there were, in truth, matters that did show vague -upon that part of the plain that was before me. And I did peer very -constant and anxious, and, behold, I saw that there was facing me, a -great line of quiet and lofty figures, shrouded unto their feet; and -they moved not, neither made they any sound; but stood there amid the -greyness, and did seem to make an unending watch upon me; so that my -heart went unto weakness, and I did feel that there was no power of the -moss-bushes to hide me; for, in verity, they that stood so silent were -certain of the Silent Ones; and I was very nigh to the Place of -Destruction. - -Now, I moved not for a time; but was made stiff by the greatness of my -fear. Yet I was presently aware that the Silent Ones came not towards -me; but stood quiet; as that they did mind not to slay me, if but I did -keep from that Place. - -And there grew therefrom a little courage into mine heart, and I obeyed -my spirit, and took an hold of my strength and went slowly backward in -the bushes. And presently I was come a long way off. Yet troubled and -disturbed, and very strict to my going. - -And I made a great circling about that place where the plain of the -Silent Ones did come outward; and so did gain to the North-West; and was -thence something the happier in my heart; and went easily, and oft upon -my feet; yet making a strong watching to every side. - -And so I came at the last to a time when I had walked through -four-and-twenty weariful hours; and was eager that I should come to a -safe place for my sleep; yet did lack a happy belief of safety, in that -I had come twice anigh to so grim trouble; and unsure I was that I did -not be secretly pursued in the night. And this you shall believe to be a -very desperate feeling; and a plight to make the heart sick, and to long -with a great longing for the safety of that mine Home. Yet had I put -myself to the task; and truly I did never cease to the sorrowful -remembering of that utter despair that had sounded to me plain in the -last calling of mine own love, out of all the mystery of the night. And -but to think upon this was to grow strong in the spirit; yet to have a -fresh anxiousness that I did the more surely keep my life within me, and -so come to that maid's salvation. - -Now, as you shall mind, I had spied the shine of certain fire-holes -somewhat to the Northward, and had thought to make thereabouts a place -for my sleep; for, in truth, there was a bitterness of cold in all the -air of night that did surround me; and I was warmed nigh to a slow -happiness, by thinking upon a fire to lie beside; and small wonder, as -you shall say. - -And I made presently a strong walking unto that place where did glow in -the night the shine of the fire-holes, as I did well judge them to be; -and so was like to have come over-swiftly upon my death, as you shall -presently see; for, as I came anigh to the first, I perceived that the -light came upward out of a great hollow among the moss-bushes, and that -the fire-hole burned somewhere in the deep of the hollow; so that I did -but look upon the shine thereof. - -Yet very eager was I to come to that warmth; and I made more of haste -than care, as I did hint; and so came very swift to the top of the -hollow; yet was still hidden by the kindness of the moss-bushes. - -And as I made to thrust forward out of the bushes, that I might look and -go downward into the hollow, there rose up to me the sound of a very -large voice, and deep and husky. And the voice was a dreadful voice that -did speak as that it said ordinary things, and in a fashion so monstrous -as that it were that a house did speak, and, in verity, this is a -strange thing to say; yet shall it have the truth of my feelings and -terror in that moment. - -And I drew back swiftly from discovering myself; and was then all feared -to move, or to make to go more backward, lest that I should give -knowledge that I was come anigh. And likewise did I shiver lest that I -was even then perceived. And so shall you have something of the utter -fear that did shake me. And I abode there, very quiet, and moved not for -a very great space; but did sweat and shake; for there was a monstrous -horridness in the voice that did speak. - -And as I crouched there within the moss-bushes, there came again the -large voice, and it was answered by a second voice; and thereupon there -arose, as it did seem, the speech of Men that must have the bigness of -elephants, and that did have no kindness in all their thoughts; but were -utter monstrous. And the speech was slow, and it rose up out of the -hollow, brutish and hoarse and mighty. And I would that I could make you -to hear it, and that you could but borrow mine ears for a little moment, -and forthwith be shaken with that utter horror and an afraidness, even -as was I. - -Now, presently, there was a very long quiet, and I ceased at last a -little from mine over-fear; and later I did calm somewhat; so that I -made to shift my position, which was grown very uneasy. - -And there was still no sound from the hollow. Wherefore, having a little -boldness and much curiousness, and these despite my great fearfulness, I -put forth mine hand, very cautious, and did move the mossbush a little -from my face. And I went forward upon the earth, and did lie upon my -belly; and was by this so close upon the edge of that place, that I was -abled to look downwards. - -And you shall know that I peered down into that great hollow, and did -see a very strange and horrid sight; for, in truth, there was a large -fire-hole in the centre of that place, and all about the sides there -were great holes into the slopes of the hollow, and there were great men -laid in the holes, so that I might see a great head that did show out to -my sight here, from one of those holes, and would seem to be that of a -monstrous man heavy with sleep. And there I would see but the buttocks -of another, as that he did curl himself inward to his brutish -slumbering. And so was it all about; and to my memory there were maybe a -score of these holes; yet had I not time to the counting, as you shall -see. For, after that I had made but a glance, as it were, at these -sleeping and utter monstrous men, I perceived that there sat beyond the -fire-hole, three great men, and they were each greater than elephants, -and covered a large part with a stiff and horrid hair, that did be of a -reddish seeming. And there were upon them great segs and warts, as that -their skin had been hides that had never known covering. And there was -between them the body of a mighty hound, so big as an horse, that they -did skin; and I judged that this beast was one of those fearsome brutes -which we did call the Night Hounds. - -Yet, as I should set down, they did nothing in that time in which I -lookt at them; but did sit each with a sharp and monstrous bloody stone -in his fist, and did look to the ground, as that they heeded not the -earth or the food that they did prepare; but did listen to some outward -sound. And you shall know that this brought to me a very swift and -sudden terror; for I perceived now the why of their long silence; for, -in verity, they had an unease upon them, being subtly aware that one was -anigh, even as are the brute beasts in this manner and kind, as all do -know. - -And I made to draw back, and win unto safety, if indeed this thing were -to be done. And as I moved me, it may be that I shook a little earth -into the hollow; for there was, indeed, a little sifting of dry dust -below me, as I did wot, being very keen to hear, by reason of my fright. -And immediately did those three monstrous men look upward, and did seem -to me to stare into mine eyes, as I did lie there hid amid the -moss-bushes. And I was so put in fear that I did clumsily, and sent -another siftering of dust downward, as I did strive to go backward swift -and quiet from the edge. And all the time I did look through the bushes -very fixedly into the eyes of the giants; and lo, their eyes did shine -red and green, like to the eyes of animals. And there rose up a roar -from them that did nigh slay my soul with the horridness of the noise. -And at that roaring, all the giants that did lie in the holes did awake, -and began to come outward into the hollow. - -Now, I was surely lost, and given over to destruction; for they had -possessed me immediately, but that in that moment, as I went backward, -the earth gave behind me, and I fell into a hole among the moss-bushes -to my back, and I made first to come out very hurried, and all choked -with a dust of sand and ash; but in a moment I was sane to know that I -had come to a sudden hiding-place; and I lay very still and strove -neither to cough nor to breathe. And well for me, I came to so close a -hiding; for there were all about me the sounds of monstrous footsteps, -running, that seemed to shake the ground; though maybe this to be an -imagining bred of my fear. - -And shoutings of great voices there were; and the thudding of huge feet -all about; and the noises of the bushes rustling; but presently the -search drew away to the Southward. And I perceived that there had surely -fought for me some power of good fortune. And I came up out of the hole, -very cautious, and shaken and a moment weak with the beating of my -heart; yet with a lovely thankfulness for my salvation. And I gat me -about, and went swift through the moss-bushes to the North and West for -three hours, and ceased not to run upon my hands and knees. And by that -time was I come a great way, and did have a surety in my heart of -present safety. - -And I ceased to run, and lay quiet; for, in truth, I did near swoon away -with the hardness of my travel. And indeed as you shall know, I had -slept not for seven-and-twenty hours, and had scarce ceased to labour in -all that time. Moreover, I had eat not, neither drunk, for nine hours; -and so shall you conceive that I was truly a-weary. - -And, presently I did slumber there as I lay, and all abroad to any -monstrous thing that should come along. Yet did I wake unharmed, and -found by my dial there had gone by a full ten hours, the while that I -did lie there and sleep unwotting. And I was sore perished with the cold -of the Night; for I had not the warmth of my cloak about me, and my -belly was very empty. - -And I stood me up, and did peer about for any dread matter, but all -seemed proper, and I began to stamp my feet against the earth, as that -I would drive it from me, and this I do say as a whimsy, and I swung -mine arms, as often you shall do in the cold days; and so I was -presently something warmed. And I dismantled my cloak, and wrapped it -about me, and did feel that the Diskos was safe to my hip. - -Then did I sit me down, and did glow a little with relish, in that I -should now eat four of the tablets; for, indeed, these were my proper -due, by reason of my shiftless fasting ere I came so wotless to my -slumbering. And the memory of that eating doth live with me now, so that -I could near to smile; for the eagerness of mine inwards was proper and -human; yet were even four tablets but a little matter to so great an -emptyness; and I drank a double portion of the water, that I might make -less the void. And this thing was seemly; for, indeed, there were two -portions due unto me. - -And when I had eat and drunk, I did fold the cloak once more to shape -across my shoulder, as I did carry it; and afterwards I took the Diskos -into my hand, and went forward again to the North and West. - -Yet, as you shall know, I did pause a little in the beginning, and peer -to every side for any close danger; and then did look more abroad of -that place; but could nowhere see any matter to have me to immediate -fear. And afterwards, I looked a little while at the monstrous humped -back of the Watcher of the North-West; and it did grow to me how -steadfast that thing did look toward the Mighty Pyramid; and this set me -to new hatred and horror of the Monster, as you shall conceive and -believe. - -And presently, I looked beyond the Watcher, unto the vast Mountain of -the Great Redoubt; and I was still seeming close upon it; yet, in truth, -gone a long and weariful distance. But this you shall understand was by -the greatness and utter height and bulk of that shining Mountain of -Life. - -And strange and wonderful it was to me to think that even in that one -moment, it might be that the dear Master Monstruwacan did look upon my -face, through the Great Spy-Glass. And I should not seem utter far to -him, by reason of the power of the big Glass. But to me, as I did look -upward through the Night, unto that far and utmost light in the upper -blackness of the everlasting gloom, it did seem doubly to me that I was -afar off and lost forever from mine Home. And this thinking did breed in -me such a great and lonesome feeling, and a weakness of the heart and -spirit, that forthwith I took my courage close unto me, and did turn -away quickly; and went onward to the North and West, as I have told. - -Now I walked for twelve hours, and in that time, did eat and drink -twice; and made onward again very steadfast, and happy that all did go -so quiet with me; so that it was as if I had at last come to a part of -the Land that was given over to quietness, and lacking of monsters. -Yet, in truth was I come to a worse place than any, maybe; for as I went -forward, striding very strong, and making a good speed, I did hear -presently a little noise upward in the night, and someways unto my left, -that had seeming as that it were a strange low sound that did come down -to me out of an hidden doorway above; for, indeed, though the sound did -come from very nigh, as it did seem no more than a score feet above my -head, yet was it a noise that did come out of a great and mighty -distance, and out of a Foreign Place. And I did know the Sound; though -never, as you may suppose, could I have heard it in all my life. Yet had -I read in one of the Records, and again in a second and a third, how -that certain of all they that had adventured from the Pyramid into the -Night Land to seek for knowledge, had chanced to hear a queer and -improper noise above them in the Night; and the noise had been strange, -and did come from but a little way upward in the darkness; yet was also -from a great and monstrous distance; and did seem to moan and hum -quietly, and to have a different sounding from all noises of earth. And -in the Records it was set forth that these were those same Doorways In -The Night, which were told of in an ancient and half-doubted Tale of the -World, that was much in favour of the children of the Pyramid, and not -disdained by certain of our wiser men, and had been thus through all the -latter ages. - -And I did seem to know the sound upon the moment; for my heart grew -swift to understand. And it was a very dread uncomfortable sound; and -you shall know how it did seem, if you will conceive of a strange noise -that doth happen far away in the Country, and the same noise to seem to -come to you through an opened door near by. And this is but a poor way -to put it; yet how shall I make the thing more known to you? So that I -must even trust unto your wit and true sympathy that you shall conceive -of the fullness of my meaning. - -Now, in all the Histories of those that had adventured into the Night -Land, there were but three sure Records that did concern this Sound; and -each did tell of a Great Horror; and of them that did hear the Sound -there had died the most part, out in the Night Land. And the Records did -make always that they had come upon Destruction, and not simply unto -Death; but were destroyed by a strange and Invisible Evil Power from the -Night. - -And of those that came alive unto the Pyramid, they had all one strange -tale to tell, how that there were secret and horrid Doorways In The -Night. Yet how this thing could be plain to them, who may know truly; -save it be that the eyes of their spirits did behold that which was hid -to the eyes of the flesh. - -And there was afterwards writ a proper and careful treatise, and did set -out that there did be ruptures of the Aether, the which did constitute -doorways, as those more fanciful ones did name them; and through these -shatterings, which might be likened unto openings--there being no better -word to their naming--there did come into this Particular Condition Of -Life, those Monstrous Forces Of Evil, that did dominate the Night, and -which many did hold surely to have been given this improper entrance -through the foolish and unwise wisdom of those olden men of learning, -that did meddle overfar with matters that did reach in the end beyond -their understanding. And this thing have I told before, and it doth seem -proper unto my belief; for it is always thus, and I have that same taint -within me, as must all that have the zest of life. - -Now, by this that I have set down swiftly, to make a little clear the -sure horridness of this Sound, you shall know, even with me, the great -horror that did come immediately upon my Spirit; and I did know that my -Search was surely like to have an end in that moment; and I bared mine -arm, for my teeth, where the Capsule did lie below the skin; and so was -ready to an instant Death, if that Destruction did come upon me. And in -the same moment, I did fall silent, inward among the moss-bushes, and -did begin to creep very quiet toward the right; for, as you will mind, I -had heard the Sound over beyond my left. And all that time, as I did -creep, there was a great sickness upon me, and it did seem that my mouth -had weakened unto water; so that I could scarce hold my teeth tightly -from unseemly clitterings. - -And I crept always very silent, and did often stare quick and painful -over my shoulder, upwards, and this way and that; but did never see -anything; neither could I hear now the Sound. - -And I went thiswise for a great hour, and was like to faint through the -effort of my care and the soreness of my going. But upon the end of that -long while, I grew something easier in the Spirit, and did perceive that -I was saved from the Destruction that I had come so dreadful anigh. And -this thing, it may be, was because that I did chance to hear it, whilst -yet it was beyond, and before I did come right unto it, to pass below. -Yet may I be wrong in this thought, and do but make a guessing. But, as -I shall here explain; after that time, I kept mine ears newly keen unto -hearing; and did chide my Spirit, for that it had not taken account of -that Sound a great while earlier. Yet, as I did presently conceive, the -spirit had no power to hear that thing; which was very strange; but -truly so. - -Now, because that I went with a very wary hearing, I heard the Sound -once a far way off before me, and I hid upon the moment, and went -backward, and after a while, did judge myself to have come unto safety; -and so it was, in verity, for I heard no more that time. And so did I -come presently unto the eighteenth hour, and did eat and drink, and made -me a place of slumber in a little hollow of a rock that stood upward out -of the moss-bushes. And I slept for six hours, and afterwards waked, -and was come to no harm. - -And after I had eat and drunk again, I did look outward over the Night -Land, and with particularness to that part that I did travel in, as it -might be called, the yesterday. And I did observe it to be a very bleak -and desolate Country, and not given over to fire, or other warmth, nor -to sulphur-vapours; but to be very quiet, and with but a little light in -all its breadth. And I could conceive that it was no place for anything -of life to desire; but rather to avoid; and that Country did seem to be -yet all about me; for I was by no means come clear from it at that time; -though, Northward, there was a glimmer, as of fire-holes; and beyond -those, the strange shining of the Plain of Blue Fire. And, after that I -had thought awhile, I did believe that I should meet no Monster of -Natural Life in all that Country of Desolation, until I did draw nigh, -once more unto fire. And I conceived that this Sound from out of the -invisible Doorways might yet trouble me; but whether the quietness of -that part was because all of natural life did fear the Sound, or because -that there was neither fire nor warmth, I do not say, having no knowing -in this matter; but may yet believe that it was to be laid to both -causes; and this doth seem of common reason, as you shall agree. - -And when I had looked a while unto the Mighty Pyramid, which was now -truly a great way off; for I had walked so many weary hours; I turned me -once more to my journeying. And here let me observe that I had gone very -far; yet not so distant, as might be thought; for, oft, I did go less -than one mile in an hour or maybe two hours, having to be of great -caution, and oft to hide, and to go upon my belly, or to crawl, all as -might be. And, further, as you may have perceived, I made not a straight -forwardness; but did strike this way and that way, being very intent to -escape the Monsters and Evil Forces that were all about. - -Now, because that I believed that I travelled in a Place where was -surely to be discovered those strange Doorways within the Night, I made -an especial care of my going; and did stop oft that I might listen, and -watch, and keep a very strict ward in all the Night about me. Yet, as -you shall see, this served not to prevent me from going forward into the -fearfulness of that which did haunt all the void; for, sudden, as I went -carefully, I heard a faint humming noise come downward from the night a -little unto my rear; and the humming noise did grow more plain, as that -a door were opened slowly above, and did let out that Sound ever more -loud. And surely, after I did hear that, I could not doubt that a door -were opened upward there; for the noise did grow in such wise as you -shall hear a distant sound come through, when a door truly is oped; for, -if the noise had been made just in that place, it had seemed to come -from there; but this Sound, though it did come _through_ there, was as -that it did come outward from some far lost and foreign Eternity. And -this I do struggle always to make plain; and you shall not blame me that -I think overmuch upon it; for, in truth there was an horror so wondrous -and drear about it, that I can forget not; but do strive always that -others should know with me that peculiar woe and terror that did haunt -the night. - -Now, as you will see, I had in truth gone past the place where the -Doorway in the Night did open; yet had come to no harm; but rather it -did seem that it opened by chance, unwotting that I was anigh; or it may -be that my quiet passing did disturb an Evil Power, so that it did even -come to listen, or to make search. And all this doth pass through my -brain, as I do write, and it doth seem to me that my thoughts are but -the thoughts of a little child, before so great a mystery; and that I -touch not even the edge and fringe of the truth with my thinkings, and -so do cease upon them; and will but go forward so plain as I may with my -telling. Now, as you may truly believe, when I heard that Sound, and did -understand that I had, in verity, come past beneath that Place, I did -surely sicken to an utter weakness of body and heart, though it was but -for a moment; and then was I swift hid within the close shelter of the -low and thick moss-bushes. - -And I shook in all my being, and crept, shaking, upon my hands and -knees, and did near totter to my face thrice, so weak gone was I in that -moment of terror; and I did have a wickedness of forgetting in that -time; for I bared not mine arm, to have the Capsule to a readiness for -my death, if that did need to be; and this was an abominable -foolishness, and I do shake now when I think upon it; for Death is but a -little matter by the side of Destruction; though, in truth, dreadful -enough for all. Yet, as it did chance, no harm came to me, and I gat -away, as that some wondrous power did cast a viewless cloak about me, -that I might be utter hid; and oft have I wondered whether this was -truly so; but have no knowing. - -And, presently, I ceased from fleeing, and had some calmness, and did -eat and drink; and so came to the comfort of a firm spirit, the which -had been sore troubled, above all understanded causes, by that horrid -sounding upward in the Night. And after that I had eat and drunk, I did -rest a little; but afterward, went onward to the Northward, going -towards that place where the fire-holes did glimmer, the same being by -this time no great way off. - -Then, as I did come anigh, I thought to hear once again the Sound in the -night, and I stopt very swift, and hid into the moss-bushes, and did -listen; but did hear naught; and so was hopeful that fancy did play upon -me. Yet, because of this matter, I went upon my hands and knees for a -good way; and so came at last nigh unto the shine of one of those -fire-holes, the which I did see for so long. - -Now, as you shall suppose, I went very cautious through the bushes, unto -that red-shining fire; being careful, both that I did attract not any -Evil Force that might listen in the Night, and because that there might -be some Monster nigh to the fire-hole. But, presently, when I was come -so that I could peer through the bushes, I did see a little fire-hole -set in a small hollow, and there did no thing seem to lurk anigh; and -the sight of that warmth did cheer me; for it was long since I did have -the comfort of such a matter. - -And when I had lain hid awhile, that I might watch all about, I saw the -place to be safe and quiet; and I went out from the moss-bushes, and sat -down a space from the fire, which did fill the pit in which it did lift -and bubble. And the noise that it sent out was strange and slow, and it -did seem to gruntle gently unto itself in that lonesome hollow, as that -it had made a long and quiet grumbling there, through Eternity. And oft -was it still, and made no sound; and again would give an odd bubbling in -the quietness, and send off, as it did seem, a little smoke of sulphur, -and afterward fall once more upon a quiet. - -And so I did sit there very hushed and restful, and the loneliness did -lie all about me, and the red shine of the fire-hole did glow soft in -the hollow; and I was glad to be quiet, for my heart was weary. - -And there was to my back a little rock that did jut upward so high as a -man; and the rock was warm and pleasant to lean upon, and moreover did -seem to guard me from behind. And there I ate and drunk, and kept very -still; and so was presently rested. And this I did need, as you have -perceived; for I was gone sudden weary of the heart, as I did say; and -this might be because that I did never cease to have Destruction over me -to companion my way, though as you will mind, I had been no more than -twelve hours afoot, since my last sleeping. Yet I doubt not you do -understand. - -And presently my heart grew strong again within me, and I had a warmth -in my Spirit; and I got up from the earth, and stretched out mine arms; -and I saw that my gear was safe upon me, and afterward did grip the -Diskos, as it were newly. - -Then I went away from the fire-hole, and climbed the far slope of the -hollow, and went Northward. And there were before me many of the -fire-holes; for I did perceive them to shine in the Night for a great -way; as it did seem that they were a path of red shinings that led me -onward to the North-West of the light of the Plain of Blue Fire. - -Now, I had a believing that I had come out of the Country where did lurk -those horrid Doorways in the Night; and I went not with so utter a -weight upon my heart; and did feel that naught should come now upon the -back of my neck, which had been an odd and troublesome fancy whilst that -I did creep through that Country of Gloom. Yet, as you shall know, I -went with no foolish confidence; but with a great caution, and mine -hearing keen to hark, and a care to my steps, and did ever watch around -me as I journeyed. - -And because that I went forward in this proper and sedate manner, I had -great cause for a thankful heart, as you may perceive; for I had come -after a long way to another of those hollows where did burn one of the -fire-holes; and I made a pause upon the edge of the hollow in which it -did lie, and looked downward, keeping guarded within the moss-bushes, -where they grew anigh to the top thereof. But there was no living thing -there to be seen, and I went downward, so that I should warm my body at -the fire. And lo! as I stood upon this side of the fire-hole, and turned -myself about, I looked presently more keenly to the other side; for the -yellowness of the earth did seem a little strange in one place. But I -could see with no plainness, because that there arose a glare from the -fire against mine eyes; and I went round, that I should look the better; -yet with no fear or thought of Evil in my heart. And, truly! when I was -come upon that far side of the fire-hole, lo! there was spread out in -the yellow sand of that place, a Curious Thing; and I went more nigh, -and stooped to look upon it; and behold it moved, and the sand all about -did move for a great space; so that I gave back very swift, and swung -upward with the Diskos. - -And, strangely, I heard the sand to stir at my back, and I looked round -very quick, and the sand rose upward in parts, and sifted back, and -there came to my sight odd things that did move and curl about. - -And immediately, before I knew which way to go, I knew that the sand did -shift under my feet, and did work and heave, so that I was tottered, and -was shaken also in the heart; for I knew not what to think in that -instant. Then did I perceive that I was all surrounded, and I ran swift -upon the heaving sand, unto the edge of the fire-hole, and I turned -there, and looked quickly; for I did not know what this new Terror -should be. - -And I saw that a Yellow Thing did hump upward from out of the sand, as -it had been a low hillock that did live, and the sand shed downward from -it, and it did gather to itself strange and horrid arms from the sand -all about it. And it stretched two of the arms unto me; but I smote with -the Diskos, and I smote thrice; and afterward they did wriggle upon the -sand. But this was not the end, as I did hope; for the Yellow Thing -arose, and ran at me, as it might be that you should see a spider run. -And I did leap backward, this way and that; but the monster had a great -swiftness; so that I did seem surely lost. - -Then made I a strong and instant resolve; for I perceived that I had no -hope to slay this thing; save that I should come at it in the body. And -I put everything to the chance, and made not to escape any more; but ran -straight in among the legs; and there were great hairs like to spines -upon the legs, and these had pricked me to the death, but that the -armour saved me. - -Now, I had done this thing with a wondrous quickness; so that I was -under the mighty arching of the legs before the Yellow Thing did wot of -my intent. And the body was bristled with the great hairs, and poison -did seem to come from them, and to ooze from them strangely in great and -shining drops. And the Monster heaved itself up to one side, that it -might bring certain of the legs inward to grasp me; yet in that moment -did I smite utter fierce with the Diskos--thrusting. And the Diskos did -spin, and hum, and roar, and sent out a wondrous blaze of flame, as that -it had been a devouring Death; and it sundered the body of the Yellow -Thing, and did seem as that it screamed to rage amid the entrails -thereof; so wondrous was the fury and energy of that trusted Weapon. - -And I was covered with the muck of the thing; and the claws upon the -legs seized me, so that the grey armour did bend and crack to the might -thereof, and I grew sick unto death with the pain within; but smote with -the shining Diskos, using my left hand weakly; for my right was gript -dreadful fast to my body. And lo! I was sudden free, and a great blow -did knock me far across the hollow, so that I was like to have fallen -into the fire-hole; but fell instead upon the edge, and came backward -unto safety. - -And I turned me about, and the Yellow Thing did throw the sand all ways, -as it did die; but had lost power to come upon me. And for my part, I -lay weak upon the earth, and was no more able to fight; nor could I do -more than breathe for a great while; but yet came presently to health, -and made to examine my hurts. - -Then I saw there was no great wound anywhere upon me; but only an utter -bruising; and I found upon my right leg that there was a sharp and hairy -claw clipt about it; but the armour had saved me from harm of the horrid -thing; so that I did but kick it free with my left foot, and thence into -the fire-hole. - -Now, by this time, that Monstrous Creature was dead; but I held off from -it, and went upon the other side of the fire; for I was yet surely in -horror of it. And I sat for a time, and did think upon all matters that -did concern me; and I saw that I should have not comfort of heart, until -I was washed clean from the taint of the Monster. - -And I gat me up wearily to go forth into the Night again, that I should -make a search for a hot spring, of which I had come past many. And I had -oft found them to be nigh unto the fire-holes; so that I was trustful -that I should see one ere long. And lo! there was a little hollow just -beyond, and scarce a hundred paces off; and in the hollow, there did -shine three small fire-holes, and there was a steaming puddle, as did -seem, beyond the third of the holes. - -Now, before I adventured downward into this place, I went all about the -topmost edge, and made a search of the moss-bushes about; but found -naught that should scare me. And afterward, I went all across the -hollow; but did find no monstrous thing hid anywheres. Yet, there was -that in the place that discouraged me, and did keep me from stripping -mine armour, so that I should bathe in the hot puddle; for I stept upon -a small serpent, and the same did lap about my leg; but could do me no -hurt, for the armour, which was a very blessed protection. And I freed -myself from it with the handle of the Diskos. - -And because that I could not go naked to my cleansing, I tried first the -hotness of the water, which was not over great, and afterward did take -off the scrip and the pouch, and the cloak, and laid them with the -Diskos upon the edge of the warm puddle. - -Then I stept into the water, and was immediately gone downward a great -way; for, truly it was no puddle as I had supposed; but a deep well, as -you might call it, of hot and sulphury water. And this doth show how a -man may act foolishly, even when he doth believe that he hath a great -caution; and surely it is borne in upon me afresh that none should trust -over freely unto unproven matters, the which shall you heartily agree -with; but yet do as foolishly, according to your lights and characters. -And so shall you laugh not over hardly upon me. - -Now I had gone over the head, and, surely I do not know what deepness -was there. Yet, as you shall think, I stayed not to consider upon this -matter; but made to climb out, and much shaken with my splutterings and -the smartings of mine eyes; for, truly, the water was strong with -sulphur matters. Yet, very cleansing was it, as I did presently see; for -there was no more any taint or horridness upon mine armour, or the flesh -of my face or hands. And I took the Diskos, and washed it clean, also; -and then the cloak, and afterward the scrip and the pouch, and the bands -of the same. - -And after I had done this, I was minded to dry myself by the little -fire-holes; but when I was come there, lo! maybe a score small serpents -were about those places; and I was strongly pleased that I should keep -away. Yet that I must warm and dry me in that desolate and bitter Night -Land, you shall agree. And to this end, I put the scrip and the pouch -upon me, and afterwards took the Diskos readily into my hand, and ran -quietly unto the hollow where I did fight with the Yellow Thing. And the -cloak I bore in my left hand. - -Now, when I was gat there, I was truly glad to think that there were no -serpents in that place; and because that I had slain the Monster of the -Place, how should it be that any harm might come unto me; for truly, was -it not like that a Creature of such Might should keep all that Hollow -unto itself, and slay any that did come therein, and thereby preserve -that place from all other horror; though, surely, until it did die and -cease to Be, there had been no call for any greater abomination. - -Now, all this did go through my brain, as I did sit to dry mine armour -and my body and my gear, upon that side of the fire-hole which was away -from the slain Monster. And I made presently to think that this would -be a sure and proper refuge wherein to sleep; for, truly, it must have -gotten a place where none other Creature should be like to come to work -me harm. And it must be that you do all see with me in this matter, and -commend me that I thought with properness. - -And so did I resolve that I put my disgust within my pocket, as we do -say, and stay safe and quiet within that Hollow. And this thing I did -surely, and did eat and drink; and presently I went over to the dead -Monster, and made very sure that it was truly slain; which indeed it -was. And after that I had seen to this matter, I returned unto the -fire-hole, and made a comfortable place in the sand, for my rest; for I -was well dry by this. - -And I wrapped the cloak about me, and took the Diskos to my breast, for -a sure Companion, as it had truly proved in my need. And I could think -almost that it did nestle unto me, as that it knew and loved me; but -this thing can be no more than a fancy; and I do but set it down as -such, and that it doth show my feeling and mind at that time. - -Then, ere I did compose myself to slumber, I looked about me, upward to -the edges of the Hollow, and I perceived that I was lost to the sight of -the Mighty Pyramid; for I was come so far off that it looked not down -from so wondrous a height, as you shall perceive; and moreover, the -Hollow was something deep. - -And afterward, as I lay my head back upon the scrip and the pouch, which -were to me my pillow, I went to think a little upon Naani, as alway I -did in my constant journeying; yet, presently, I strove sometimes that I -put her from my mind, that I should sleep; for a bitter sorrow and -anxiousness was oft upon me when that I did think upon her; and this you -may know; for truly I knew not what terror was come to her, afar in the -silence of the Night. And did I think overmuch, I should feel that I -could have no calmness needful to sleep; but to need to walk for ever -until I died, which could not be long; and so should I make a -foolishness of mine anxious journeying to do her true service and to -save her from Destruction, if such did truly threaten. - -And I was soon gone over to sleep, and waked not for seven hours, being -much wearied by the fight and the soreness of my body, the which did put -me into a great pain as I did rise upward from my slumber. But this was -presently something less, and I eat two of the tablets and drank some of -the water, and afterward did put my gear upon me, and went forward into -the Night, having the Diskos in my hand. And my heart was glad that I -had come safe through the time of my sleep. - -Now I walked six hours, and did stop a little to eat and drink, and went -on again. And it was in this second Third of the day that I saw afar to -my right, two strange and wondrous men, and they did shine, as they had -been made of a pale mist. And they came anigh, going very swift, and did -seem as that they were maybe forty feet high, yet having no thickness; -and I hid downward into the moss-bushes. And they past me, so quiet as a -cloud of this day might go, and did appear to be, if I did guess, but an -hundred fathoms off; yet was this no sure thing; for their position had -no more surety than shall a rainbow have in this age. And so they were -gone onward into the Night, and did seem to come out of the North. And -they did appear not to wot of me; and whether they were harmful, I know -not, for they harmed not me. - -And I lay there in the moss-bushes, until they were well gone away; and -I had belief that they must be those same mist-men that were told of in -certain of the olden Records; but were never seen anigh to the Pyramid; -though I had thought, odd times, to see men, as of mist, through the -Great Spy-Glass, when I was within the Tower of Observation. But they -were always a mighty way off; and some would say it was but a bright -vapour that did move; yet would others be in doubt, and so is it ever in -such matters. - -And here let me take chance to say how that it is a hard thing to speak -of such happenings to men of this age, and to make the truth proper unto -them; and because of this, oft am I tempted to say no word upon many -things that I did see; yet must I tell my tale, or suffer from the -weight of it within me. And so shall you hark to me and give me your -sympathy and human understanding. And concerning these mist-men, I have -wondered oft whether they were the visible shape of some of those many -Forces that were abroad in the Night Land; for they did truly seem to me -as that a thing of Strange Life were half shown to my human eyes; yet I -do not know, and am but telling of my natural thoughts and ponderings. - -Now, as I did say, those mist-men were never seen nigh unto the Pyramid, -and were, as I did hint, always so far off that they were half given -over to the fables of the olden days, in the beliefs of the Peoples of -the Mighty Redoubt; and set about with an halo of unrealness, for none -within the Great Pyramid had ever beheld them with surety. - -And because that now I saw them anigh to me, it was borne in afresh upon -my spirit how greatly I had wandered away, and how that I stood afar in -the lonesomeness of that Land of Night; as it had been that a man of -this Age did wander amid the stars, and perceive a great comet to go by -him very close; for then he should know in his heart how that he was far -off in the Void. And this I do say to you, that you may know somewhat of -the emotions of my heart in that moment. - -Yet, presently I shook free of my melancholy and lonesomeness and rose -up out of the moss-bushes, and went onward. And, as ever, I thought much -upon the Maid that I did search for; yet strove to think quietly -concerning her state; else should I have turned to running, and wrecked -my body before that I had gone any great way. - -And that day, I passed seven large fire-holes, and two that were small; -and always I came softly unto them; for there were oft living things -about the warmth. And at the sixth fire-hole, I did see that which I did -think to be a great man, that did sit to the fire, with monstrous knees -drawn upward unto his chin. And the nose was great and bent downward; -and the eyes very large, and did shine with the light from the -fire-hole, and moved, watching, always this way and that, so that the -white parts did show, now this side and now that. But it was not -properly a man. - -And I went away very quiet from that place, and looked oft backward, -until that I was sure of safety; for it was a very horrid Monster, and -had that place to be for a Lair, as I did judge from the smell thereof. - -And when the eighteenth hour was come, I looked about for a safe place -to my sleep; and I kept away now from the fire-holes; for I did always -find the more life there. Yet, when I came to my rest, I was lacking of -warmth, by reason of this care; and could scarce sleep at all, because -that I was so cold. Yet managed something of slumber after a while; but -woke very stiff, and was glad to beat my hands and bestir myself that I -should come to some warmth of life. - -And after that I had eat and drunk, I put my gear upon me, and took the -Diskos in my hand, and went forward again upon my journey. And here I -should tell that I was come soon unto the North-West border of the Plain -of Blue Fire. And presently, I was but a little way off from it, and did -go direct to the North; so that the Plain was always upon my right. - -Now this Plain was a strange and fearsome place, as you shall see; for -it was as that a blue void did rise upward from the earth in all the -country of that Plain. For, surely, the Plain did not lumber with flame; -but was hid with a strange and inburning light, as of a shining -atmosphere of a cold blue colour. And it did throw no sure light upon -the Night Land, as had seemed proper; but was a very dreadful, cold -shining, as of a luminous and blue void. And the moss-bushes grew nigh -to the edge of the plain, and did show to me black and strange against -that horrid gloom of light. - -And you shall know that I could not see into the plain; for it was as -that the cold blue light was a void that swallowed all within it; and -gave no power to the eye that aught should be perceived. And it stood -between me and the Mighty Pyramid, and I could nowise see across. And I -know not whether I do make all this matter clear unto you; for surely it -is no easy task. - -And presently I had gone very quiet upon my hands and knees through the -moss-bushes; and I came near upon the edge of the Plain, and hid there -in a clump of the moss-bush, and peered forth and harked. And I heard -constant voices that did call to one another across the Plain; as it -were that strange peoples of Spirits did wander within that blue -Shining, and did make a calling one to the other, and were all hid and -held apart. And surely I could see naught, and did judge, as I have -writ, that they likewise went blindly. And truly is this a strange -matter to set out; and easy to think on with doubt. Yet as I did see, so -have I told; for, in verity, there were surely hidden Peoples of Spirits -scattered and lost afar upon that improper Plain. - -And you shall judge that I kept safe hid; for whether this might have -any natural explaining, or whether it was a matter that did go utter -beyond knowledge of man, I did not know; for surely in that strange -Land, it did like to be an Horrid Danger in any case; and whether of -some Monstrous Creatures, or of the Evil Forces of the Land, I did -wisely to be away. - -And for two days I did make a safe coasting of the Plain of Blue Fire; -and did keep well off, maybe two great miles, among the moss-bushes. And -I made a very good speed through the darkness. And at the eighteenth -hour of each journey, I made a place for my slumber; and the first I did -manage under a thick bush; but the second was high upon the ledge of a -rock that grew upward in the night amid the bushes. And, save that I was -bitter cold there did no harm come to me. And in all that time of -journeying, I had no sight of the Mighty Pyramid; for the blind shining -of the Plain of Blue Fire was ever between. - -Now there had been certain little matters in my journey beside the Plain -of Blue Fire, which I have not set down; for they were of no account, -and do but repeat much that I have told before. And, indeed, there was -naught in that part of my journey, save that I did pass nineteen great -fire-holes, and four small; and did observe no life beside any, save -about one of the great holes that there was no hollow around, and here I -did happen to see some strange and ugly creatures so big as my head, -that did have a look of the scorpion of this Age; but proportioned more -squat and thick. Yet, though they were naught to remark upon in that -Land, they had been but woeful bedmates to any man; as you may think. - -And you shall know how it gave a rest to my spirit, that I did go so -long with no trouble of the Monsters of the Night, or the Evil Forces -thereof. And I grew bolder to my journeying, and made ever a greater -speed of going; and it was like that I took presently a less heed for my -safety, which was a wrong and foolish state. Yet there came no harm unto -me, in all that part of my travel. - -Then, it was in the sixteenth hour of the third day of my journey beside -the Plain, that I did come out beyond the end of it, and had fresh sight -of the Mighty Pyramid, afar in the night upon my Right. And I stopt -there in a bare place among the moss-bushes, and did in a weak moment -hold up the Diskos, so that I make a salute unto the Pyramid, Mine Home; -for truly was I so utter glad to behold it once more. - -And in a little while was I aware that there was a disturbance of the -aether of the world all about me; so that it did seem that there had -been one at the Great Spy-Glass to watch for my coming into their sight -from behind the shining of the Plain of Blue Fire. - -And it was like that news had gone downward through the Cities of the -Great Redoubt; so that they did print the word of it in the Hour-Slips; -and by this there would be many great Millions thinking upon me, and a -rushing unto the Embrasures, that they might spy out at me. Yet I doubt -that any glass might perceive me surely at so great a space, save the -power of the Great Spy-Glass in the Tower of Observation. But the -Emotion of the Millions to reach to me. - -And you shall know that it did seem homely and sweet unto me to hear all -about me the shaking of the aether of the world, and to be ware that so -many did think humanly upon me, and had prayers unto my safety. - -And it was a strange thing to stand so utter far off in the Night, and -to look back to that Everlasting Hill of Light, that was grown something -small by the distance, and to have surety that I was lookt upon through -the Great Spy-Glass, maybe by the kindly eye of my dear friend the -Master Monstruwacan, and so keenly that he could, it might be, make -almost to guess the look within mine eyes, as I did gaze backward unto -that Mine Home. - -Yet, though this dear and homely sympathy was a sweet and companionable -thing to my heart, it came swift to my thought that I was in a sore -danger, if that they ceased not quickly to think so onely upon me; for -surely was I not come over-near unto that _dreadful_ House of Silence; -and well might so much Emotion of the Millions tell unto the Horrid -Power that dwelt within, how that I was even anigh. And so shall you see -the mixt feelings that came upon me everyway. - -Yet, as it did chance, the aether was quieted in a little; for it did -need unity of the Millions (being that they were untrained to their -spiritual powers) to stir the aether. And so was I more easy of mind, -and went forward again upon my way. - -Now, as it did chance, at the eighteenth hour, I was come to a place -where I heard a noise of water; and I went to my left, that I might come -upon it; and there boiled a hot fountain that went up out of the rock of -that place. And the water rose upward in a column, and was, maybe, so -thick as my body; and it fell unto the North, for the water came not up -straightly, but did shoot out from the earth unto that way. And I saw -the thing plain; for there were many fire-holes all about, as you shall -have wotted from my telling; and so was there a certain and constant -light in that part of the Land. - -And I followed the water that ran from the fountain, and tried it with -mine hand; but found it to burn; and so did go further beside it; for -presently it should be no hotter than I did need. And it went onward, -winding among the moss-bushes, and sent up a constant steam, that hung -about it; and the steam made a red cloud about the way that it did go; -for the lights from the fire-holes made a shining upon it; and so was it -a wondrous pretty sight. - -Now, presently, I tried the stream again, and found it to be nicely -warm; and I sat upon a little rock, and took off my foot-gear, that I -might bathe my feet, which were gone something tender; moreover, I did -ache to have the sweetness of water about me. And I made that I should -bathe my feet, and afterwards find a place among the moss-bushes, and so -eat and drink, and have my slumber. - -Then, as I did sit there beside that warm stream, with my feet dabbled -therein, I heard sudden, afar off, the voice of a mighty Night-Hound, -baying in the night. And the sound came from the North-West of the Plain -of Blue Fire. And there was afterward a quiet; and you shall see me -sitting there upon the rock by the side of that smoking river, and the -steam all about me, and my feet within the lovely warmth of the water; -and I very still and frozen with a sudden fear; for, it did seem to me, -in an instant, that the Night-Hound might surely be upon the track of my -goings. - -And after that there had passed a little time, the while that I did -listen very keen, lo! there burst out in the night, as it did seem -scarce a mile off, the monstrous deep baying of the giant Hound. And I -knew surely that the Brute did track me, and a sick and utter horror did -fall upon me; so that I could scarce get my foot-gear upon me, once -more. Yet, in truth, I was not long to the matter, and was to my feet, -and did hold the Diskos ready; and very desperate I was to the heart; -for it is ever a fearsome thing to be put in chase, and the worse an -hundred times when there is a sure knowledge that a deathly Monster doth -be the pursuer. - -Now, I did stand there but a moment it did seem, to make an anxious -considering how that I might best assure me some chance to live through -this swift coming Danger. And then did I think upon the stream, to use -it, and I leapt quick therein, and did run very strong down the middle -part, which was nowheres so much as thigh-deep, and oft not above mine -ankles. And as I did run, there came again the bellow of that dire -Brute, following, and was now, as mine ears did say, scarce the half of -a mile to my rear. - -And I did run but the stronger, for the dread of the sound; and so, -maybe, for a little minute; and after that time, I stopt from mine heavy -running, and went very wary, that I made no loud splashing; for by now -the Monster-Brute should be something anigh to that place where I did -enter the stream. And I looked round, with a constant looking; but did -see no surely visible thing; though my fear did shape me an Hound from -every shadow of the moss-bushes about me. - -Then, in a moment, I did hear the Great Beast; for it bayed but a -little way up the stream, as that it had overshot the place where the -scent did end. And immediately, I sank swiftly into the water, which was -there so deep as my knee, and turned upon my belly. And the water surged -over my shoulders; for I kept my head above. And so I did look eager and -fearful through the steam into the shadows and the half-darkness, -towards where I did think to see the Night-Hound. - -And in a moment I saw it coming; and it was a little vague, by reason of -the smoke of the river; yet did seem black and monstrous in the gloom, -and great as a mighty horse. And it went past me at a vast and -lumbersome gallop; but I did not see it in that moment; for I dived my -head down unto the rock of the river bottom, and held downward, until -that I was like to burst for sore longing of breath. - -Then I put upward my head, and took swift and deep breathings, and lookt -about me, very cautious and fearful, as you can know. And I heard the -Night-Hound casting round among the moss-bushes, and it did send up a -wild and awesome baying; and I heard the bushes brake and smash beneath -it, as it did run to and hither. And afterward there was a quiet; yet I -moved not; but stayed there, very low in the water, and did have a -thankful heart that it was warm and easy to persist in; for I had surely -died of a frozen heart, if that it had been cold; for, by this time, you -do know even with me, how bitter was the chill of the Land. - -Now, I had been awhile lain thus upon my belly, and heard no sound from -the monstrous Hound. Yet, I ceased not to be full of an horrid unease, -concerning the Great Beast; for I did better to know what it did, than -to have no knowing. And, sudden, I heard the sound of it, running very -swiftly and coming nigh; and it passed me, and did go up the stream; and -there was surely a quick stupor upon me; for I ducked not my head under -the water; but stayed very still; which as it did chance, was maybe not -such an utter foolishness; for my head did seem in that half-gloom to -be, mayhap, no more than a little rock in the water, and I made no move -to tell of life; yet should the Hound have smelled me; and that it -failed in this matter, doth be a puzzle to me. - -And as the great Night-Hound past me, it tore the earth and the bushes, -with the exceeding strength that it put forth to run, and clods of the -earth and stones of bigness were cast this way and that by the feet of -the Hound, running. And so shall you have a little knowledge of the -strength of that Beast. - -And the Hound ran on into the distance, and presently, I heard it baying -in the Night. Then I rose, and went onward, down the warm stream, and -made a strong walking, yet keeping alway to the water; and oft did stop -a little that I should listen; and always I heard the Night-Hound a -great way off in the night, baying, and seeming that it did surely run -to and fro, searching. - -Now, I journeyed thus for twelve hours, and the baying of the Hound -making search, did never cease. And I kept always to the water, as I -did say, that I should leave no scent unto the Hound. And by that twelve -weary hours had gone, I found that I was come anigh unto the House of -Silence. And this put me in great trouble; as you may perceive; for -surely had mine whole effort been to the end that I should avoid that -House, by a great way. Yet had the Hound driven me thus a-near. - -Now I saw that the small river did go onward, and did make a breach -across the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk; and I determined in my heart -that I should leave the water, which was now grown nigh to a bitter -cold, in that it was so long upon the face of the Land. Yet chiefly did -I mind to leave the water, that I should come no more anigh unto that -House of Silence; for the water did go that way. And I stood awhile, and -did listen for the baying of the Hound; but could hear it no more; and -did have a surety within me that it was indeed gone from searching for -me. - -Then I came out of the water, and went forward, stooping and creeping, -among the moss-bushes, going outward to the Westward of North, so that I -should go away so quickly as I might from the nearness of the House. -Yet, lo! I was gone upon my hands and knees no more than an hundred -fathoms, when I did find the moss-bushes to cease to the Westward, for a -great way, and there to be a great bareness of rock, which, in truth, -was much shown thereabout. And I dared not to go outward upon that naked -Land; for then I had not been hid by the moss-bushes; but had stood -plain there for all things of the Night to behold; and moreover, though -I could nowise have a sure knowledge concerning this matter, yet did I -hope within me that I should make a sure hiding from the Power of the -House of Silence, did I but go very low among the bushes. But, indeed, -it was like enough that naught could give me hiding; yet should I lose -no chance unto my safety. - -And because of this, I went backward among the bushes, and ceased to -escape out unto the Westward. And I found presently, that the -moss-bushes made but a narrow growth in that path, and grew only for a -while by the side of the Great Road; so that I was surely fain to keep -nigh to the Road, that I have the covering of the bushes. - -And, in a while, I found the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, to bend -inward at the North of the House of Silence; so that it came right -horridly close unto the House; for here the hill on which the House did -stand, was very abrupt and fell steeply unto the Road. And so was that -Dreadful House stood up there above me in the Silence, as that it did -seem to _brood_ there upon the Land. And this side did seem truly as the -other; and equal lone and dreadful. And the House was monstrous and -huge, and full of quiet lights; and it was truly as that there had been -no Sound ever in that House through Eternity; but yet was it as that the -heart did think each moment to see quiet and shrouded figures within, -and yet never were they seen; and this I do but set down that I bring -all home unto _your_ hearts also, as that you crouched there with me in -those low moss-bushes, there beside the Great Road, and did look upward -unto that Monstrous House of Everlasting Silence, and did feel the -utterness of silence to hang about it in the night; and to know in your -spirits the quiet threat that lived silent there within. - -And so shall you have mind of me, hid there among the bushes, and sodden -and cold; and yet, as you will perceive, so held in my spirit by an -utter terror and loathing and solemn wonder and awe of that Mighty House -of Quietness loomed above me in the Night, that I wotted not of the -misery of my body, because that my spirit was put so greatly in dread -and terror for the life of my Being. - -And also you shall have before you, how that I knew in all my body and -soul, that I stood anigh to that Place where but a little while gone -there had passed inward so dreadful to an everlasting Silence and Horrid -Mystery those poor Youths. - -And after that you have minded you of this, you shall consider how that -the memory of all my life held dread thoughts of the monstrousness of -that House; and now was I anigh unto it. And it did seem to my soul that -the very Night about it, held an anguish of quiet terror. And always my -mind did come back to the sheer matter that I was so anigh. And this -thing I do say unto you once and again; for truly, as you do see, it -hath imprinted itself deep into my spirit. Yet shall I now cease from -saying further in this manner; for, surely, you shall never know all -that was in mine heart; and if I cease not, I do but be like to weary -you. - -And so did I hide and creep, and oft pause to a time of shaking quiet; -and afterward gather something of new courage, and go onward; and peer -upward at that monstrous House, stood above me in the night. Yet, as it -did come about, I came presently clear of that horrid place; for the -Road came round again unto the North, and I began that I made a better -way through the moss-bushes; but never that I grew to much speed; for I -had oft to go about, that I should miss a naked part here, and another -there; for truly there was an abundance and bareness of rock, so that -the bushes grew not so thick as I could wish. - -And in the space of five hours was I clear of that House; and did have a -greater ease about my heart; but yet was not free to come to food nor to -slumber, the both of which I did sorely need; for I had slept neither -eat for a weariful time, as you do know. But first I must go further off -from the House, and afterwards come to some fire-hole, that I should dry -myself and get warmth again into my body, which was bitter cold. - -And now that I had come unto the Northward of the House of Silence, -there came to me a great Wonder, which bred in me a mighty Hope and -Gladness. For as I did go among the bushes, there broke sudden all -around me in the aether, the low and solemn beat of the Master-Word. And -the throb of the Word was utter weak; so that one moment I did say unto -myself that I heard, and in a moment that I did not; yet had I no proper -doubt in my heart. - -And I reasoned with myself, and with a great shaking of excitement and -expectation upon me, that the Master-Word came not from the Great -Pyramid, which should have power to send it as a Great Force across the -everlasting Night; whilst that this that throbbed about me was faint and -scarce to be known even unto the keenness of the Night-Hearing, which -was mine. - -And, immediately, as I crouched low there, and thrilled with the hope -that was bred in me, lo! there seemed to come the far faint voice of -Naani, calling with a little voice within my spirit. And I thought the -cry to have an utterness of supplication within it; so that I grew -desperate to up and go to running; yet did curb such foolishness, and -stayed very hushed, to listen. - -But I heard no more; yet was shaken continually with the Joy and Hope -which this calling did breed in me, for truly did it seem now that I was -right that I did determine to go unto the North; for sure was I now that -the Lesser Redoubt lay that way in the Night. And it did seem plain unto -me, that the House of Silence had put a barrier between; and had power -to withhold so weak a calling. And now had I come beyond the Barrier. -And I did perceive in my heart how that Naani had called off, maybe in -the sadness of Despair; yet had the weak crying of her brain-elements -been held from me by the horrid power of the house; and surely, as I did -think, it was well named; for it did make a silence. - -And so shall you stay with me in your hearts, and take to ourselves -something of the new Gladness that held all my being; for it did seem -truly that my bitter task and adventuring should not in the end be -offered to Uselessness; and that I did truly draw unto that far place in -the Everlasting Night, where mine own Maid did cry for me, that I should -succour her. - -And ever as I went, did I hark; but there was no more the low eating of -the Master-Word in the Night; not at that time. - -And presently, I spied outward to the West, as it did seem a good mile -off in the night, the shining of a fire-hole; and I began to plan that I -should come unto that place, and have warmth and dryness, and food and -slumber. And, in verity, so set was I to the need of these matters that -if there did be a Monstrous Thing nigh to the fire--as was so oft the -case--then would I give battle unto it; for neither my Joy nor my -labours did serve to put warmth into my body; and I must surely come -anigh to fire, or die. - -Then, as I kneeled upward among the moss-bushes, and made to lay a true -course unto the fire-hole, I perceived that there came a Being along -the Road unto my right; and I went low into the bushes, and moved not; -for truly I had seen that there drew nigh one of the Silent Ones. - -And I made a little place that should let me to see; and I spied out, -with an utter caution; and lo! the Being came on very quiet, and with no -hurry. And in a time, it went by me on the road, and did take no heed to -me; yet did I feel that it had knowledge that I stoopt there among the -moss-bushes. And it made no sound as it went; and was a Dreadful thing; -yet, it did seem unto my heart, as that it had no trouble of Wanton -Malice to work needless Destruction to any. And this, I crave strangely -that you to understand; for it was so to me that I had a quiet and great -respect for that thing; and did feel no hatred; yet was very dreadly in -fear of it. And it was Huge in size, and was shrouded unto its feet, and -seemed, maybe ten feet high. Yet, presently, it was gone onward down the -Road, and I was no more troubled by it. - -Then did I make no waste of time; but set off unto the fire-hole; and -kept so much to shelter as I might; but was oft made to run over baked -places, ere that I should come to more of the bushes. - -And I came presently nigh unto the fire-hole, and made a pause, and -crept unto it, with a great care. And I found it to be in the bottom of -a deep hollow of the rock of that part. And the rock was clear looking -of all living matters, the which did make me to be glad. And I went -round about the top of the hollow, carrying the Diskos very handily; but -there was nowhere any living thing; and I feared not to go downward into -the deep hollow, and so unto the fire-hole, which lay in the bottom, as -you have perceived. - -And when I was come there, I made a close search of the rock, and found -it was very sweet and warm; and there were no serpents, neither any -stinging creatures; so that a certain comfort came upon my spirit. - -Then stript I off mine armour and gear, and afterward all my garments, -so that I stood naked there in the hollow. Yet was that place almost so -warm as some mild oven, and I had no fear to suffer from the cold of the -Night Land; but was uneasy lest that any monstrous thing should be anigh -to come to take me so unawares. - -Now I wrung the garments, and spread them upon the rock near unto the -fire-hole, where it was hot; and I did rub my body very brisk with my -hands, so that I glowed into health and had no fear of a stiffness. - -And afterward, I did look to my food and drink, and to the matters in -the pouch; but there had no harm come to any, by reason of the tightness -of the scrip and the pouch, that had kept off the water. And I eat and -drank, there as I stood waiting for the garments to come to dryness; and -I walked about a little, as I eat; for I was restless to be into mine -armour swiftly. And now I did turn this garment upward of the dry side, -and now that; but did find them to steam, so that I turned them many -times before they were proper. - -Yet, in truth, they dried in but a little while, and I gat me into them -very swift, and into the armour; and I felt the strength and courage of -my spirit to come back into me, which had gone outward somewhat when I -did stand there so naked. And this feeling you shall all have -understanding of; and know that you would have felt that way, likewise, -had you but stood there in that Land in so unhappy a plight. - -And when I had come into mine armour, I put my gear upon me, and took -the Diskos into my hand, and did climb out of the hollow; for I would -find a more secure place to my slumber, and did not dare to sleep in -that place; for it was beyond seven and thirty hours since that I did -have sleep; though as I do see by my count, I have made it to seem but -as five and thirty; yet was a part consumed in diverse matters that I -have not set down. And you shall mind how bitter had been my labour and -weariness in all that time; and I did know of a surety that sleep must -come heavily upon me; so that I was sorely in need that I should search -out a safe place; for I should not be lightly waked, until that I had -slept away the tiredness of my heart, and the weariful achings from my -body. And, indeed, I should mind you how that I was not yet come perfect -from the bruising which I had gotten from the fight with the Yellow -Thing. - -And presently, when I had searched but a little while, I did find that a -rock stood upward from a great clumping of the moss-bushes unto my left; -and I went over to the rock, and made a search about it. And I found -that there was a hole into the bottom part of the rock, and I thrust the -Diskos into the hole, and made the blade to spin a little, so that it -sent out a light; but there was no thing in the hole, and it did seem a -dry and safe place for my sleep. - -Then I turned me about, and went into the hole with my feet that way; -and I found that it was so deep into the rock as the length of two men, -and just so wide as I could lie in it without having it to pinch me. And -there I made my bed in the hole, and went swift unto my sleep, and -scarce had but a moment even to think upon Naani; and by this thing -shall you know how utter was my weariness. - -Now I waked of a sudden, and was very clear and refreshed. And I crept -to the mouth of the hole, and lookt out; but there was all a quietness -round about, and nothing to threaten. - -And I found that I had slept ten hours; so that I made a haste to eat -and drink, that I should go forward swiftly upon my journey. And at that -time, as in the time when I did eat, naked, in the hollow, by the -fire-hole, I eat four of the tablets; and this you shall understand to -be rightly due unto me, in that I had gone so long fasting in that my -great journeying to come safe from the Hound, and to come past the House -of Silence. And this shall seem but a little thing to you; yet was it a -wondrous important matter unto me, that had gone so long with an empty -belly, and was never satisfied. And neither should any be, that had eat -so little as I did eat, and made to fill their belly always with a drink -of water. Yet, I doubt not but that it did keep my soul sweet and -wholesome and no useful thing to the Powers of Evil of the Land. - -And when I had made an end of so great a gorging, and had ceased to be -drunken with water, I gat my gear upon me, and took the Diskos into mine -hand, and so went forth once more towards the North. - -And presently, I was nigh unto the Road again; for it did curve -something Westward a space beyond. And I was sore tempted to go upon the -Road; for the ground was rough and the moss-bushes did catch my feet. -Yet did I stay among the bushes, though the Road was true and smooth, by -compare. And by this telling, you will perceive that I walked once more -upright, and had given over to crawl between the bushes. And, in truth, -this was so; for the Land did seem very quiet in all that part; and I -had less of fear, now that I stood beyond the horrid unease of the House -of Silence. - -Now, after that I had journeyed twelve hours, I saw that I was come upon -the commencement of a great and mighty slope, as that the world did -slope downward always towards the North. And I went on again, after that -I had eat and drunk, as I did likewise before this at the sixth hour of -that day's journey. - -And presently, I perceived the Road to cease; and surely this did -confound me; as that a man of this age had come to a part where the -world did end; for you shall know that the Road was that which had -seemed to go on for ever; and you shall mind the way of my life up till -that time, and so shall you the better conceive of my bewilderment, and -as it were a feeling of great strangeness unto one that was overprest, -as you would believe, with strange matters. - -Yet, truly, was this all as the little book of metal had told unto me; -and so should I have been something prepared; yet are we ever thus -needing eye-proof; and perhaps it is more proper that it be so. - -Yet, you shall perceive me adrift somewhat as to direction; for I had -steered before this time so that I should come to the North of the House -of Silence; and afterward had shaped my way by the Road. But now was I -adrift, as it might be set down, in the wilderness. - -And so did I stand and consider, and presently did look unto the far -Pyramid, which was now a great way off in the night, and had seemed but -small by that which I knew it to be. And lo! as I did look, I perceived -that I could but see the high upper-point of the light of the Great -Pyramid, where did shine the Last Light; and I was confounded afresh; -yet in a moment I saw that the greatness of the slope did account for -this. But here I should tell to you that the slope was nowise steep; but -did seem as that it should never cease. And mayhaps this is clear unto -you. - -And I perceived surely that the time was come when I should make an -utter parting from the Great Redoubt; and the thought came very heavy -upon me. And in the same time I knew that the aether was stirred by the -emotions of the Millions; so that I had knowledge they watched me with -the Great Spy-Glass, and did send word down unto the Hour-Slips; and by -this did the Millions know, and have a great thinking upon me in that -moment. - -And you shall perceive how utter lost and lonesome I did feel. And it -was at that time that I did test the compass, to comfort me, as I did -tell before this, and feared I must sure forget, when I did come to the -proper place; yet have I minded me, as I did desire. - -And I saw now that the Night Land that I did wot of, was hid from me by -the slope. And I turned and looked down the slope; and surely all before -me was utter wildness of a dark desolation; for it did seem to go -nowhither but into an everlasting night. And there was no fire down -there, neither light of any kind; but only Darkness and, as I did feel, -Eternity. And downward into that Blackness did the great slope seem to -go for ever. - -Now, as I did stand there, looking downward into the Dark, and often -backward unto the shining of the Final Light, and put to a horrid -desolateness, behold! there came the low beating of the Master-Word in -the Night. And it did appear as that it had been sent to give me courage -and strength in that moment; and did seem unto my fancy that surely it -did come upward unto me from out of the mighty blackness into which the -Great Slope ran. Yet could this have been but a belief; for the aether -doth have no regard unto direction to show you whence the spiritual -sound doth come; and this did my knowledge and Reason know full well. - -And I made that I would send back the Master-Word, sending it with my -brain-elements, and so give news unto Naani how that I did struggle to -come unto her. Yet did I have caution in time; for in verity, had I sent -the Master-Word, then had the Evil Forces of the Land wotted that I was -out; and mayhaps had come swift unto my Destruction; and so did I -contain my spirit and desire, and made to do wisely. - -Yet was I put in courage by the low beat of the Master-Word; and did -listen very keen, that some message should follow; but there came none, -neither did the weak throb of the Word come about me again, at that -time. And because that I was now grown more to my natural state, and did -feel that I should indeed find the Maid, I looked once more unto the -Great Pyramid, long and eager and with a solemn heart; yet with no sign -or salutation, as I was before determined. And afterward, I turned and -went downward into the dark. - - - - -VIII - -DOWN THE MIGHTY SLOPE - - -Now I went downward very quiet and slow into that Darkness; and did make -but a cautious way; for now you shall know me truly wrapped about with -such a night as did seem to press upon my very soul, and such as you -shall never have seen nor felt; so that I did seem lost even from my -self, and did appear as that I went presently in unreal fashion, and did -pass onward for ever and for ever through everlasting night; so that odd -whiles I did make to walk with random, as that I stept no more upon this -earth; but did go offwards into the Void. Yet was this foolishness of -the mind set straight and proper each time that it did come about; for -lo! I did kick against an upjutting rock here, and fall upon a great and -unseen boulder there, and so was shaken very quickly to a sound -knowledge that I trode the hard and actual earth; and had no true -dealings with unreal matters. - -And ever I did go downward; and by this only did I have a guide to my -way. Yet, as you shall think, through reason of the utter dark I made -scarce a mile in an hour or even two full hours; and so grew bitter by -reason of mine unableness to go forward with a proper and free stride. - -But I did think me presently upon a thing that I should do to light my -path; and to this end, I did make the Diskos to spin, odd whiles, and -did look down the mighty slope, the little way that the strange -glistening of the Diskos did show, and so fixed my path into mine inward -remembering, and would go forward afresh, until that I was shaken once -more by the darkness, and would fain to look once again upon the -blessedness of light, and make me some knowledge of my way. - -And, truly, the light from the Diskos did seem astonishing great, and -this to be because there was so monstrous a darkness all about me there -forever. And thereafter would I go onward again, until the pain of my -stumblings did bid me surely to have that sweet shining once more unto -my path. - -And so shall you perceive my going; and sore and miserable was it unto -the heart; and like to shake the courage of the spirit; yet, in verity, -I had come through much, and did have intent to give way to no -foolishness of thought. - -And you shall well believe that I did make the light not more oft than I -did surely need; for it was no properness of wisdom to use the power of -the Diskos, save for mine extremity. - -Now, presently, when I had done thiswise through six long and bitter -hours, and it being now beyond the twentieth hour since I did last -slumber, I sat me down there upon the Mighty Slope, in the everlasting -Dark, and did eat two of the tablets, and made the water, and could but -feel and hearken whether I did this thing right and that. - -And when I had eat and drunk, I unfolded my cloak, and wrapt it around -me, and placed the scrip and the pouch under my head; and the Diskos I -took to company me; and so fell swiftly upon sleep; yet did think -earnestly but vaguely upon Naani, as I came unto slumber. - -And I slept all but six hours, and did waken very sudden there in the -utter dark; and I got me to mine elbow, and did listen very keen; for I -had waked immediately, as that something had touched me or come nigh -unto me; and I gript the Diskos, and listened; but there did not even a -little sound come to me out of all that night. - -And presently I had more assuredness that naught did make harm about me; -and I sat me up in the dark, and reached for my scrip, and did eat and -drink, there in that utter night; and fumbled somewhat, as you shall -think. Yet I was done in a while, and got my gear upon me, and the -Diskos into my hand, and so to my feet and forward. - -Now all that day, I did have a strange unease of the spirit, so that I -stopt oft to listen, as that my soul told of something nigh unto me that -did follow very quiet. Yet did mine ears perceive nothing; and so I -alway to go downward again into the night that held the slope. - -And here should I tell how that in the early part of the seventh hour, -after I had eat and drunk, and went forward as ever, upon my journey -down the Mighty Slope, I did have a very sore tumble against a sharp -rock; for I put my foot sudden into a small hole, and this did make me -to pitch. And I was utter shaked by the fall and lay very quiet for a -time; for the rock had surely ript my body, but for the armour. - -And after that I was something renewed of strength and spirit, I made -that I should go no more upon my feet, but upon my hands and knees; and -thus should I feel the way that I went, and have a less need of the -Diskos, which had not overmuch use to light my way, in that I shone it -not often, and did guess more than I did perceive, as you may think. - -And so I crept all that day, which was a bitter way of travel; yet had I -done many a sore mile thus through the Night Land. And when that I had -gone downward for eighteen hours, and eat and drunk thrice, I ceased -from my labour, and did feel about in the darkness, that I come to a -level place for my rest; and so did find presently, a place not so bad, -and did push and cast away such small boulders as had been like to irk -me. - -Then did I eat and drink, and afterward composed me to my sleep, and had -many a thought of Naani, as I did drift unto slumber; yet also had I -memories of the strange half-fear that had been with me all that day, as -though something went constantly near me in the Dark. And because of -this, twice did I rise unto mine elbow, and listen; but heard no sound -to trouble me, and afterward did trust that I did but fancy; and so came -at last unto slumber, that yet was not over-restful, for truly I did -listen even as I slept. - -And when I had been asleep scarce six hours, I waked again very sudden, -as I had done before, and had belief that something did be anigh unto -me; and I gript the Diskos, and did hearken; yet was there no sound that -mine ears did wot of; neither aught that had power to be surely known of -the spirit. - -And all that day was as the day before; save that about the eighth hour -I came near to fall into some monstrous pit in the Great Slope; but did -only fall with my breast upon the edge, and so drew back, and presently -did crawl all around it in the dark, and come safe unto the lower side; -yet shaken and put more in trouble of spirit than before, and fearful -how I should go; for I knew not whether I had come among such things, or -whether I had but few to sorrow me. - -And so you shall perceive that I went over-cautious for a great while in -all that utter dark; but did think at last upon a plan to go with more -surety and speed. But to this I did need a cord, and surely I had no -cord upon me; and if a boy be no boy that hath none such about him, -shall not the same be said of any man! And this I did think, as I -searched me; for the sayings of that day had many that were like to -this. - -Yet in the end I did compass my plan; for I did buckle the scrip and the -pouch together, and took one of the straps from the pouch; and this -strap was long and thin, and well suited unto my purpose. Then I fixt a -stone into the end of the strap, and buckled it there, and after that, I -cast the stone before me, as I went upon my hands and knees; and I did -hold to the hither end of the strap, and so was abled to have something -of knowledge whether there lay any great deepness immediately before me, -and thiswise to strive that I fall not down some monstrous cliff in the -night. - -And so did I go, casting the stone continually to my front, down the -slope; and this you shall think to be a cumbersome fashion of travel; -yet was I in better case than in all the time since I had begun to go -downward of the Mighty Slope in the everlasting darkness. - -And at the eighteenth hour I did sleep; and was waked strangely before -the sixth hour, even as I had waked before. And this did put always -upon me a new wonder and unease. Yet did no harm seem to come unto me, -and I did strive that I have no needful trouble of mind. But that -something was always nigh unto me in the dark, I do truly believe; yet -have I no knowing that it was evil; for it harmed not me. - -And three days more I journeyed thus, and did never cease to creep -downward weariful upon my hands and knees; and the Diskos I had to my -hip, and so shall you know how I carried it. And by this, as you do -know, I had been on the Great Slope six days of utter Dark; and did have -no wotting but that I went unto some dire and dreadful place; for, -surely, I had gone for ever downward a monstrous way. - -And here, before I tell further, I must set down how that the cold was -much gone from out of the air upon the slope; and the air was grown, as -it did seem, very heavy unto my chest. And concerning this matter I -should say something. For, if I do mind me, I have said not overmuch -concerning the air of the Night Land and the Mighty Pyramid; for truly I -have been so set to tell my story of all that I did truly see and -adventure upon. Yet, though I have said but little, you will surely have -perceived that the air of that far and chill time was not as the air of -this; but was thin and keen within the Night Land, and lay not, as I do -think, to a great height above the land, but only nigh to the earth. - -And as you do know through my tellings, there was a wondrous difference -between the air within the Mighty Pyramid, and that which lay without -around the base; for upward beyond that, I did understand that there was -no outward air that any should breathe; and so was all the Pyramid -sealed in certain wise in all the upper Cities for ever; and whether it -was sealed _utterly_ from the outward air at the base, I do not surely -remember, if, in truth that I did ever bother my head to such matters. - -Yet, if I be set proper in memory and understanding, we did draw air -from the Underground Fields; but whether they gat any change or newness -of air from the Night Land, I have no knowledge; and do lament that I -have no sure knowing. Yet, as you shall believe, I could surely write an -hundred books upon that Wonder of the Future, and be still lacking in -the half of all that there is to be told; and so do I try to have -courage to this my task, and to have no over-trouble, because that I do -tell but a little of a Great Tale. - -And here in this place will I set down how that the Peoples of the -Pyramid were greater to the chest, methinks, than we of this age; but -yet do I have no oversurety in the matter; for well it may be that the -Reason of _this_ age doth blind within me somewhat the Knowledge that I -have concerning _that_; for, in verity, is it not but a natural thing to -believe those Peoples to be great of the chest, so that they should make -a proper dealing with the thin air of that place and that time? And yet, -as I do strive to make plain unto you, because that this thing should -be, by the making of my Reason, I do the more distrust that Reason -shall make foolish my Knowledge; for even a fool should suppose that -which I have told; and the truth may be even otherwise. - -Yet that the Peoples of the _Upper_ Cities had great chests, I do well -know; for this was a common knowledge; even as we of this age do -acknowledge the Peoples of Africa to be of blackness, or those of -Patagonia to be of great stature. And by this one thing should any know -a man of the Upper Cities, from a man of the Lower Cities. And because -that there grew this difference among the Peoples, there had been once, -as any could learn from the Histories, a plan whereby the Peoples should -be moved upward and downward through the great height of the Mighty -Pyramid, from this city unto that. Yet had it met with great disfavour; -and was put out of force; and this is easy to be seen as the natural way -of the human heart. - -And here it doth occur unto me that it was like enough to be a plan for -health, beside of training of the mind, that each youth and maid was put -to travel through all the cities of the Mighty Pyramid; the which did -take three years and two hundred and twenty-five days, as I have told -before this. For by this plan, were they made to breathe the air of -every height, and this, mayhaps, unto the good of their developing. And -they also to discover that air which was best to their need. - -And concerning the air of the Night Land, you shall know that there was -in all that Land no flying thing, because that the air was grown very -thin; yet, as the Records did show, there had once been monstrous -flying-brutes, that went over the Land in mighty bounds; but this was in -a long gone age; and we could but suppose that the Records gave truth. - -And here you shall know that, when the Monstruwacans did learn that I -would journey through the Night Land, in search of Naani, there had been -some foolish and well-intended talk among them that I take a small -flying-ship, that was in the Great Museum beside the models of the Great -Ships. For, truly, this machine was yet sound to go; for it was made of -the grey metal of the Mighty Pyramid, that did seem to have no power to -cease. Yet, in verity, I had no skill to manage this, neither had it -flown, through an hundred thousand years; so that none did know the -mastership of that art, which did be learned but by a constant practice, -and oft made uneasy by fallings that did wreck the machine, as I did -know from the Book of Flying. And, moreover, as I have told, the air of -the Night Land was grown over-weak to uphold such a thing; which, I -doubt not, had made the Peoples of the Pyramid to cease from flyings, -quite so much as that they did fear the Forces of Evil in the night. - -And if that there had been air and skill sufficient unto this purpose of -flying, yet had I been wicked with foolishness that I should work to be -hung upward in the night, for all the Evil of the Night Land to behold. -And though I had gone up some great way, yet the machine had surely made -a great noise in the quietness of the eternal night, as you shall -suppose. - -Now indeed am I gone weary that I should need to tell so much concerning -the air of that Time and Place; for surely I do seem to make this my -story as that I did make a lecturing upon matters of chemistry; and so -do I cast about, that I may not bother to tell more upon this matter. -Yet, in truth, a little more of my thinkings and observings had I better -set down here, and so be done with it. But you shall have patience with -me, and know that had this, my story, been no more than an idle tale, I -had been free to make no labour with such matters. - -Now there doth a wonder come to me why that the Road Makers, who were of -that far-off Age which was before the Age of the Mighty Pyramid, did not -_fly_ downward from the upper world into the deep of the monstrous -valley; but did instead build a road. - -Yet it may be that the air of the upper world had grown thin a great -age, so that they had truly forgot that once man did have power to fly. -But even if that they did have proper machines to this purpose, surely -it were a wondrous and fearful thing to fly downward an hundred great -miles; for they surely to have a dread that they never to rise again -through so huge a deep. - -And, moreover, the downward world that was the bottom of the Great -Valley, was full of monsters, as was told in the little metal book. And -the monsters were very strange and unknown; and foreign to the whole -world, that had never come unto the deep of the Valley. And the Valley -had come, as you shall mind, when the earth did split; and this thing -was, in truth, like to be thought that same Ending of the World, which -all Nations have been taught to believe shall come. For in verity, when -the world did split and burst, and the oceans rushed downward into the -earth, and there was fire, and storms, and a mighty chaos, surely it was -proper to think that the End had come. Yet was it, in truth, but the -beginning of hope of a new Eternity of Life; so that out of the End came -the Beginning, and Life out of Death, and Good out of that which did -seem a dire matter. And so is it always. - -Yet doth this go past my first wonder, which did concern the wherefore -that they made not to descend in Things of Flight. Yet, maybe, shall my -reasons stand to show why this was not. - -And again, mayhap it did chance that some were wild adventurers, and did -leap over the edge of the upper world, having to ease their flight -certain contrivings, like to parachutes. And these you shall picture, as -that you watched them to leap; and so shall you see them go downward -into the gloom; and you shall see them for maybe ten miles, and maybe -for twenty miles; and afterward shall they be lost utterly in that Great -Deep, and seen no more of any man for ever. - -But when the Nations became Road-Makers, and came downward slowly to the -monstrous Deep of the Mighty Valley that did split the World, then were -they come there by millions, and with power sufficient to fight against -the Beasts; and afterward to grow back again to an ancient Civilizing; -and so to the building of the great airships that were yet shown in the -Great Museum of the Pyramid. And here shall I cease from these my -thinkings on this matter; for indeed, who shall say what did be truly a -Reason for those peoples and what was their Need? And so do I come to no -surety by my wonderings. - -Yet, as you do know, all things do seem verily to go in a circle; for, -behold, in time, they of the Mighty Pyramid, were likewise held off from -the glory of the airships; and so were gone backward a great way, -according as we do look upon this matter. And so hath this been the way -always, as you shall know who have studied and thought, and seen the -true ways and goings of Life. - -And now will I go forward in my telling; and here will set down a sure -thing that I did perceive, both by mine ears and by my fingers; for, as -I did make clear to you but a while gone, there had come a change into -the air as I did go downward of the Mighty Slope; and truly I was come -to a great and new Deepness, even beyond that of the wondrous depth -where did stand the Last Redoubt. So that I was afar down and in a -monstrous night. And the air here was of a great thickness and -abundancy, even as it might be the air of this our Age; or maybe more or -maybe less; for who may compare two matters with a sure guessing, that -do have an eternity to keep them asunder. And because that the air was -grown very strong and apparent, it shall be, mayhaps, that it was by -reason of this thing that the water, when I did make it, did fizz upward -in a moment very loud and plentiful, and did boil overward to the earth -from out of the cup, and wet upon my hand. And surely this thought did -come very keen to my Reason, as I did fumble, each time of mine eating, -there in the everlasting night and lonesomeness of the Great Slope. - -And so shall you have knowledge now of this and that thing which did -come upon my thought, and of the little and the big wonders, and all -shall help something to give unto you the ache of newness and -bewilderment that was constant companion unto me. - -Now by this time, as I have said, I was gone downward ever for six great -days; and I did seem as that I should presently come to the middle of -the world; for of going downward there was no end. - -And then, when it did be that I was near ready to believe this, I -perceived far off in the deep of the night a little shining that was yet -weak and unsure. And I do not know whether I can truly give unto you the -great astonishment and pain of hope that did come upon me; so that I -grew sick in all my being but to behold once again the blessedness of -light, and to have help unto my belief that I went not downward to an -utter desolation. - -And I stood upward from my knees, and did look very earnest, and surely -it did seem that a light was there afar downward in the night; and again -it did seem that I must be plagued by my hopes and by my fancy, and that -there was nowhere any light. And then again I did see it very clear, and -not to be mistaken, and I had a shaking to come upon me, and I gat me to -a run, and made a great and mad speed down the dark slope. And lo! I was -not gone any way, but I went headlong, and near brake myself; and could -but hold my teeth together very fierce and quiet until that the pain was -something gone from me. - -And afterward, I gat me again to mine hands and knees, and went slowly, -as before; and so for a great hour or more, and did look oft; and alway -the light became more plain to my sight; but ever to come and go, -oddly-wise. Yet did I go six hours, before that I was come anywise near -to it. And by this shall you know how great a space off it had been. And -lo! when that I did seem surely anigh unto it, truly was it still far -away in the night; and I came not indeed near to it until that I was -gone onward again for three hours more. And all that time did I yet go -downward into the night; but the Slope now did not be so utter dark. - -Now, presently, I made a pause, and stood upward to my feet, so that I -should the better perceive the light. And lo! as I did look toward it, I -heard a faraway sound in the dark, as that something did set up a -strange and monstrous piping in the night. And immediately, I went to -mine hands and knees among the stones of the Slope, and kept myself low -in the darkness, so that I should be the less plain to be seen, did any -Monster approach. - -But there came nothing to trouble me, and I went downward of the Slope -for yet another hour; and all the time that I did go, the sound of the -piping grew more in the great eternity of the night upon the Slope. - -And by this time was I come truly near unto the light; but yet did not -behold it plainly; for it did burn beyond certain monstrous rocks that -stood between. And I went to the left for, maybe, the half of a big -mile; and all the while that I did go, the piping made a mightier -whistling in the Night; and it did seem presently as that the earth sent -forth the sound and revelry of wild roarings. And I went the more -silent; and later did kneel among three rocks, and peered forth for a -while upon the place before me. - -And now, being come nigh unto the light--though yet it was not unhid -from behind the great barriers of the uprising rocks, I perceived that I -crouched within the mouth of a mighty gorge; and the left side was a -great way off, and I saw it plain at whiles when the light did rise; but -the light was to the right, and it was so wondrous great that it did -make clear to me that a mountain was to that side of the gorge, and -went upward into the everlasting night, as it did seem for ever. - -And afar down the gorge, I did see the shinings of strange fires, faint -and a great way off. And so was I come at last to the bottom of the -Mighty Slope. Yet the gorge also to go downward, but not so great. - -And presently I did go forward again; and so did open the point of the -rocks, as the sailors do say. And I saw now that there gushed forth a -great blue flame from the earth; and the mighty rocks stood about it, as -that they were olden giants groupt there to some strange service. - -And concerning this flame I was not overmuch astonished in my Reason; -for it had seemed to me as I drew anigh, that the fire and the sound -should be made by the roaring and whistling of a burning gas that did -issue forth among the rocks. Yet, truly, though it did be a natural -matter, it was yet a wondrous sight, and set amazement on my senses; for -the flame did dance, and sway whitherward monstrously, and sometimes did -seem that it dropt so low as an hundred feet, and afterward went upward -with a vast roaring unto the utter height, and did stand mighty and -blazing, maybe a full thousand feet, so that the far side of the gorge -was lit, and surely it was seven great miles off or more; but yet did -show plain and wondrous. And the light did show me the flank of the -mountain, that made the right hand side of the Gorge, to go up -measureless into the night. - -And so shall you perceive that I stayed awhile among the rocks that were -in the mouth of the gorge, that I should gaze upon this thing; but -afterward I lookt this way and that way, so that I should have a knowing -of the place where I was come. - -And it was a wild and stark and empty place, as you must perceive. And -the far side did be great miles off, as I did say; and everywhere there -was abundance of rock and lonesomeness. And before me there went the -great and dim length of the gorge, and there were lights here and lights -there, in a great distance, and oft--as it did seem--the quiet dancing -of lights in diverse places; but yet were these gone on the instant. And -ever there was a strong and vacant silence upon that place. - -And presently, after that I had looked once more unto the mighty dancing -flame, and perceived nowhere any life around it, I went onward down the -quiet gorge. And for a great way as I journeyed was my path lit by the -dancing of the blue flame; and oft should I seem to be going but dimly -among the rocks, and my shadow faint and long; and lo! the flame would -leap, and all the gorge come to a wondrous brightness, and my figure to -shorten, and the shadows to be black and strong. And so shall you -perceive how I went. - -And oft did I turn me about to behold the dancing of the Great Light; -for it was solemn to my spirit, even amid so much of Greatness and -Eternity, to think upon that Flame, and to conceive that it had an utter -age danced there at the foot of the Mighty Slope, unseen, through -lonesome Eternities. And this I do tell unto you; that thereby may you -have some knowledge of the strangeness and the bitter loneliness of that -place; which, in verity, did seem the expressing of all the lonesomeness -of my wanderings. - -And all the time as I did go downward of the great Gorge, there sounded -the blast of the roaring, that was presently afar to my back; and the -mountain sides did catch it here and in that place, and sent it offwards -with strange and improper echoings, as of a chill piping, or oddwise as -hushed whisperings of monstrous creatures; so that I did oft stoop to -hide a little among the boulders; for truly I knew not but that some -unnatural thing called from the darkness of the mountain side. - -And for six hours I walked onward thus, and sometimes did hide, having a -sudden fear, as I have told. - -And presently, in a great while, the roaring was sunk to a far and -monstrous piping; but in the end to no more than a far and uncertain -whistling, that yet did catch strange echoes in the night. And in the -end there was only a quietness. And yet, as you do perceive, there had -been always a silence in that Gorge, as I have told, and this to the -despite of the whistling. And I do hope that you have understanding with -me in this matter; for it was truly as I have told, and there is no -contrariness of telling in this matter. - -Now in all this time that I had walked in the great Gorge, I had past -four of the far lights that I did see from the bottom of the Slope; and -the two first and the fourth were blue, but the third was green; and all -did dance and quake, and sent fitful shinings into the belly of the -Gorge. And there came also from them whistlings, and from the second one -a low and strange moaning noise; and I doubted not the gas did come -oddly and with trouble. And I past these things with no great thought; -for truly they were no matters for notice, after that which I had -beheld. - -Now, as you shall mind, it was surely in the early Third of the seventh -day of my journey down the Mighty Slope that I saw the first shining of -the monstrous gas fountain; and from that time until now had there past -maybe sixteen hours. And, as you do wot, I had eat not in all my travel -since that I had seen the light; so that I was gone to a proper lack -inward; and moreover, it was full nineteen hours or more since that I -had slept; and all that while had I laboured. - -And I ceased me from wandering, and lookt about that I should come to a -safe and proper place for my slumber; and this I saw very quick; for -there was dry stone and rock everywhere, and no failing of holes and -diverse places to my purpose; so that I was soon in a little cave -between two mighty boulders. - -And here I eat four of the tablets; for truly so many were my due, and I -had not been violent had I eat more. And afterward, I made some of the -water, and it did fizz up in a moment; so that I perceived that but a -good pinch made a great cup-full. And this I set to the count of the -strong and heavy air, as I have told, which I did think to have a -greater power of chemistry. - -And presently I slept, having my gear about me as ever, and the Diskos -to my breast. And as I went into slumber, I thought sweetly upon Naani, -as I had done, indeed, an hundred times since I was come to the -hopefulness of the lights of the Gorge. - -Now, whilst I slept, I dreamed that the Master-Word did presently beat -all about me in the night. Yet, as I do mind, I waked not; and because -that I continued to sleep, I have no sure knowing whether this was truly -a dream, or an Happening. And I minded me upon it, when I waked; but -this was after that I had slept seven hours; and I could have no -sureness anywise of the matter; but only that I was come safe through my -sleep; though heavy within my head and limbs, as that the air did call -me unto a further slumbering, as is like enough. - -And after that I had eat and drunk, I put my gear about me, and the -Diskos to my hip, for I needed both my hands to the task of journeying -amid the great boulders. And I set forth again down the half-light of -the mighty Gorge, and through eighteen hours I made a strong going, save -when I did pause at the sixth and the twelfth hours to mine eating. - -And by the eighteenth hour was come, I was very ready to my food and -slumber; and presently I was asleep in a place of the rocks. And that -day had I past three and twenty of the dancing gas fires; and five been -like a white fire; but the others blue and green. And all did dance and -made a strange and uncertain light within the great Gorge; yet was it a -peaceful thing unto my spirit that there was truly light, as you shall -understand. - -And I slept six hours, and waked, and did want more sleep, as you shall -think. But I eat and drunk and put my gear upon me, and went on downward -of the Gorge. - -And at the sixth hour, after that I had eat and drunk, I came to a part -where the big gas fires did cease to dance, and there was a certain -darkness upon that place. Yet was it not a proper dark; for there came -the glimmer of a flame here and the glimmer of a flame there, as that -little flames came upward between the stones, and did vanish, and come -upward in another part. And so did light and die out constant and -forever amid the stones and the boulders of that lonesome Gorge; and -made a low-spread light, so that it did seem unto me that strange -shudders of light beat upward through the dark of that place. - -And I went onward, and a heavy fume did seem to hang in the air, and -horrid gases to come upward from the earth in odd puffings; and anon a -light would leap upward beyond the next stone, and afterward vanish, and -there would be an hundred thousand such upon every hand, running to and -fore; and afterward for a moment an utter dark, and again the little -flames everywhere; so that it did seem I went one moment amid the heart -of a strange country of fire, and immediately through a country of utter -night. And this was to me strange and a peculiar matter. Yet, as I do -think, the gases did bother me the more; for they did seem as that they -were like to hurt mine health utterly; for, in verity, oft did I seem as -that I should choke and breathe no more, by reason of the poison that -came upward from among the stones and the boulders. - -And all that time, as they came or went, did the little flames make -small phlocks of sound in the Gorge as they did flash or die; and the -sounds did seem, to my likening, as stones cast into an utter silent -pool; for they but made apparent the everlasting quiet of the Gorge. - -And afterward, I came beyond this place, and you shall see me going very -lonesome among the rocks of the Gorge, beyond. And by this, it was come -nigh unto the eighteenth hour; and I did find a place proper to my -slumber, and did eat and drink, and was quickly gone over unto sleep. - -And here, I should tell how that I had not an over-fear of Evil Powers -whilst I was in the great Gorge; for truly it did seem as that nothing -that ever did live came anigh to that wild and silent place of stone and -rock; but that I journeyed through it alone, and was surely the first -that did go that way for maybe a million years. And this feeling that -was upon me, I do hope you to perceive and take unto yourselves, and -thus have an understanding of my heart at that time. - -And as you shall know, I went always unto slumber with sweet and with -troubled thoughts of the Maid. Yet, for a great while, I had been put so -mightily to the labour of my way that my heart did suffer less at this -time than should be thought; and truly it doth show me how I was drawn -unto that One with all my being, that I did surely think so oft and -sweetly upon her amid so many perils and matters of horror. And this -doth seem something strange to say, when that you do consider that I was -adventured unto these same perils and horrors but only for the sake of -the Maid. - -And in six hours did I wake, as I did strive alway to set myself to do; -yet was I very heavy and slow for a little, until that I was more -properly come to wakefulness. And surely, as I did think before, this -was like to be put upon me by the weighty air of the place; but yet it -might be that the gas which did float in the Gorge was upon my lungs. -And also, as you have perceived, if but you have attended my way, the -air was grown warm, and oft were the rocks pleasant to the seat, and all -of these matters did contrive to make me slumbrous. - -Now, presently, the gas fires did cease utterly in the Gorge, and I -lookt downward, along that great place, and saw only a greyness, but -above the greyness there was, as it did seem, something of a vague and -ruddy shining in the night. And this did wake me to wonder what new -thing lay before; so that I grew more eager among the boulders. - -And, later, when I had eat at the sixth and the twelfth hours, and gone -on awhile, I came to a place where the Gorge made a quick turning unto -my left, and at the end of the turning was a red and glowing light that -was very great and wonderful; so that I was utter keen to come to that -place, that I should discover what made the shining. And the place where -I was come then, was very dark, because that I was nigh under the mighty -wall of the mountain of the right side of the Gorge. Yet above, as it -did seem to me, there was a far red upward glowing in the night. - -Then did I go forward very fast, and presently, in a good while, I -discovered that I drew near to a second great turning, that went to the -right. And about the seventeenth hour, I came nigh unto the second great -turning. And here did I put caution upon me, and crept for a while among -the dark rocks of that place, that I should come to a sight of that -which made the monstrous red shining. - -And presently, I was beyond the corner of the mountain, and did look -downward into a mighty Country of Seas, and the burning of great -volcanoes. And the volcanoes did seem as that they burned in the Seas. -And the country was full of a great ruddy light from the volcanoes. And -so shall you perceive me there among the rocks that did all stand upward -strange and bold and silent in the red and monstrous glare of the light. -And I, as it did seem, the one thing of life in all that desolation and -eternity of rock and stone, there in the end part of the great Gorge. - -And I peered forth into the wonder of the light, and was full of -thrillings and fancies that I was surely come to the place where the -Lesser Redoubt had been builded. And immediately I knew that this was -not so, for surer had not Naani told how that they were in a land of -darkness. And if this did be so, truly, how wondrous and dread a way had -I yet to go, if that this Country of Seas and mighty volcanoes stood -between. - -Surely, it did seem to me then as that I must wander searching unto the -world's end. And so shall you be company unto me there with my trouble -and my thoughts, and the immediate wonder and strange glory of that -mighty Country. - - - - -IX - -THE DARK PYRAMID - - -Now in two hours more I was come clear down out of the Gorge, and stood -in that Country; and for all that I did feel fresh troubled and -bewildered, yet was I rejoiceful, as you may believe, in the surprising -light and splendour of that sudden Land. - -And before that I had come down out of the great Gorge, I had stood high -within the mouth thereof, and lookt well out over the mighty Country. -And I had counted seven and twenty great volcanoes, and this doth not -take heed of two monstrous ranges of fire-hills that burned afar off, -something unto my right. Neither doth it take account of an hundred -thousand lesser places of fire. - -And truly it did seem a very land of fire and water. For there was a -small fire-hill stood within a sea, as it did seem no more than a little -mile from that place where I did stand. And maybe a score to the back of -it, spread all about. And here shall I do proper to tell concerning the -seas. For there were of these, that I did count at that time, three that -were small, and a mighty sea that went onward for ever into the red -light of the fire-hills, so that it was gone utterly out of my sight, -and did show no ending. - -And there rose up out of the seas, islands; and on the islands, -volcanoes. But in other parts the fire-hills did come upward straightly -from the sea. And over the near sea, as it did seem, there lay a -plentitude of steam, as that the sea did boil at whiles and in diverse -places. - -And there did seem to me, as it were within the red atmosphere of that -place, as that there were a muttering thunder, low and constant, shaking -the air, now from that distance and now from this, and this did I judge -to be the voices of the fire-hills, speaking with the fire that lived in -them. - -And you shall conceive how utter new was all this unto me; for there was -in that Country a constant Voice of the Energy of Life, so that the -World-Noise of this our Age was even there again, and with a keen and -undoubted apparentness; and the more so some ways, than now. - -And here shall I set down more closely the things that were ready to my -gaze. - -And first, that it did much attract me, there was a huge and blackened -mountain unto the left of the mouth of the Gorge, and the mountain did -go upward into the night, maybe fifteen and maybe twenty miles. And -there was a mighty peaked volcano that grew out from the side of the -mountain so high up as five miles, as I did guess that height; and this -was upon the far side. And above this there was a second, maybe nine or -ten great miles up in the blackness of the night that hung afar upward. -And, as that this were not great wonder enough, there did burn and glow -two other mighty fire-hills, at an utter height, upon the left crest of -that black mountain; and these were upward so monstrous a way, as that -they did seem to make strange and smouldering suns within the night. And -truly, as you shall perceive, this was a wondrous thing. - -And below these upward fire-hills there rose up from the earth vast -mountains of ash and burned stuff, that had been cast forth by these -perched volcanoes, and had poured downward unto the earth throughout -Eternity, and so to build grey and sombre monuments unto the dreadful -glory of Time. - -And to my right there was always sea and sea and the red blazing of the -fire-hills; but unto my left, there were mighty forests, and there rose -upward here and in that place, as that they were beyond the great woods, -monstrous fire-hills. And so do you take from me something of that first -impressing upon my brain and sense. - -And after that I had come down out of the mouth of the great Gorge, as I -did tell a little while gone, I came upon a pause; for, surely, which -way was the way proper unto my search. And I lookt about for a great -while, and afterward did climb back into the Gorge, and called myself -foolish, that I had not thought to map my way ere I came down. - -And when I was come up into the Gorge again, lo! I saw that there was -but one way that I should go; for truly, as I have said, there was only -the seas unto my right; but unto the left, where the shores did meet the -seas, there seemed, so far as mine eyes did tell to me, a clear way for -a space. And mayhap, when I had come so far, I should even find a -further way to go forward. And so did I descend again unto the Country -of the Seas, as I did ever call that red-shining country of water and -fire. - -And by, that I was come again from the height of the Gorge, it was four -and twenty hours since that I did last sleep; so that I was fain that I -should put into some nook, and come to slumber, as you shall well -believe. - -And I found me a neat and proper place, where three great trees grew -about a little basin of rock that was very dry and warm. And here, after -that I had eat three of the tablets, and drunk some of the water--the -while that my belly did yearn, as ever, for proper eating-stuff--I made -my bed in the little basin of the rock, and lay me down, and did begin -to think awhile upon Naani; but was gone over to sleep before that I was -aware. - -And lo! I was suddenly awake, and did find that I swam in a hot water; -and a mercy, I did think, was it that I was not drowned as I did sleep. -And I gat me to my feet, and the basin was full of water, hot and -steaming, and pungent to the taste, as well I did know. And I perceived -now that the water poured in from a smoothed slit upon the far side, and -did come with a strange gurgling and bubbling, so that I conceived some -deep well to boil, and thus to drive upward this water into the basin; -and glad was I that it did not boil as it came forth. - -And surely, now that I was upon the dry land, and did consider, I did -quickly suppose that the water had poured forth at seasons into the -basin for an eternity of time, and afterward did go back by fissures in -the bottom of the basin; and this to happen, as I soon did find, a -little beyond the length of every hour; and, indeed the basin to empty -slow as I did watch. - -Now, being much wetted, I stript off mine armour, having before this -dipt out mine effects from the hot pool, and so did come down to the -naked flesh, and I found a place where the rock was hot, and here I did -spread my garments. And whilst that they came to dryness, I gat me into -the hot pool, and had a very pleasant bathing, and did have no great -fear of any dangerous thing; for, as it did seem, I had surely left all -such behind, within the Night Lands. Yet did I have the Diskos upon the -pool edge to my hand; for I had no proper assurance in this matter. Yet, -as it did prove, there were many monstrous beasts in that Country; but -never did I feel the nearness and horrid power of any Evil Force; for -these, as I do conceive, were congregate and gathered about the Mighty -Pyramid, being attracted thereto by the great spiritual essence of so -wondrous a multitude of humans gotten so close in one spot, even as -sharks do come after the ship that hath bullocks within. Yet, how that -the Evil Powers were given entrance unto this State of our Life, I have -no sure knowing; yet have I put forward certain thoughts on this matter -in an earlier place; and more than such thinkings is surely vanity; for -there is no certainty in my Reasoning concerning the thing. - -Now, presently was my clothing dry, yet before this, I had come out from -that bath, which truly was nigh all gone backward into the earth. And I -dressed me again, and got my armour upon me, and afterward was I in a -more lightsome state of the mind; and yet very ready to come again unto -my sleep. And this I did, and had six hours more beside the pool; and -once was wakened somewhat by the gruntling and bubbling noise of the -water, that was made as the pool did fill time and again. - -And when the six hours were gone, I waked very well fitted in my senses -and feelings to go forward again through that red-lighted Country, and -this I did, after that I had eat and drunk. - -Now all that day I went forward at a great pace; and the nameless woods -were unto my left, and the shores of the seas unto my right. And oft did -I find that the trees grew even into the water, so that oft did I go -forward among the trees, and a very wonderful thing was this to me, that -never had known before in all my life, until I was come into that -Country, how that a glad and wild mystery doth live among forest trees. -For there was no such strange wildness among the groves of the -Underground Fields; though a solemn beauty in plenty. And the scent of -the woods was sweet unto my spirit, as you shall wot. - -Now all the time that I did go, there was the shore unto my right; but -alway to my left, and around me oft-times as I did say, the great -forests. And as I did go, lo! there was life in all those darksome -woods, and living eyes did peer out odd whiles upon me, and afterward go -backward into the dark; so that I wotted not whether to fear, or to have -no heed of trouble. Yet naught did come anigh to me, to make any hurt. - -And thrice in that day did I come to little fire-hills that burnt redly, -and sent out fire and noise, so that I heard their trouble each time -through the forest, before that I was come to them. And about each was -there a deadness and desolation, where the fire had killed the big -trees; yet, as I did observe, the quick life of little plants did grow -more nigh, as that they were born and lived between the times of the -fire-bursts. And this I do take it that you perceive. - -And in that one day I past thirty and seven boiling springs; but whether -they boiled truly, I do have no knowledge; only that they sent out a -great steam oft-times; and some did make a strong roaring noise; so that -to hear them afar off in the forests was to think odd times that some -wild beast roared strangely. - -Now, when the eighteenth hour was come, I sat me down, as I had done -upon the sixth and the twelfth hours, and eat two of the tablets, and -drank some of the water, which here did fizz very rich and quick. - -And afterward I lay down to my slumber, for I was greatly wearied. And I -had chosen a place against a great rock, which was so that no creature -might come upon me from behind. And I came easy upon sleep; but yet I -did fix it upon me that I slumber only with the body; for I did know, by -the shining of the eyes in the darksome woods, that strange creatures -abode in the mighty forests. - -And ere I was gone over to sleep, I thought upon Naani, as I had done -much all that day, as though her spirit did hover near unto mine, and -did strive pitiful to speak with me. And this I set out to you, that you -shall know how it did seem unto me in my thoughts and fancyings. And as -I lay there, I put a blessing upon her, and a determination into my -heart that I make a more desperate speed of my going, if that might be; -so that I come the sooner to that strange, and unknown place in the dead -world where did stand the lesser Refuge. And I was then asleep in a -moment. - -And lo! sudden I was awake. And lovely was the brightness of that -Country, that did show me in a moment my danger, and did not keep me -suspend in fearful Doubt, as did the grey darkness and strange shadows -and lights of the Night Land. For I saw, on the instant that I got me to -mine elbow, how that certain things did crouch within the borders of the -trees, no more than a score paces off. And I perceived in a moment that -my spirit had been given knowledge, and had wakened me. And I stared, -the while that I did grip the Diskos; and I saw that there were six -squat men that were humpt at the neck and shoulder; and they did crouch -all there in a row, and were something hid by the shadows; and I -perceived that they watched me; and the eyes of the men did shine like -the eyes of beasts; and so shall you know somewhat of the strange terror -that came upon me. Yet had I the Diskos and mine armour; and though my -heart did shake a little, yet was my spirit assured to conquer. - -Now I gat me to my feet, and had the Diskos ready within my hand; and -behold! I could not see the Humped Men, for they were gone from that -place; yet never did I see them go, though I had kept my gaze very -steadfast upon that part where they did hide. And, as you shall -understand, I was near ready to believe that there had been nothing -there within the border of the wood; yet truly I knew that the men with -the humps had been there, as I had seen. - -Now, I looked presently, and found that I had slept five hours; and I -eat two of the tablets, as I did stand there, watchful; and afterward -drank some of the water; and so was ready to go forward again; for I was -grown very anxious to be gone from that place; and did have no knowledge -but that those strangely humpt Men were but a little way off, among the -trees, and might come upon me in a moment; or, further, that they did go -to call an army of other humped men to my destruction. - -And after that I was ready, and had my gear secure upon me, I set off at -a great stride, and did hold the Diskos very handy, and lookt this way -and lookt that way, and all the while made onward with speed; for, -truly, I was grown so lean and hard that it did seem to me that I had -power to out-pace those men or aught else of their kind. - -And all that day, through thirty great hours did I go forward, at that -stride, and did always watch; and at every sixth hour, I eat two of the -tablets and drank a little of the water, and went onward again. - -And so did I hope that I was lost from those Humped Men. Yet, though I -did hope, my faith was not this wise; for twice and thrice did it come -to me that there went things through the woods to my left all that day, -and did keep always to a level with my speed; yet were always hid. And, -as you shall believe, this did be a very shaking thing to my heart, and -did make my hope of but little account. - -Now, because that I had no faith to company my hope, I was not easy to -have slumber, until that I was come to a place proper and safe. And so, -as I have told, I went onward through thirty great hours; and, in truth, -in all that while I did find nowhere that did seem to fit my need. - -And lo! about the end of the thirtieth hour, I perceived that there was -water ahead, besides the water of the sea that was ever to my right. And -I thought, maybe, that the sea did go inward at that part of the land; -but it was otherwise; for when I was gotten to that place, I found that -a river came into the sea, and did come out of all the country that lay -unto my left. - -And in the mouth of this river, there was a small island; and surely I -did look across to the island, and think it a refuge from the Humped Men -that did surely play dog upon my going. Yet, truly, this was but an idle -thought, and my need was that I should come to some way to cross over -the river, that I go forward beside the great sea, which did stretch -onward, as it did seem for ever, before me upon the far side. - -And I knew not how to go across; for I had no power to swim, and had I -swum, there were surely monsters in that great and warm-flowing river, -as you shall believe. - -And I went upward of the river-bank, that I might come to some place -where the river did narrow; and surely I had been like to walk a mighty -distance to this purpose, but that I came soon to a second river that -did enter the first, not a mile above the shore of the sea; so that, as -you do perceive, there was the sea to one side of me, and this second -river unto the other, and the first river before me; and thus was I -sorely perplexed, as any had been truly that was in a like trouble. - -Yet, as it did chance, the need to go forward, and the danger of the -Humped Men, put wit into me, so that I lookt about for a tree that was -fallen. And there were many, yet great, so that I was much wearied and -something strained of the spirit, before that I gat two little trees -unto the water. - -Now, when this was done, I made me a rough pole of a young tree-plant; -and afterward, I lashed the two trees together with my belts and straps, -and so had somewhat of a raft. - -And you shall picture that, all the time as I did go about this -business, I was very heedful lest the Humped Men should come upon me, -ere that I was gone free upon the water. And this constant heeding did -double the labour of my work, as you shall perceive; yet, in the end, it -was done, and I ready to adventure over the river. - -And so I did push off with the pole, and I pusht and paddled maybe the -half of an hour, for, indeed it was all a clumsy contriving, and mayhap -I the more so in my labours. Yet, presently, I was come so far over, -that I drew nigh to the island; and it did seem a wise and proper thing -that I should have my slumber there, and afterward go onward to the -farther shore. And this I did; and after that I had eat and drunk, as -ever, I lay down to sleep. And by this time it was three and thirty -hours since last I did slumber; so that I was bitterly awearied. - -And I had a great and restful sleep; for, truly, the island did seem a -very safe place; and, in verity, I came to no harm, though I was as a -dead man for nine great hours; and so shall you perceive my weariness. - -And when I was come proper awake, I eat two of the tablets, and drank -some of the water; and afterward made an end of my voyage, and then did -take back my belts and straps from binding the trees, and so forward -again upon my way, and no more fearful of the Humped Men; for, surely, I -did think I had left them all upon the far shore of the river; though -afterward I minded me that they might grow likewise upon the two sides; -but yet was I only discovered by those upon the one, as you do know. - -And all that day I went very swift, and past many strange matters and -did coast upon wonders oft. And at the sixth and the twelfth hours did I -eat and drink, as ever; and between the eighth and the fourteenth hours -did I come past two mighty fire-hills, that made all the Country to -tremble with their noise. And four times did monstrous creatures pass by -me; but I was swift hid, and came to no harm. - -And oft as I did go, were my thoughts upon the dear Maid that I -journeyed to save from destruction. Yet, as you must see, always were my -thinkings brought sharply unto my going; so that scarce was I ever set -off to ponder upon Naani, but that there came some danger or wonder to -give me heed to my way. And because of this, as you have learned, I was -more put to plan free of the instant trouble and peril of my way, -through all that mighty journey, than to have quiet chance for thoughts -of love unto mine Own. Yet, truly, was not my journey one whole thought -of love unto Naani? And, that peril made oft dumb my brain, was but the -truer song unto my Maid. - -And at times I was among trees; but oft did go past unnumbered boiling -springs and small fire-hills; and oft was the air full of the noise of -the little fire-hills, and the roar of the boiling springs; but there -came no harm unto me. - -And a thousand times did I perceive things that had life; and I made a -very cautious way; though with a great speed and cleverness of going -that made my heart glad. - -And oft did I come to parts where a great life held the trees, and green -stuff did flourish exceedingly, and the air rich and full and wondrous -sweet; so that I was fain to think how that in some far-off time, it -might be that our children's children should come down unto this -Country, when the Upper Valley of the Night Land was grown to an utter -chill and lacking of air; and here build them a new Refuge, if, indeed -any should come clear of the Evil Forces and the Monsters that did live -about the Mighty Pyramid in the Night Land. Yet, how should they come -clear of those things; so that this is, as you do perceive, no more than -a thought that did rise vaguely in me. And yet, again, who shall say -what may be? - -And onward I did pass, and I do mind me how that I saw the lower fires -of that Country to burn very fierce; and this I set to the richness of -the air; but yet with no surety of knowledge; and do but tell the same -that you shall see the oddments of thought that went oft across my -brain, and so have so much knowledge as I, concerning this and that. - -Now, a little before the eighteenth hour was come, I came out from among -the trees, and the sea was downward of a great cliff unto my right, for -I had gone upward for a long and weary hour. And I did see now a thing -that made me to be cautious, and yet that did hold my heart to go -swiftly to perceive the thing; for it was very strange. - -And I went forward quickly, yet with a wise care; and so was come -presently more nigh. And I perceived that the thing was, in part, a high -rock, very tall and pointed and maybe an hundred feet high; but -afterward I did find it to be more. And there was a monstrous great -thing upon the top of the rock, that did seem very strange; and I stopt -and lookt, and afterward went forward again; and so for a time, until -that I was but a little way off. And now I saw that there did seem to be -a mighty long rock laid across the topmost part of the upstanding rock, -and yet had a very strange and shapely appearance; and did seem upon the -underpart to be as that I had lookt before upon it. And upon the upper -part, there grew trees and green things, even as these did grow upon odd -ledges of the upstanding rock. Yet, for the most, the rock was very -stark, as that a blast had blown upon it, and made it bare. - -Now, when I had lookt for a while, I bethought me that this should be a -safe and proper place for my slumber, if that I had power to come safe -to the top. And when I had thought this thing, I began at once to climb -up the rock; and I found that the rock was very high; so that in a while -I was come a great way off the earth, and yet was not come to the top of -the rock. And because that I was awearied, I lookt about for a safe -place to mine hand, and lo! there was a shelf of the rock very nigh, -that went inward a little to the side. - -And I gat me to this ledge, and did eat and drink, and presently I -slept, and scarce had thought of Naani in the moment of my slumbering; -for a great weariness was upon me, the which I do think to have come by -reason that I was not yet proper rested from the task of the day that -was gone before that one. - -Now I waked very sudden, maybe seven hours after; and I had knowledge -within me that my spirit did wot of some nigh danger. And I gat upward -from the rock, very quiet, and had the Diskos ready in my hand. And I -lookt swift about me in the moment that I did wake; yet did see nothing; -for there was naught on the ledge with me. - -And I crept to the edge, and lookt downward, and lo! I did see that -there came up the rock two Humped Men; and they did climb very swift and -silent; and I perceived that they smelled me, and came to destroy me. -And I made ready the Diskos to do battle, and ceased not to look -downward. And I saw how that the Humped Men did seem to be humpt by -reason of their being so monstrous thick and mighty of the neck and the -shoulder, as that they had been human bulls. And I saw that they were -very strong, and by the speed of their climbing, I knew they were swift; -and so did I make steady my attention and my heart to the saving of my -life; for truly I did know that I should be dead in a little, or they. - -Now I stept back a space from the edge of the rock, and had the Diskos -very ready; for it was needful that I should kill one of those brute men -speedy, that I have no danger that one take me in the back, whilst that -I fight with the other. - -Then, in a moment it did seem, there came upward of the rock edge, the -great and brutish face of the man. And in that moment that I slew him, I -did note curiously how that he had large teeth upon each side of the -mouth; and was aware that he had come so quiet as a great cat. And in -the backward parts of my brain, I bethought that even thus, maybe, was -primal man, so that a strange and secondary questioning and wondering -did live in that part of me; and I did learn from these scarce conscious -reasonings that I was of belief the thing was truly a man; but very -crude and dangerous. And surely it is strange that I had all this -thought in that little moment; but in verity so it was; though I doubt -not but I bettered it with after thoughts, when a while had gone. - -Now the first man died ere his great haired breast was come upward over -the rock; and he sank back, and sagged and fell dully, and I heard him -bodge downward from rock to rock, very lumbersome; and so in a moment -was silence. - -Then did I look this way and that way of the ledge; for the second Humpt -Man was not yet upon me; and I feared that the pause did mean a cunning -mischief and strategy. And when a little time had past, and all the -while I was ready with the Diskos, and naught did come upward to harm -me, I stept very soft to the edge of the rock-ledge, and lookt downward; -but there was nowhere any thing to see. - -Now, for a little moment, I did think that the brutish man had run off, -being feared by the death that I did deal unto the first; yet I put this -from me at once; for I did wot that such a creature did not be like to -fear in such wise; but was rather set to some horrid cunning of attack, -as I did fear, and was somewhere below me among the holes of the great -rock. - -Then I did think sudden that he might be gone upward, so that he should -come down upon my back, and I lookt upward of the mighty rock; but did -see naught; and afterward I stoopt forward a great way beyond the edge, -so that I should perceive whether the man did hide beneath. And, behold! -he was there below me, and crouched under the rock-shelf, ready to his -spring. And in that moment, he made unto me with so mighty a leap as any -tiger should give. And he came half over the edge, and gript the Diskos -by the handle, in an instant. - -And surely I had lost that trusted weapon, or been pulled over and cast -into the depth, but that the Diskos did spin, and the Earth-Current did -make live the handle--as was intended--save where the "grip" was set. -And lo! the man gave loose the handle very swift, for it had burned and -shaken the creature sore. And I staggered back, with the effort I had -made to withhold the Diskos; and the brutish man came upward again over -the rock edge, and leapt at me. Yet he gat me not; for I sprang unto my -right, and made a blow with the Diskos, even as I did leap. And the blow -came something short; but yet harmed the Humpt Man with a gash upon the -belly, very sore and horrid among the great brown hairs of the man. And -immediately he sprang after me; but I smote full at the face; so that he -leaped back from the strange roar and blaze of the Diskos, and yet was -harmed; for he gat not right free of the blow; but did be cut very sore -on the mighty and haired arm. - -Now, seeing that he was something feared of the weapon, I ran in upon -him, and smote again at the face; yet was the man gone out of my reach -before that the blow did reach; for, truly, he was quick as a panther. -And immediately, he did leap unto the ending of the ledge, where it did -join upon the Rock; and he caught the living Rock between his two hands. -And truly the Rock must have been splitten there; for he tore out a -monstrous lump, so great near as my body; and did run upon me with the -rock above the head of him. - -Now, I perceived I should be smashed in a moment, if that I did not slay -the man very quick. For so mighty was he, that he did leap this way and -that way after me, as though the great rock did cumber him no more than -it had been but a light matter. - -And you shall perceive that I leapt this way and that way, to avoid the -man; and twice did strike him; but yet was feared to brake the Diskos -upon the rock, which the man did use as a shield each time that I did -make a blow. And all the while, I did act to escape when that the man -should cast the rock, as I did conceive at the first to be his intent. -Yet, truly, it was as that he had no wotting that a rock may be thrown; -for he strave only to come at me with the rock, that he should crush me, -as with a monstrous club. And, in verity, what should a man do against -so horrid an attack. - -And time and oft did I leap now to the right and now to the left, and -again in a moment, I did cut the Humpt Man; but the blow was something -turned off by the great rock in the hands of the man; yet so strange and -mighty was the power of the Diskos, that it shore away a small portion -of the rock, and did come to no hurt in itself. - -And, surely I had presently failed in wind and limb, because of the -leapings and chargings that I did make; and because of the weight of the -armour, that was not overmuch, yet to be considered; but that I fainted -not, was by reason of the wondrous hardness and leanness that I was -grown to, with so constant a journeying and strait living; for the -tablets did keep the strength in a man, though, truly, they eased not -the yearnings of the belly. - -And lo! even the brutish man did grow weary, and the hot breath and -body-stink to come from him; and surely who shall wonder, for always he -did rush to and fro upon me, with the monstrous rock to crush me. And -sudden, I leapt unto the right of the man, thinking within me that I did -perceive a chance that I should cut him upon that side; but, truly, he -was less awearied than I did know; for he came very sharp upon me, and -had me between him and the wall of the Rock; and surely I had no room to -make escape, and had died in a moment, but that I made a sudden sham -toward the left with the Diskos, as that I should leap that way. And in -the same instant, I did go to the right with a strong bounding; and -immediately did come in upon the Humpt Man from that side; and I put my -fortune of life to the stroke, and stood anigh to the man, and I smote -him across the middle part, before that he did wot of my intent. And the -blow slew the man very surely, and did nigh cut the mighty creature in -twain. And surely he fell, half leaping even as he died, so that the -monstrous rock that was in the hands of the brutish man, did crash down -almost upon my feet, and I leapt very high that I should escape the -thundering of the rock; for in verity, I was near slain in that last -moment of the life of the Humpt Man. But yet I lived and came free of -death, and did have a relief of happiness about my heart, as you shall -believe. - -Yet, truly, I was much shaken; and a little weakness took me, so that I -was fain to go down upon the rock-shelf, that I have back my strength. - -And presently, I was grown steady again, and I took my gear, and did -haste down the Rock, and so was come presently to the earth again. And I -saw the first of the Humpt Men that I did slay, lying very quiet a -little off from the bottom of the Rock; so that I went round upon the -other side to avoid the man; for it was no pleasure to mine eyes or to -my heart. And, truly, it did trouble me always to make a death. - -And when I was come round upon the other, which was the seaward, side of -the Rock, I perceived that I was yet shaken; and I remembered that it -were wise to eat and drink and rest a little, before that I did go -further upon my way. - -Now, as I did sit there at the bottom of the Rock, I looked upward at -the strange crown thereof; and until that time, I had been taken up with -the fight and with gazings this way and that to see whether there came -others of the Humped Men to work me an harm. - -But now that I was given some ease of the mind and of the body, I saw -plainly that I knew the thing that lay upward upon the Rock; for the -shape had been something strange and half-known to me even before that -moment, as that I had a vague knowledge concerning it; but yet with no -surety. And now, truly, I did know in a little instant that the thing -was one of the olden flying-ships, the which, as you shall mind, there -were certain in the Great Museum of the Mighty Pyramid. - -And surely, I was ready to wonder why that I had not seen the thing -plain before that moment; yet was this like to be because that there was -a shadow upon the other side of the great Rock; but upon this side there -was a little fire-hill a way off to the cliff edge, and this did throw a -warm light that made a glimmer upon the dull metal of the ship's bottom, -which was uncovered to my sight, and was surely of that same deathless -grey metal that made the Great Redoubt. - -And yet, as you shall believe, even as I said this thing to my mind, -that the strange matter upon the top of the Rock was truly one of the -olden air-ships, I did feel that I should be proper to doubt; for it was -a very wondrous thing to perceive a thing common to man, in that utter -strange Country, and after that I was gone so far off from the Mighty -Pyramid. Yet, in verity, I did know in my heart that it was indeed that -which I did perceive it to be; and I did stand and walk to and fore and -look upward constant; for I was very keen that I look well upon it. - -And truly, as I did look from this place and from that place, it was -scarce a thing for wonder that I had not wotted it to be an air vessel; -for there were great trees and abundance of earth and living matters -upon the topmost side of the ship; so that none could easy perceive it -to be aught save a great and desolate rock that did lie upon the other -rock. Yet, truly, it was as I have told; and presently I did make to -climb upward of the great Rock, that I should come to the air vessel to -enter it. But yet was this not proper; for I had surely no duty save to -go forward forever, until that I found the Maid; but yet did I spend a -little while to this searching of the ship; and I do but set down that -which I did, and with a serious spirit. And truly, as it doth here occur -to me, I do be ever seeming a serious young man, as you maybe shall have -grown to think; but yet was I to a dread and serious business, and the -strain did be too great upon me and the trouble too much prest upon my -heart to give me much of laughter, as you do surely perceive, and so you -to give me your ear and your understanding. For, indeed, before that I -did lose Mirdath my Beautiful One, I was not over-grave; but so young -and joyous as any. - -Now it took me a great time to go upward of the Rock; for it was so -monstrous steep and high. Yet, presently was I come nigh under the -bottom of the ship; and here I did perceive that she had been sore -battered in that far-off age when she did come upon the Rock; for, -surely, as I did perceive, the peak of the Rock was through the bottom -of the ship, so that the metal was burst this way and that, and very -plain to be seen in some parts; but in other places the earth and -growing matters did make a hiding. - -And after that I had climbed this way and that way, I perceived that I -must come to the topmost part by the plants that did hang over, and grow -downward. And after that I had pulled upon them, to know that they were -strong to hold me, I went upon them, and was soon to the top of the -ship. Yet, truly, I might so well have been upon the earth; for the ship -was covered above by the earth and dust of a monstrous age of years; so -that I was like to need much time to dig downward unto the ship; and -because of this, I considered a little while, and afterward made no more -to search her; but did go downward again, that I should come once more -to my journey. Yet, as you shall think, it was with a queer thrilling of -the heart, and with strange thoughts upon the end of those that did -come, maybe, to a bitter and lonesome dying in that ship of the air, in -that far-off time when she did fly. - -And surely, it did seem to me as I went downward of the great Rock, how -that the flying-ship had been there for an hundred thousand years; and -that mayhaps the sea did live all about the Rock in that Age; and truly -this was no improper thing to think, for it was like that the sea had -been monstrous high and great in those days; so that the Rock was but a -little island in the midst of the sea; and now was the sea gone small -from a great sea to lesser seas, and this through an eternity of years. -And always, as it doth seem to me, had the ship lain upon the Rock, and -lookt quiet and silent over the change and wonder and the lonesomeness -of all that Country of Fire and water, for ever. - -But how the air-ship did come upon the rock, how shall I know; save, -maybe, it doth seem as that she might have flown low over the sea in -that olden age, and come hard upon the Rock, because, maybe, there was -one to the helm that did steer unwittingly. And again, it shall well be -otherwise, and I do but set down mine odd thoughts; and such as they be, -they have no especial use, save that they do show to you the different -workings of my mind at that time, as I did go downward. And so to set -you the more in possession of all that I did have knowledge of. - -And presently, I was come again to the earth, and did go forward with a -great speed, so that I should waste no more of that day. Yet, oft did I -think upon that ship hid there upon the mighty Rock, under the wondrous -quiet ashes of eternity. - -And I went eighteen hours walking, and in all that time I did see no -more of the Humped Men; yet three times was I put in a sudden danger, -for there went past me thrice, between the fourteenth and the -seventeenth hours, great flying monsters, that were winged very ugly, -and did go, as I thought, in a great bounding, rather than that they did -fly proper as doth a bird. Yet I suffered no hurt from these; for I was -swift to hide between the great boulders that were very plenty in that -part; but no trees. For I was gone now past the forests of trees; there -being none since that I had gone through a very shallow river, that I -came to about the thirteenth hour. And this had I waded, and sounded my -path with the staff of the Diskos; but I had kept mine armour upon me, -lest there be things, even in water so shallow, that might bite and work -harm upon me. But I gat through pretty quick, and had no hurt done me. -Now I had eat, as ever, at the sixth and the twelfth hours; and by that -the eighteenth hour was come, I was nigh again unto a forest, that came -down to the shore that went alway upon my right; and I to be very sore -and wearied, as you shall know; for I had fought very desperate after my -waking, and afterward climbed the great Rock, and then again to journey, -so that it was, by this, nigh to one and twenty hours since that I did -sleep. - -And surely, I lookt this way and that way, constant, and did see no -place proper to my slumber. But afterward, I considered I did be a fool, -to lack such; for truly the trees were plentiful, and I could climb a -great one, and strap my body safe, and so have a sure bed for my rest. -And I did this thing, and went upward into a great tree, and did tie my -body to the tree, with my belts; yet I eat and drank before that I went -up the tree. - -Now when I was fast upward in the tree, and had made a bed upon a -monstrous branch, and had the Diskos ready upon my hip, so that it -should not fall but be nigh to my hand, I lay a little while thinking -upon Naani; and I went not over to sleep immediately, which was strange; -yet mayhaps because that my bed was so uncertain. - -And I considered very gravely how that it was a monstrous long while -since that I did hear the Master-Word from the dear Maid; and truly I -was come a dreadful way from mine home, which was the Mighty Pyramid; -for I had gone onward for ever through five and twenty great days of -travel, and was not yet come to any place that did appear like to be -that place where the Maid did abide. - -And it did seem that I might even wander onward in that great Country of -Fire and Water for a time beyond all that I had before gone; and this -thought did put a great weight of trouble and weariness upon my heart; -for the Maid had been in sore need of me, and I did feel sudden to be -all adrift in the wilderness. But before this time, it had seemed as -that I surely went aright. And mayhaps your sympathy shall tell you just -how I to feel in the heart. - -And after that I had lain there very awkward, and thought upon all -matters, I minded me that I would try the compass again upon the morrow; -but had no great hopes of the machine; yet did be willing to try aught -to see where I had gotten to. And truly, as it did come to my mind, if -that the compass did point a little as I did wot it was used to point in -the Lesser Redoubt, then, in verity, I was surely come something more -anigh to that unknown place of the world than I did dare to believe. And -this to be plain to you. - -Then a little time did pass in which I did wake and sleep, and wake and -sleep, a little; but with no surety of sleep; but as that I was very -tired of the heart, and did but lie too wearied to come properly to -sleep. - -And odd whiles I did lie with mine eyes half to open, and did look very -dreamful upward among the dark branches of the tree, as they did show -black and pretty against the redness of the shining that came from the -sea; for there was stood a great and bright-burning fire-hill in that -part of the sea that lay off the shore from me. And above the glaring of -the fire-hill, there was the deep night that did brood for ever above in -a monstrous black gloom of eternity, and did make the red smoke of the -volcano to show deep and mighty and thunderous-seeming, afar up in the -great dark. And the red and shining smoke did but show the utter -hugeness of the night, that had been upon the world through the great -ages. - -And, in verity, as I did lie there so dreamful, it did come to me afresh -how wondrous strange was mine adventure; and how that I did lie warm and -alive in a Country of red light and smoking seas. And, truly, as I did -remember and consider, there was a great and lost world above me, upward -through the dark ... maybe an hundred and fifty great miles up in the -grim night. - -And this thing did strike me very solemn, as I did lie; and I do trust -that you conceive how that there was, in truth, afar above in the -eternal and unknown night, the stupendous desolation of the dead world, -and the eternal snow and starless dark. And, as I do think, a cold so -bitter that it held death to all living that should come anigh to it. -Yet, bethink you, if one had lived in that far height of the dead world, -and come upon the edge of that mighty valley in which all life that was -left of earth, did abide, they should have been like to look downward -vaguely into so monstrous a deep that they had seen naught, mayhaps, -save a dull and utter strange glowing far downward in the great night, -in this place and in that. - -And surely, as you shall have seen, I have set the Great Deep of the -Valley to be, maybe, an hundred and fifty miles of night; for, as you do -mind, it was conceived that the Valley of the Night Land was an hundred -miles deep, and mayhap to be more; and I had come from that Place -downward of the Mighty Slope, and of the Gorge, a very great way. Yet, -in verity, I do believe in my heart this measuring was utter wrong; for -I think the deep to have been monstrous, beyond these miles that I do -give; yet have I no proving of this belief, and do set it down for no -more than it is. - -Now, presently, I had ceased from these vague thinkings and half -dreamings, and was gone truly to sleep. Yet, nowise did I sleep very -strong; but did seem to come anigh to wakefulness, this time and that. -And, as it did chance, this was mayhaps a very good thing for my life; -for I did presently come awake more surely, and did turn on the great -branch; for there was a noise in the air, that was not the noise of the -great fire-hill. - -And the noise did grow, very heavy and lumbersome. And, in a moment, -there came seven Humped Men, running among the trees, as that some -monstrous thing did pursue. And immediately they were beneath the tree -in which I did lie; so that a great fear came upon me, and I loosed the -belt from the branch, that I should be free to fight. - -And, directly upon this, I saw that the men did leap upward into the -tree, beneath me; but not as that they did wot of me or make to come at -me; but as that they did pay a great heed to some creature or happening -that was far off among the trees. And surely, the noise did seem to come -from that part, and did grow loud and mighty, and the Humped Men did all -crouch very silent, and did make no noise or motion one to the other; -but were quiet upon the lower branches. - -And, as I did look now more to my ease, I perceived that they had each a -great stone, and bloody, that did seem as that it were split to a -certain sharpness, even as a stone doth break very natural. And they -carried the stone under this arm or under that arm, so that they had -their hands free to all matters. - -And, alway the noise did come the more anigh, and I saw that a Humped -Man did come running from among the trees, and did run beneath that -place where the seven Humped Men did be on the branches. But they made -no sign to the man, to save him; yet truly it was very plain that some -monster pursued the man. - -And immediately I saw how this thing was; for the Humped Man upon the -ground, did not run so fast as might be; and I conceived that he did act -to make some creature to come after him, to pass under the men within -the tree. And surely this thing did prove to be; for there came very -quick, a great and ugly thing, that had an ugly way of putting down the -feet, and did have seven feet to each side, which was very strange; and -the back was as that it were horny, and the belly of the thing did seem -to brush heavy upon the earth, and it grunted, as it went, and shook the -earth with the weight of it; so that a monstrous noise came from it, -upon so hasty a journey. And I did wot that it was not such a thing as -did properly pursue after matters of food; but did rather eat of that -which did need little haste, but a monstrous strength, to gain. And that -it did so make after the man, was in truth because that it had been -wounded and made fierce; for, indeed, there came blood from the creature -from great wounds upon the back; but how these were made, I could not -know in that instant. - -And it did go under the tree in which I was hid; and in that moment when -it past under the tree, the seven Humped Men did leap out of the -branches, and did catch to the brute by the great horns of the spine; -and I saw that the wounds were in the joints of the spine, as was plain -when the back did work, with the going of the creature. And the seven -Humped Men took the sharp stones from under their arms, and did strike -very brutal in the wounds that were in the joints of the spine; and the -creature roared and cried, and went onward into the trees at a great -speed; and in all the time that it ran, the Humped Men ceased not to -strike with the stones. - -And sudden, when it was gone a distance off, it did roll very swift over -upon the back, first to the right, as that it would go that way; so that -the Humped Men did leap off upon the other side. And immediately the -creature rolled to that side; and there ran clear of the brute only four -of the Humped Men; so that I knew that three were slain. And afterwards, -they that lived, ran beyond the beast, and gat up into a second tree, -and the one that was chased, did entice the creature to follow, and so -did tease it once more to pass beneath the other men; and they very -swiftly again to the back of the creature; and so from my sight, -striking with the great stones, and the beast bellowing very loud and -piteous. And how many of the Humped Men there were to the beginning of -that strange hunting, I know not; but surely there were few that lived -to the end. - -And surely there were such things as this thing in the beginning of the -world, and again was it thus in the end; and I did ponder this a little -while, as I did sit upon the great branch, and hearken unto the sound of -the hunting, that was now gone a great way off, and was presently beyond -my hearing. - -And afterward, I gat me to the earth, and did look this way and that -way, to see that no beast was anigh, neither any of the Humped Men; and -afterward, I eat two of the tablets and drank some of the water. - -And when I had gat this far to a readiness for my going, I minded me -that I should try the compass again, as I did intend. And surely the -machine did point between the North and the South, upon the Westward -arc, even as Naani had told unto me; yet, as it did seem, with somewhat -more of a Southward pointing than she had made me to think. And because -of this telling of the compass, a great ease came upon my spirit; for, -surely, was not this but a sure sign that I did go direct unto that -hidden place of the world where the Lesser Refuge did abide; but yet was -not come over-close, so that the pull of the Mighty Earth-Current of the -Great Redoubt was something stronger than in the place where was the -Little Pyramid. - -And all this did I think very swift to myself, and had a glad uplifting -of the heart, as you do perceive; so that I went forward upon my -journey, with a great stride, and did scarce fear any strange thing that -all the Country did hold, in that moment. - -And I went all that day at a strong pace, and did be oft tempted to send -the Master-Word unto Naani; yet did keep from so foolish an acting, the -which, mayhaps, had brought straightway upon me an Evil Power, and had -given me to Destruction when that I was near come to the succour of the -Maid. And it was this quick and constant fear of the Evil Forces of the -Night Land, that did keep me ever from calling unto Naani, lest that -they should discover me, and follow after; and this, I doubt not, you to -know by now so well as I. - -Now, by the sixth hour, I was come into a part of the Country where -there were an exceeding abundance of steam fountains and sprayings and -great upboilings of water in basins of rock; and the air did be full of -the sounds and the roarings of the boilings and the spoutings, and of a -hot mist and spray; so that, truly, I had scarce the power to see to my -front, nor to any side. - -And here, presently, I made a pause, and did eat and drink, and -afterward went forward again; and I did keep the shore of the sea always -to my right, and so did go proper to my way; yet with no great ease; for -the sea also did steam very strong in that part, and because of this -great fog of steam, I was surely much laboured to make a great speed, -lest unseeing I go headlong into an hole of the boiling water. - -And in the ninth hour, I did go clear of the hot boilings, and was come -again free of the mist and the steam, and might look with mine eyes to -my going. And, surely, as I did perceive, I was come to the end of the -great sea that had been ever to my right; for it did go against the feet -of great and monstrous mountains, that went upward for ever into the -night, and did seem as that they were the hither wall of that strange -Country of Fire and Water. And so was I stood there very much taken upon -doubt; for how should I go farther. - -And after that I had been there a while, in a bewilderment of doubt and -of wit, I went to the left, along the feet of the mountains; and truly -this but of common sense; for how might I go any other way, save I go -back again! - -And at the twelfth hour I eat two of the tablets, and drank some of the -water, and went forward once more. And lo! at the fifteenth hour, I was -come to a place between the mountains, even an upward gorge, very dark -and gloomy, and without light for a great way. - -And, in verity, I did not want to go up the gorge, in that it was so -dreary a place and narrow and horrid and drear-seeming, after the light -and wideness of the Country in which I did yet stand. - -And presently, I did go past the mouth of the gorge, that I should learn -whether there went another way out of that Country. And thiswise, for a -great hour more, along the feet of the mountains, and did presently come -to a monstrous black river, that was, maybe, a mile wide. And it to be -very shallow, and seeming as that the water scarce to cover the mud of -the bottom. And here and there a great steam did come from it, and -spirtings and moundings-up of the mud in many places, and monstrous -babblings and puffings-up of strange smoke, as that a great heat went -beneath it in this place and in that. - -And surely it went backward into the country for a mighty way, so far as -my sight did go; and I did think it to be no river, but truly a further -sea. And there was no way across; for there were no trees anigh, to make -me a raft, neither might I wade across; for it might be shallow here and -deep there, and the mud be in all places. And, moreover, I had been like -to be caught in one of those upburstings of mud, even did I have a raft -to go upon. And because of all these things, I gat me back again to the -Gorge, and presently I did go upward into the darkness. - -Now, I went upward very steady, save that I did stumble oft, and did go -through six great hours. And truly it did seem that I went in an utter -dark, because that I had been awhile in so constant a light. - -And, by that I had been six hours in the Gorge, I was gone right away -from the Country of the Seas, and did be as that I was back into some -place that was like to the dreadness of the Night Land. For there were -in this place and in that place of the Gorge, red fire-holes, even as in -the Night Land. Yet not many until that I was come a great way up of the -Gorge. And there did be life of horrid things about the fires, as soon I -did wot; so that I made to keep off from them. Yet, as you shall -perceive, I must come oft pretty near, because that the Gorge was -nowheres scarce an hundred good paces across, and did oft come very -narrow, so that I did come oft anigh to the fire-holes, whether that I -did heed to or not. - -And all that time, and ever, did the Gorge go very sharp upward, so that -it was a very weary thing to make great trial of speed, as you shall -know. But yet I went so fast as I could do; for I was grown sudden very -excited about the heart, and to feel as that I did surely draw anigh to -that strange and hid place of the world, where was the Lesser Refuge. - -And when I had gone upward through six great hours, as I did say, I took -caution for a place proper to slumber; for I was surely very wearied. - -And I saw a place presently, afar upward of the dark side of the Gorge, -upon the right, where a ledge of the Rock did show in the glaring from -one of the fire-holes that made a gloomy light in that place. And I -climbed unto this ledge, and did find it to be secure, and awkward to -come upon. And presently, after that I had eat and drunk, I did compose -myself unto sleep, the which came very speedy upon me, whilst yet I did -believe I thought only upon the sweetness of the Maid. And truly it had -been something over three and twenty hours, since last I did sleep; so -that I was greatly awearied. - -And in six hours I waked and did eat, and did climb downward again to -the Gorge, and so unto mine upward journey. - -Now, as you do perceive, when that I was come properly a great way up -the Gorge, and had come among the fire-holes, there was no more an utter -darkness, for the dull red glare of the pits beat upward upon the black -sides of the rock-mountains, that did make the sides of the Gorge; so -that oft I did see both sides very plain in the lower parts; yet of the -height of the Gorge, who might know aught; for the black sides did go -upward for ever into the everlasting night. - -And because of the light from the fire-pits, I did see, time and oft -about the fires, horrid monsters, both that were snakes, and others like -to scorpions so great as my head; but no more than these for a long -while. And afterward I perceived that surely other matters did move -among the rocks of the Gorge; so that I did keep the Diskos very ready -in mine hand; yet had truly no use for it all that day. - -Now I eat and drank at the sixth and the twelfth hours, and went onward -at a very strong speed. And at the sixteenth hour, I did seem as that I -knew the aether to be stirred about me, and the beat of the Master-Word -very faint upon mine inward ear. And immediately, a wondrous great and -lovely thrilling did wake all my being; for surely, I said, this was the -spirit of my love, calling unto me with her brain-elements. And, indeed, -this was a very proper and sensible thinking; for had the Master-Word -been sent from the Mighty Pyramid, I had been like to hear it very -plain, by reason of the force of the Earth-Current which was with them -and to their command. But, as you do know, the Earth-Current was nigh -gone from the Peoples of the Lesser Refuge; so that they were over-weak -to make any proper calling. And this I have spoken of before this place. - -Yet, in a little while, as I did stand very hushed, that I should hark -the better, I was come to doubt whether that I did truly hear the -Master-Word. And one moment I did say that it had surely beat in the -night about me; and immediately would I be just so unsure; and so in a -while I gat once more to my journey, and had doubt in my heart; yet, as -you shall conceive, more of hope. And because of this thing, I went -onward for thirty great hours from the time that I did wake; for my -heart was excited within me. And when that I had gone so long forward as -this, I did see how that I did foolishly; and I lookt about for a place -for my slumber; and I found a small cave that was clean and empty, as I -did discover by the shining of the Diskos which I made to spin a little -time. And the cave was in the cliff of the mountain that made the right -side of the Gorge, and was nigh twenty good feet from the bottom of the -Gorge, and hard to approach. - -And when I was come secure into the cave, and sure that it was proper to -my purpose, I eat four of the tablets, as was just and nice to my belly, -and did afterward drink some of the water, and so to my slumber; and all -the while, very sweet and strong in my thoughts upon Naani; so that -surely I was a little time before that I had myself rightly unto sleep. - -And I slept six hours, and did wake, for I had set my spirit hard unto -such wakening; yet was I still greatly yearning for sleep. But this did -go somewhat, when that I had fought a little with my need. And -afterward, I eat two of the tablets, and drank some of the water, and -did gat my gear upon me, and was presently down unto the Gorge; and so -again to my journey. - -Now in all that day I did go with a very stern speed; for it did seem as -that my soul did know for surety that I was truly come something nigh -unto that hid place in the night where I should find mine Olden Love -again. And the sweet hope that was bred of the calling that had seemed -truly to sound about my spirit, was in all my being, and more sure on -that day, than before that I had slept. - -And I went thirty hours in all, even as before, ere that I did come -again to sleep, and I eat and drank at every sixth hour, so that my -strength should abide within me. And by that I was come to the ending of -the thirty hours, I was sorely awearied, and gat me upward of the -monstrous cliff that did make the left side of the Gorge, having -perceived in a place a great ledge of the rock, that did seem very -proper for my purpose of slumber. - -And when I was come upward upon the ledge of the rock, I saw that there -did seem something, like to a mighty spider, that did stay half without -of a hole in the back part of the ledge. And I smote the thing gently -with the Diskos, so that it was very quickly dead; and afterward I -searched well about; but did gladly perceive that there abode there no -other horrid creature. - -And I eat two of the tablets, and drank some of the water; and did -afterward make me ready for slumber, as ever. But now I did put the -cloak well about me; for truly there was grown a chill into the air of -the Gorge; and here also will I tell how that it did seem unto me that -the air was gone something from that great thickness and strength which -had been with me in the past days of my journeying. - -Now I was gone so tired, that I fell upon sleep in a moment, yet with a -dear thought and anxious, concerning Naani; but was so starved of the -body for slumber, that even mine anxiousness kept me not awake. And I -was then so fast with sleep that I knew naught for eight hours of very -sound slumber. And then did I awake, and very thankful of the heart that -no evil beast or creeping thing had come upon me whilst that I was so -utter lost in sleep. - -And now, truly, was I something fresh and ready; and I ate and drank, -and had my gear once more upon me, and so down into the Gorge. And -afterward, I went upon my journey for eighteen hours, and did pause but -a little while at the sixth and the twelfth hours that I should eat and -drink. - -And when the eighteenth hour was nigh come, I perceived that the nature -of the Gorge was grown very horrid and dank. And in verity, I did feel -as that afar upward in the night the black mountains that did make the -sides of the Gorge had come together, and did make a monstrous roof -unseen in the utter height. - -And this thing I do tell, only as of my belief; for I have no very sure -proof. Yet, truly, my reason doth say likewise; for there did oft drip -water upon me out of the darkness, even though I walked in the middle -way of the Gorge; and how should this thing be, save that there went an -overreaching of the sides, that should let the mildew down upon me. - -And in this place, and for more than eleven great hours, there were -fire-holes and fire-pits only in this part and in that, and each a great -way off from another. And they burned very dull, and did seem to throw a -fume of sulphur into all the air, as that there was no freedom above for -the stink to pass away. And in every place were the rocks of the Gorge -very thick and slippery with strange growths; so that it was a sorrow to -walk upon them. And all that time was there an heavy wetness and -slowness in the air; and a smell, beside the stink of the fire-pits, as -that I did go forward through a place where dead things did be. - -And for a great time there was a horrid darkness, as it had been that -the air was grown thick with the fumings of the fire-pits, as I do -believe; and beside this thing there was, as I have said, but a dull -fire here and another there; so that it was like that there should be a -heavy dark. And because that it was so utter black, and because that -there were growths upon the rocks in the bottom of the Gorge, I did go -but slowly, and with pain of stumblings; and always with the stink of -that place to trouble me half unto a sickness. - -And sudden, as I did go past one of the fire-pits, I saw that the fire -made a dull shining upon some monstrous thing that did move before me, -upon the far side of the fire. And I came in one moment unto a swift -silence, and hid among the rocks of the bottom of the Gorge. And I lookt -very cautious at the thing that moved beyond the fire, and surely I had -seen no thing so monstrous since that I had come free of the Night Land; -for it was as that some huge Creature, like to the hull of a great ship -did move down out of the dark of the upper way of the Gorge. And it went -by the fire-hole, and onward into the dark of the lower way of the -Gorge; and I had perceived somewhat of it, as it did go past the fire, -and, surely, it was black and beslimed, and utter great in height and in -length, and it went always without noise, so that I had not known it to -be there, but that I saw it plain with mine eyes. And, truly, if I do -say that it was somewhat as that I had seen a monstrous slug-thing, -surely I should use wise and proper words to make known to you this -horrid brute. - -And I stayed very quiet a time, and afterward I went upward again of the -Gorge, and did use a new caution to my way, and saw that the Diskos was -free upon my hip; for even thus I did carry the weapon, being that I -must use both hands to my way, and to save me in my stumblings and -slidings over the slippery rocks. - -And once it did seem to me that some great thing moved in the darkness, -and I went downward among the rocks, and stirred not my body for a great -while; and sure am I that there went some living monster past me, that -did stink as a loathsome grave. And afterward, I went on again. - -And three hours did I go thus, and came at last to a place where a -fire-hole did shine more ruddy; and I did look well about me, that I -should perceive that part of the Gorge the better. And as I stood there, -very quiet, away off from the fire, so that it did show no great light -upon my person, I did note how utter still was that place; and this to -take me anew, as though it had come fresh upon me. And here, there would -be the drip of water, and again in that place, and again elsewhere; and -all very solemn and very dismal. And the silence to be constant. - -And presently, as I lookt, now to this way and again to that, I saw that -there was a monstrous slug-thing laid upward against the black side of -the Gorge, as that it had stood up on end; and the one end of the -monster went upward beyond the light from the fire-pit; but the other -part did come down and trail into the Gorge, as a long hillock, very -ugly and black and beslimed. - -And I near sweat with a disgust and horror of the thing; but afterward I -had more courage, and spied well upon the brute. And surely, it moved -not at all, any more than the side of the cliff of the Gorge; and I -conceived that it stood not upward upon any feet; but clung to the rock, -even as you shall see a slug to go. And for a great space I was very -quiet and moved not, neither did I make to hide, but stood there very -stupid. - -Yet, in a time, I had more of courage which brought strength unto my -heart, and I began again to go upon my way, but with an utter caution, -and I then to creep for a weary time upon my hands and knees among the -dank and weariful rocks and boulders that lay in the bottom of the -Gorge. And thrice between four hours was I passed by hidden and -monstrous things in the horrid dark places of the Gorge; yet with no -noise, save, as it might be, the odd rattle of a rock in this place and -that; but with an utter and dreadful stinking. And I to be quiet as -they went, as you shall think. - -And each time now that I did go by the fire-pits and fire-holes that lay -odd-ways in the Gorge, I did pause and search about me with mine eyes, -very cautious, and oft now did I perceive how that the monstrous slug -creatures did lie in this place and in that against the cliffs of the -Gorge. And I did go then utter still, from this space to that space -among the rocks, and oft upon the flat of my belly, and with a constant -heed that I make not mine armour to knock against the boulders. - -And always as I did go, there was a monstrous stench, and the choking of -sulphurous smoke very oft. And here and there, as mine heart doth -believe, there were utter great caverns within the mountains to the -right and to the left; and of this thing I have some small proof; for -once I did go by a place where a fire did burn, as it should be a -fire-hole, afar inward of the mountain side upon my right; so that I saw -in a moment that I looked in the darkness through the mouth of a mighty -cave-place; and I went past very quick and silent, for I knew not -whether any horrid thing should come forth out of that place to slay me. - -And, truly, as I did think, if there did be one such place, there were -like to be many; and mayhaps the slugs came forth from those caverns, -where, as I did conceive there was naught save an eternal dripping of -waters and the foul growth of things in all parts. Yet is this last but -a thought, as I do say, and you shall wisely take it for no more than -that. - -Now, I came clear of the darkness and the slime and the stinking in -about twelve hours after the time that I did think the mountains to be a -roof unto the Gorge; and the air was now free and did seem as that some -life and health did abound in it; and the fires did be more plentiful, -and burned very bright and clean, and threw all their fumings upward, so -that there was no more any bitter pain of sulphur within my throat. - -And surely, it was with a thankful heart that I went onward, and with a -good speed; for there was much of light all about me, in that there -burned an hundred fire-pits here and in that place; so that I saw clear -before me and behind, and conceived that the slugs did abide only in the -closed part of the Gorge. And oft I did take the air very full into my -lungs, for the sweetness of it, after the horrid stenchings that I had -abode all those hours. - -And presently, when I was come free of the roofed part of the Gorge, -maybe some three good hours, I lookt for a place proper to slumber; for -it was surely something over three and thirty hours since that I did -last come upon sleep; and I was utter worn and lost of strength with so -much of creeping and harking for monsters, as you shall believe; -moreover, about that time I had gone bitter long whiles between -slumberings through more than an hundred hours, as you shall have -perceived from my tellings. - -Now, presently, I saw a small cave that went inward of the side of the -Gorge. And I lookt into the cave, and found it to be sweet and clean, -and very dry. And there was a small fire-pit off from the mouth of the -cave that did throw a good light for my purpose; so that I saw there was -no creeping thing or horror in the place; and I went in, and made to -prepare for my slumber. - -But truly, when I was come to look upon myself, I was utter soiled and -did seem as that I stank with the slime and disgust of the dark part of -the Gorge, where I had gone upon my hands, and upon my belly. And -because of this, I was set that I should not eat or come to sleep, -without I washed me. - -And I went out from the cave, and there was a spring near to the -fire-pit, as was oft in that part of the Gorge. And the spring was hot -and did fill a hollow of the rock, very quiet and with a fuming of -sulphur, as I did bend above it. And I washed mine hands and face and -mine armour and gear, in the hot spring, and did dry me with my -pocket-cloth; and so was sweetened and put to happiness of mind. - -And I went back into the cave, and did sit in the mouth of the cave, -with the Diskos to mine hand; and I eat four of the tablets, for I was -gone a mortal long while without, and afterward I drank some of the -water. And as I did eat and drink, I lookt out upon the lightness of the -Gorge before me, and with a cheerful and composed heart. - -And I saw presently that there came certain creatures out from their -holes, even as it might be that they were part rats; but very strange -looking, and not properly such. And some did lie about the fire-hole, -and some did hunt about in the rocks; and one came presently, and had a -snake by the neck. And it stood upon the snake, and did eat it, even -while that the snake did lash about upon the rock. And the snake did -lash until that it was nigh all eat; and a very strange thing this was -to see, and something troublesome to the pity. Yet was I glad to -perceive that there were enemies to the serpents of that place. - -And when the rat creature did make an end of the snake, it made across -to the spring, and did drink the hot water a while; and afterward back -unto the fire, and there laid down anigh to the edge, and seeming very -sweetly comforted of the belly, which, in truth, was much otherwise with -me. And, after that, I saw many creatures that went about the fire, and -did have warmth from the fire and drink from the spring; and surely I -did ponder that the Peoples of this our Age should say, if they had -stood with me, that Providence had made nigh together the warmth and the -drink that were needful unto life (for it was grown to a bitter chill -now in the Gorge). But rather did this thing seem to me otherwise, that -these creatures did be but of their circumstance, and if that it had -been another way, then had they grown of their wits to meet it to their -means of life. Yet, as some would say, the arguments do but meet, and be -the same thing. And neither way do I care in this place; but do no more -than to show unto you the working of my brain, in this way and that, as -I made my journey. - -Now, presently, when I was done eating, and come very ready to fall upon -sleep, I went out from the cave and gat me certain boulders, the which I -did carry into the cave. And when I was come back for the last time, I -put them very secure in the entrance-way, that no small stinging -creature come at me as I slept. And after that, I made ready, and went -to my sleep, having sweet thoughts and slumbrous, of the Maid. - -Now I slept very quiet that time, and was not over troubled with the -chill of the Gorge, which was but little in that place, both by reason -of the fire-pit and because that the cave did help to keep my warmth to -me. And I had a deep slumber for eight hours, and waked then pretty -tired, but strong to go upon my way. And after that I had sat a little -while, I came full to wakefulness and afterward did eat two of the -tablets and drink some of the water, the which I did, sitting in the -mouth-part of the cave, after that I had cast free the boulders. - -And afterward, I gat my gear upon me, and I went again upon my journey. -And the Gorge did continue very light and cheerful, with the shining of -the fires; and oft there did be a little steam that did hiss from this -part or that of the bottom of the Gorge and did blow very quaint and -noisy in the quiet of that place. And oft there did be hot pools, and -everywhere the great boulders in the bottom way, and to the right and to -the left the black and mighty sides of the Gorge that did go upward for -ever into the everlasting night. - -And so I did go, and had eat and drunk at the sixth hour, and gone -onward again. And, lo! at the eighth hour, I did thrill sudden with a -wondrous great thrilling; for, in verity, it did seem to me that the -Master-Word did beat softly about me, out of all the night of the world. -And all my heart did throb with great glowings of joy; yet was the beat -of the Word unsure, so that I knew not truly whether my spirit had -indeed heard aught, for there was immediately a silence, as ever, about -mine inward being. Yet, as you shall believe, there was a new hope and -strength of courage in all my body and soul. - -And I went forward very swift, and all renewed, as it were; and my -strength and hope did make naught of any terror that should lie to bar -my way, neither did I have further heed of the boulders that lay always -upon my path, but did go over them with quick leapings, and a wondrous -and thrilling eagerness of the heart within me. - -And, sudden, in the end of the tenth hour, I perceived that the mighty -walls of blackness that made the sides of the Gorge did be no more -there, and that I was come truly upon the end of the Gorge. And I near -trembled with hope and astonishment; for when I was gone a little way -on, I had ceased to go upward any more, and was come clear out from the -mouth of the Gorge, and did peer forth across a mighty country of night. - -And it did seem to me as that I was come to a second Land of Strange -matters, even as the Night Land where did lie the wonder of the Mighty -Pyramid. And surely, I did think within my heart that I was come at last -to that far and hidden place of the world where did be the Lesser -Redoubt. But yet was there no place in all that night where did tower -the shining lights of the Lesser Pyramid, the which I did hope vainly to -perceive. And because that I saw them not, a great heaviness came upon -my spirits for a time; but afterward the heaviness did go; for I put -Reason to help my courage, and did plan this cause and that to show why -that I was not come to sight of the shining embrasures of the Lesser -Redoubt. But yet was there left an ache of doubting, as you shall well -conceive. - -Now this Land was very new and strange, and had a great light in this -part, and a wondrous grim darkness in that. And I did pause a great -while to determine how that I should go properly. And presently I -bethought me of the compass, and did draw it forth, and set it upon the -earth, that I should see how it did act. And truly it did go almost as -Naani had told to me; so that I was very sure in all my being that I was -in verity come anigh to the hidden Refuge. But yet did the compass give -me no proper guiding to my way; so that I was no more wise to this end -than before, only that I had the comfort of that which it did seem to -assure. - -And, in a little while, I went forward into the Land, and did hope that -I should come presently to some matter to help my choice. And I went -first toward a certain great glowing of fire that lay before me, and did -seem joined to another great glare that went afar to my left. - -And I found the ground of that Land to be very fair for my feet, and to -have in this place and that certain bushes, even as it did seem to me, -of the kind that we named moss-bushes in the Night Land, as you do know. -And I made a very good speed, and went thus until I had gone for maybe -six long hours. And by that time, I was come anigh to the glowing of -light; and did keep now a strong caution to my going; for truly, as I -did know from the tellings of the Maid, there were very horrid and -dreadful Powers in that Land, and I did well to remember that I was come -again to parts where might be the destruction of the spirit. Now I made -a pause, and lookt toward the glowing light; and it seemed to me that -for a monstrous way unto the right and unto the left, there did be -surely a great, hid valley in the earth before me. For the shining did -seem as that it came up from out of a valley, as that there burned a -deep light in such a place; but yet was I all unsure, and had no proper -knowing whether indeed there did be any valley there, but only a strange -and luminous shining that did come upward from the earth. - -And I made no great haste now to go unto that place; but went down -sudden into the bushes, and lay upon my belly, and had a new great fear -upon my spirit. And presently, I parted the bushes a little, and made a -place for spying. - -And I looked a great time unto the place of the light, and now to this -part and now to that. And sudden, I saw, as it did seem, a monstrous -head within the glowing; for the glowing did seem at whiles as that it -swept to and fore, as should a shining smoke that went obedient to a -quiet wind: and so to hide and again to uncover. And in a moment I lost -the great face, and was all unsure that ever I had seen aught. - -And lo! in a little minute, I did see it again; but whether it did be -the shape of some utter monster of eternity--even as the Watchers about -the Mighty Pyramid--or whether it did be no more than a carven mountain -of rock, shaped unto the dire picturing of a Monster, I did have no -knowing. But I made that I should get hence very quick, and I did turn -me about in the bushes, and went upon my hands and knees; and so came at -last a great way off. - -Now, presently, I came again upon my feet, and did take a new look -around that Land. And I had the mouth of the Gorge to my back, and this -I perceived by the shining of the fire-pits that made the place shown to -me. - -And to the left of the Gorge was an utter blackness, as I did conceive -of black and monstrous mountains, through which the Gorge did come. And -to the right side of the Gorge there were many low volcanoes, that went -always along the feet of the great mountains that made the right wall of -the Gorge. And I saw the feet of these dark mountains, because that the -light from the little volcanoes made a glare upon the lower slopes. - -And so shall you have some knowing of that part of this second Land of -Night. - -And a good way off, was the shining that I had journeyed unto, and the -shining went into a distant light through a part of the Land that lay -afar to my left, for it stretched a great and strange way toward me, out -of the leftward gloom, and came unto my front, and so away into an utter -distance. Yet, though it was so great, you shall not think that it made -any huge light in the Land; but was rather as that it had a shining made -unto other ends; for it made not a great lightness in the Land. - -And you do now perceive something roughly how the Land did seem to my -back part and unto my left, and somewhat before my face. And because -that I did think to have no profit to my search, if that I went to the -left, I made attention unto the Right. And here there was much of -darkness; yet oft the shining of fire-holes in this place and that amid -the darkness. And, as I did look, it grew very plain upon me how great -was the spread and drear wideness of that Country of Night; and how -that I did be an utter lonesome person in all that dark. And so shall -you be with me in sympathy of the utter greatness of my task, and know -of the fear that did breed, odd whiles, that I should search until I -die, and never find. And you to give me good human understanding. - -Now I made no more to delay, but went unto the right, and did keep the -chain of the little volcanoes something level to my course; though a -great way off. And I went thus with a strange growing of hope, and an -excitement, for ten hours, and had eat not then for more than twenty -hours, and surely not since the sixth hour of that day and this because -that I was so utter shaken from my calmness of going. - -And at the tenth hour, I went utter weak, and did seem surely as that I -must swoon. And lo! I bethought me how that I was gone so long without -aught for my belly. And surely, when I was quiet a time, I eat four of -the tablets, and in a good while did feel all renewed, and would rest no -more, after that I had drunk some of the water, but went onward; for, in -verity, my spirit did be as that it had slain me, if that I had lain -down at that time. And this because hope was so fierce in me; for I to -feel indeed that I was come near to the Maid. - -And I went ten hours more, until that I did truly totter upon my feet, -with utter and dreadful weariness; for I had gone now through someways -of forty great hours, and had been foolish in mine eating and drinking, -as you have perceived; but yet was this to be forgiven; for I was as -that I should come any little minute upon the wonder of the Lesser -Pyramid, shining afar in the night. Yet, truly, there was nowhere -anything that might be likened unto it. - -And I lay down there, just as I did be, and with no proper heed to my -safety. And I was gone asleep in one moment, as it did seem; and waked -not for twelve hours; and then did come suddenly unto knowledge; and -thankful was I in the heart that no monster had come upon me in that -dead-time of slumbering. And I eat four of the tablets, as was surely -due unto me, and drank some of the water, and so gat forward again into -the night. - -And truly I was mortal stiff and did ache for a great while, and this -did be in part because that I had wrapped not the cloak about me, ere I -slept; for the Land was bitter cold and did make the blood very chill. - -Now when I had gone onward through six hours, I ate and drank; for I did -mind now to be wise and keep my strength good within me. And I went -onward again at a very great speed, and full of an excitement. And -surely, I did be glad at last that the tablets were so easy gone in the -mouth, and unfilling to the belly; for I had been without power and -patience to eat proper victual. - -And at the tenth hour, I saw that there rose a red-shining out of the -Land before me, as that it came upward from a mighty pit. And I made -slow my way, and so, when I was gone on for two great hours more, I saw -that monstrous figures went about, against the red glare of the shining. -And I gat me down into the bushes which were very plentiful in that -part. - -And I stayed there for a certain while, and made a watch upon the -red-shining and the figures; and, truly, it did seem to me that there -were horrid giants in that Land, even as in the Night Land. And -afterward, I crept away, and went outward from the little volcanoes, -into that part of the Land that was dark, save, as you do mind, for the -glare of fire-holes in this part and that. - -And I went now with an utter care; for the giants had put a new caution -into my heart, and I did surely mean that I should live to rescue mine -own Maid, and have joy through all my life. And thereafter, I went with -the Diskos in my hand, and at each hour that was the sixth, I eat two of -the tablets, and drank some of the water, and so did keep my strength -very good within me. - -Now, presently, I was come to a place where the Land did go downward a -great slope, and there was a difference in the earth that went beneath -my feet, and no great plenty of the bushes; but only one in this place -and one in that, and nowhere any fire-hole. - -And I gat me down and did feel the earth with my hands, and lo! I did -find presently smooth stones, and afterward olden shells. And -immediately, a great delight took me; for Naani had told how that the -Lesser Pyramid stood something nigh to the shore of an ancient sea, that -was long dried up in the years of eternity. And surely it might be that -I was come down into the dry bottom of that same olden sea, and should -presently have sight of the Little Pyramid. - -And because that hope was put so fresh into me, I went forward through, -maybe, thirty hours, across the olden sea-bed; but in all that time I -had no sight of the lights of the Lesser Redoubt. And a great trouble -began to take me; for, indeed, Naani had not told me how great was the -sea; and it might be that I should wander a weariful age across it, -before that I come to the far side. - -And it did come to me, presently, how that I should be wise to see that -my way was very straight, so that I waste not my strength in useless -wanderings. And I had a great care now to observe that the red-shining -did be always upon my right, to my rear; and by this reasonable cunning -did I make to steer very nicely through the great gloom of that place. - -Now, as I did go across the bed of the great sea, I heard strange -sounds, now in this part of the darkness, and now in that; and oft did -there be a noise, as if things did run this way and that way in the bed -of the sea. And once, afar off in the night, there did be a strange and -horrid screaming; so that I did know truly that the monsters of that -Land were out, and did go about in the dark. - -And, as you shall perceive and understand, I was all unknowing of the -lore of that Land; so that I knew not what to think of this strange -sound or that, neither knew I what they might portend, but only that, as -I did say, there were Monsters abroad. And I could do no more than have -my way forward with an utter care always, and be very ready with the -Diskos, or to hide, each as maybe according to the need. - -And, surely, I went one-and-forty hours that day, and eat and drank -after every sixth hour. And before this, in the seven-and-thirtieth -hour, I heard a great roaring and bellowing in the night, coming nigh -unto me; and afterward the thudding of monstrous feet, as that a giant -ran past me in the darkness, and did make a chase of some creature. And -the thudding of the feet and the roaring went far off into the night; -and there did seem presently to come back to me from a great way, a -little screaming; but of this thing I had no surety; and I abode very -hushed in a clump of bush, until quietness was come again all about; for -there had been an utter frightening sound in the horrid voice and in the -thudding of the great feet. - -Now, in the one-and-fortieth hour of that day, I came upon the farther -shore of the olden sea. But lo! there was nowhere any light to tell me -aught of the Lesser Refuge. And truly, a great doubt and bewilderment -took me; for, indeed, I could not perceive how it might be that I saw -not the lights of the embrasures of the Lesser Pyramid. And a great -despair took me; so that I sat down there upon the shore of the olden -sea, and had no heed of anything for a while. - -But afterward, I ate and drunk, and went into a clump of bush, and wrapt -the cloak about me, and so went fast unto sleep, with the Diskos handy -to my breast. And, in verity, the pain of the despair and the -bewilderment of mine heart did make rather for sleep, than to keep me -wakeful; for, indeed, I was half stunned of the brain and of my courage; -and did seem now the farther off from the ending of my search than ever -I had been. - -And I slept six hours, and waked then, sudden. And I leaned up upon mine -elbow in the bush, and harked very quiet, perchance some noise had -shaken my sleep from me. But, indeed, there was nothing, only that I was -wakeful, and did mind me of my trouble of failure. Yet now, I did invent -this thing and that thing to make natural account that I was not come to -the Lesser Redoubt; and so had hope again within me; yet much also of -doubt and bewilderment. - -And I eat two of the tablets, and drank some of the water, and again to -my journey. And I made that I should keep along the shore of the sea, -the which I did through twelve hours, and was then still so much in -doubt as ever. - -And I ceased from my journeying, and lookt about me over the Land, and -lo! I did note how that a weak and strange shining was in the air of the -Land, at a great way; as it had been that a far spreaded and faint -glowing made a little glare into all the night unto my left and before -me. - -Now I ate and drank, and made to steady my spirit; for I did fear lest I -should feel utter lost in all the night of the world, and to know not -where to make any more my search, and so to grow desperate in despair. -And this thing you will understand. - -And afterward, I did make across that Land, unto the place where it did -seem that the dull shining was something bright. And I went thus through -eighteen hours, and did make pause at each sixth hour, and ate and drank -very resolute; though, in verity, it did seem as that even so small a -matter as the tablets did be like to choke me. And by this is it plain -to me how great an anguish was come upon my spirit, lest that I was all -astray, and should have no joy to succour mine Own. - -And thrice in the time that I did go, there did be a running of feet -amid the darkness; and odd whiles strange and horrid cryings in the -night; so that I put a force upon my despair, and hid me; for, indeed, I -had no right to lose care of my life, if there did be any chance yet -that I find the Maid. - -And lo! in the eighteenth hour, which was truly the thirtieth of that -day, I found the shining in the night to be grown very plain, and an -utter stinking of sulphur; and truly I did be aware that the Land went -upward. - -And I made upward through seven hours, and the light did grow more -plain, and was of a dull redness, very sombre and heavy. And in the end -of six more hours, I ceased to go upward, and did know of a strange low -sound, that did be like to no other sound that ever I did hear; and was -like to a dull roar that did never have ceased through eternity. - -And I went forward unto the light, and the Land to be now as that I went -over an upland plain. And I did go thus through five hours, and the low -roar did grow ever upon mine ears. And truly! even as I did shape my -thoughts to take a caution for my body, I went upward again a little, -and came out upon the edge of a mighty cliff, and the low and constant -roar did moan upward against me with an everlasting muttering. And I -lookt downward a monstrous way, and surely there was spread out a mighty -sea, as it did seem, of dull fire, as that a red-hot mud did lap very -deep and quiet below me in all that night. - -And I lookt outward across the strange sea, and the far side was hid -from me; for, surely, there were dull and solemn clouds that came off -the sea, and hid the distance from me. And the clouds to glow a little -redly; and so to rise, and presently to blacken into the night. And I -lookt to the right and to the left, and it was plain that the black -cliffs did stretch out both ways, and did go downward ever into that -monstrous sea of slow fire. And there were great headlands that went out -into the fire, as into a sea; and the fire did lap very quiet about -these, and where the fire lapt about them, there did shine and spirt out -green flames and vapours at diverse times. - -And, indeed, as I did perceive, I was come to an upward sea of fire, as -it were the deep inwards of a low and utter monstrous volcano, that was -flat of the top and utter big across. And, in verity, I did look -downward into the fires of the inward earth, and a very wondrous sight -was it, to stand there alone upon the cliffs of that everlasting sea. -And a great heat came upward from the dull and grim fire of that gloomy -sea, and a reek of sulphur; so that I was like to be choked, and did go -backward from the edge of the cliff. - -And surely, I was come to the end of that Dark Land upon that side, and -had nowhere perceived the Lesser Pyramid in all the night of my travel. -And a new despair came upon me; for, indeed, it seemed I was come all -astray in the night of the World, and did nowise have any knowing -whether I stood near to the Country of the Lesser Redoubt, or whether -that I was gone half across the World unto a strange place. - -And, then, as the despair troubled my spirit and dulled the beating of -my heart, a sudden thought did light up a fresh hope within me; for, -indeed, as you do know, I was come upward of a great height, and did -surely have a huge view over all that Land; and mayhaps the Lesser -Pyramid did lie somewhere in a valley, if, in verity, it did be -anywheres at all in that Country. And I turned me from the cliffs, and -lookt backward over all the night of the Land; but there was nowhere in -all that Country the shining of the Lights of the Lesser Pyramid. - -And lo! of a sudden I did know that there was something in the night. -And I stared, with a very keen and anxious look. And behold, there was -the black shape of a great pyramid afar off in the night, that did show -against the shining of the distant light; for it did stand between me -and the far-off fires. But until I was come to that place, whence I did -look, I had not stood to have it plain against the shining upon the -other side of that Land. - -And how I did feel in that moment, I have no words to set out unto you. -But surely was my heart gracious with thankfulness, and I ready to leap -with joy and hope, and all my body thrilled with an excitement that -would not have me to be silent; so that, suddenly, I began to shout -foolishly across the night. But I came soon to wisdom and silence, as -you shall think. - - - - -X - -THE MAID OF THE OLDEN DAYS - - -Now, as you shall perceive, all mine utter despair was turned in a -moment into an huge gladness and a great hope; so that it did seem to me -that I should be with my dear One in but a little while. Yet was this an -over-hope and expectation, and was not like to have a swift satisfying; -for, truly, I was made aware of naught, save that I did perceive the -shape of a great pyramid, going upward into the night. - -And I knew that the Pyramid did surely stand upon an hill in the midst -of that dark Country, for only so might it show so great and high. And I -set me to run swift downward into the Land, so that I should make a -strong going unto the Pyramid. - -And I ran for a few little minutes, and lo! I fell headlong, and did -truly feel as that I had brake my neck with the hardness and pain of my -fall. And I had no power to go forward any more for a great while; but -did just be there where I did fall, and very helpless and moaning a -little; so that any creature had been able to slay me, if that it had -come upon me in that time. - -Yet, presently, I was able to sit upon the earth, and did hold my neck -with my hands, and afterward the pain went away; so that I gat once more -to my feet. But now I went forward very wisely, and had, moreover, an -anxiousness in my heart; for, indeed, how did it be that the Pyramid was -so utter dark, if that it did be the Lesser Refuge, in truth. And -immediately there did rise in me a fear that it should be some House of -Evil in the dark of that Land, or some wicked Force working a Pretence -and a bewilderment upon my sight. Yet, truly, the thing was plain now -against the far-off fires of the Land; and I did have little thought but -that it should be, in verity, the Lesser Refuge. - -Now in the first moment that I did perceive the dark Pyramid, I had been -without wit, save to run very quick and blind unto the place; for you to -remember how long I had made so great a search. And afterward, I had -been minded to call unto Naani with my brain-elements, sending the -Master-Word, and my speech after to tell how that I was come unto her. -But now I did heed to have caution, and to discover what this darkness -should truly mean. - -And so did I go downward again into the night of that Land, at the first -with a carefulness; but presently with a fierce eagerness and expecting -of the heart, the which had been dulled a little time with the horrid -shaking and pain of my fall. - -Now I had climbed unto the upper plain of the great volcano in, maybe, -thirteen hours; but I went downward of that great Hill in ten, and had -made a greater speed, but that I was sore shaken and unsure, by reason -of my fall. - -And in the end of the tenth hour, I perceived that I was come again to -the great Plain of the Land; and I had no more any proper sight of the -Refuge, because that it was upward afar in the darkness of the night. -Yet was I abled now to see that there went a bulk between me and the far -shinings, and did know that this great thing was surely the hill on -which the Pyramid did stand. - -And I went four hours across the Land, and did pass in this place and -that, fire-holes that made a little red-shining in the night; and -because of the fires in those far parts and a-near, there was not an -utter dark. - -And when I was gone four hours towards the Pyramid, I could no more see -the distant shinings, for the bulk of the hill-bottom stood up between, -and made all a blackness that way. And by this thing, I did guess that I -was come nigh unto the hill; but yet was a great hour more before that I -came to it. And in that five hours, since I was come down from the great -Volcano, there had past me thrice and again, the sounds of things -running in the night, and once there did be a sound as of a giant -roaring afar, and a strange and horrid screaming. - -Now I began to go up the hill. And, at the first, an utter excitement -took me in the heart; so that I could have shouted the name of the Maid -aloud in the night, with vain hopings that she should hear me and make -an answer. But this state went from me very swift, as I did go upward, -and there came a caution again about me, and a coldness of fear, as that -my spirit did wot of something that my heart did not perceive. - -And, presently, I was come upward almost to the top of the hill, the -which took me nigh three hours. And surely, when I was come that I could -see the grimness of the Pyramid, going upward very desolate and silent -into the night, lo! an utter shaking fear did take me; for the sweet -cunning of my spirit did know that there abode no human in all that -great and dark bulk; but that there did await me there, monstrous and -horrid things that should bring destruction upon my soul. And I went -downward of the hill, very quiet in the darkness; and so in the end, -away from that place. - -And I was four great hours before that I was come clear away from the -hill, and I did feel that there was not any safety for my spirit in all -that Land. And surely I went a little blindly, in the first, and did go -with no heed unto my way. - -And presently, I was upon the shore of the olden sea, and had no knowing -how that I was come there; for, surely, I did think it to be a great way -off. But now I do think that the dry bed of the sea did curve around -unto that place, or that there did be two, or more, olden seas in that -Country of Night. - -Now, presently, I sat me down, very weak and bewildered; for it was as -that my heart did lie dead within me. And, in verity, you shall perceive -how this thing was, for I did know by the tellings of my spirit that -there abode evil things in the dark Pyramid upon the hill; and I doubted -not but that destruction had come upon the Peoples of the Lesser -Pyramid, and that evil creatures and Powers did now abide in that place. -And if this thing did be truly so, I was come over-late to the saving of -the Maid; and with this thought I was very glad that some evil thing -should come that I should fight with it and die quickly; for there was -naught then in all the world to make me glad to have life. - -And so shall you know the utter desolation that was in my heart; and, -truly, I can perceive both the wiseness and the unwisdom of my -reasonings; for, indeed, I did have no _sure_ knowing that the dark -Pyramid did be truly the Lesser Refuge. But yet, in verity, my spirit -did know with a certain sureness, and there was no doubt concerning this -thing, in all my being. - -And, after that I had sat there awhile, I did mind me suddenly that I -should send the Master-Word through the night; for, indeed, how else -might I ever know whether Naani did yet live; though, in truth, I had -little, save desperate hope in this matter; but yet did remember how -that I had seemed odd times of my journey to hear the beat of the -Master-Word with my spirit, out of all the dark of the world. And, in -verity, if Naani answered not to the Word, but there came instead an -Evil Power to destroy me, I should but cease me of mine utter -heart-ache. - -And I stood me upon my feet, and looked outward about me into the -blackness of that Land. And I sent the Master-Word with my -brain-elements; and immediately I called Naani, thrice, sending the call -with my brain-elements. - -And lo! in a moment, as it did seem, there broke around me out of all -the mystery of night, low and solemn, the Master-Word, beating in the -night. And immediately there did sound within my brain a far, small -voice, very lone and faint, as that it had come from the end of the -world. And the voice was the voice of Naani and the voice of Mirdath, -and did call me by mine olden love-name. - -Then, indeed, I did near to choke with the utter affright of joy that -did take me in the heart, and also I was shaken with a mighty -excitement, and my despair was gone, as that I had never known it. For, -in verity, Naani did live and did call unto me with her brain-elements; -and surely I had not heard the voice of mine Own for an utter age of -grim labour and dread. - -And the voice was, as I did say, as that it came from one that did be in -a far place of the earth. And, in verity, whilst I stood dazed with a -great joy that the Maid did live, I knew within me, concerning the fear -that she was utter far off; and what peril might come anigh to her, -before that I should stand to her side, to do battle for her life and -well-being and mine own joy. - -And lo! in the same moment, and before that I made further speech unto -Naani, I did wot that someone did be a little way off from me, in the -bushes, where a fire-hole did burn anigh to me; and it was as that my -spirit knew this thing, and told of it unto my brain. And I made no -answer unto the Maid, across all the dark of the world; but went very -swift into a great bush that was nigh to the fire-hole, upon this side. - -And I lookt through, into the open space that did be about the -fire-hole. And there was a little figure that did kneel, sobbing, upon -the earth, beside the fire-hole; and truly it was a slim maid, and she -did seem as that she harked very desperate, even whilst yet she did sob. -And surely, mine own soul did _Know_, all in one white moment of life. -And she there, unknowing, and harking unto a cry of the spirit, that she -did think to come through all the desolation of the night--even from the -Mighty Pyramid. For oft, as I did perceive, had she cried unto me in all -that lonesome month, and known no answer; neither that I was making a -desperate way unto her; for, indeed, her weakness was great, so that she -had no power to throw the Word strongly afar, neither to make plain her -spiritual cryings through any mighty space of the aether. - -And lo! I drew in my breath, and set my teeth a moment, to steady my -lips; and I said: "MIRDATH," out of the bush where I did be, and using -natural human speech. And the Maid ceased from her weeping, and lookt -this way and that, with an utter new fear, and with a frightened hope -that did shine with her tears in the light from the fire-hole. And I -divided the bush before me, and went through the bush, so that I came -out before her, and did be there in my grey armour; and I did pause -then, and was all adrift in myself; for my heart said that I should take -this Maid into mine arms again; for that I was come again to be with -Mirdath after an utter lost Eternity. But yet was I all paused; for -truly she was Naani and she was Mirdath, and she did be a stranger in -mine eyes, and very dainty and pretty and shaken with woe and sore -trouble and grief. - -And in that same moment of my coming unto her out of the bush, she -screamed and fell back from me, and strove weakly to gain unto the -hither bushes; for, truly, she knew not what was come upon her in that -first little moment. And immediately she saw that it did be an human -man, and no monster to slay her, and in that instant I said the -Master-Word unto her, aloud, that she should have knowledge of peace and -help. And I told my name, and said I am That One. And she knew this -thing, even as my lips made the sounds. And she cried out something in -an utter broke voice, and ran unto me, and thrust her two small hands -into my charge and keeping, and fell thence into a great sobbing and -shaking, so that I was all in trouble to ease her; but did keep a -silence and held fast her hands, for I had not on mine armoured gloves. - -And she leaned against me, very weak, and seeming wondrous like to a -child. And lo! in a while she ceased to sob, and did but catch her -breath this time and that, but said no word. And I bethought me that she -did suffer of hunger, for I perceived that she had been long wandering -and alone, and was come unto the end of hope, when that I did come. - -And the Maid stood there yet silent, for she might not yet command her -mouth to speak. And she trembled as she stood. And I opened my left -hand, and lookt at the hand within my palm, and surely it was utter thin -and wasted. And I made no more pause, but lifted mine Own and set her -easy upon the earth, with an hump of smooth rock unto her back. And I -stript off my cloak very quick, and put it about her, for she was scarce -covered with her clothes that had been all torn among the bushes; so -that part she shook with an utter chill, and part because of weakness, -for she was nigh to be starved unto her death, and destroyed with her -grief and lonesomeness. - -And I took from my back the scrip and the pouch, and I gat a tablet from -the scrip, and brake it into my cup, and with the water I made a little -broth very swift upon an hot rock that was to the edge of the fire-hole. -And I fed the broth unto the Maid, for truly her hands did shake so that -she had spilt it all, if that I had done otherwise. - -And she drank the broth, and was so weak that presently she did fall -again to sobbing, yet very quiet; so that I strove not to be troubled in -the heart; for, indeed, this thing was but reasonable, and not cause for -me to have an anxiousness. But I put my hands under the cloak and took -her hands into mine and held them strong and firm; and this did seem to -bring something of peace and strength unto her; so that presently the -trembling and the weeping went from her. And, indeed, the broth was -surely helpful in this matter. - -And presently, I knew that her hands did stir a little within mine, and -I loosed somewhat of my grip; and immediately, she graspt my hands with -a weak and gentle grasp; but lookt not yet at me; only did stay very -quiet, as that she did gather her strength within her. And, indeed, I -was content; save that an anxiousness of the heart did stir me this -time and that, lest some monster should come upon us. And because of -this trouble, I did hark about me, now and oft, and with a new and -strange fearfulness of danger, because that now mine Own was given unto -my charge; and surely my heart would break, if that there came any hurt -unto her. - -Now, of a sudden, the Maid did make as that she would rise, and I loosed -free from her, to give help. And she gat me by the hand, and slipt -sudden to her knees, and did kiss my hand, and did begin again to weep. -And surely I was so utter abashed that I stood very stupid and let her -do this thing. But in a moment I drew free from her; for this thing -might not be. And I gat me to my knee likewise before her, and took her -hands, and kist them once, newly humbled, as it were; and thus should -she know all that was in my heart, and of mine understanding. And she -did but sob the more; for she was so weak, and utter moved unto me, -because that I had come to her through the night of the world. And this -thing I knew, though no speech had yet past between us. And I gave up -her hands, lest she need them for her tears; but she left them to lie in -my palms, as she did kneel there; and she bowed her head a little over -her weeping; but did show that she was mine, in verity, unto the very -essence of her dear spirit. - -And I took her into mine arms, very gently and without caress; but -presently I stroked her hair, and called her Naani and Mirdath, and said -many things unto her, that now I scarce do wot of, but she did know them -in the after time. And she was very quiet in mine arms, and seeming -wondrous content; but yet did sob onward for a great time. And oft did I -coax her and say vague things of comfort, as I have told. But truly she -did ask no more comfort at that time than that she be sheltered where -she did be. And truly she had been lonesome and in terror and in grief -and dread, a great and horrid time. - -Now, presently, she was grown quiet; and I made to put her comfortable -in the cloak against the rock, that I should have freedom to make her -more of the broth. But yet she did nestle unto me, with a little sweet -wistfulness, that made warm my heart in a most wondrous fashion; for -surely she was mine Own. And she to begin to say odd words to me. And so -to have gentle obedience, and to rest quiet against the rock, the while -that I did make the broth. Yet ever her gaze did follow me, as I knew; -for I must look oft her way. - -And I took the broth to her, and she drank it, using her own two hands; -and I sat by, and eat three of the tablets and drank some of the water, -for truly it was a foolish great time since last I had eat. - -Now, in a while, the broth did make bright the eyes of the Maid, and she -did begin to talk; and at whiles had pauses, because that she lacked of -strength, and there was more to be told than an human may have the -heart-strength and cunning to make plain. And twice she did come again -to sobbing; for, truly, her father was dead and the Peoples of the -Lesser redoubt all slain and dispersed through the night of that Land. - -And I learned that an Evil Force had made action upon the Peoples within -the Lesser Redoubt; so that some, being utter weak by reason of the -failing of the Earth-Current, had opened the Great Door, and gone forth -into the night. And immediately there had come into the Lesser Pyramid, -great and horrid monsters, and had made a great and brutish chase, and -had slain many; but some had escaped forth into the night. - -And with these had come Naani, after that her father, the Master -Monstruwacan, had been slain by a shaggy man, very brutal and monstrous. -And there had been three maids with Naani, when that she made escape -into the night; but there had come certain creatures upon them, as they -did sleep among the bushes, and had stolen two, and the other maid had -run off, as did Naani, and they had neither met the other any more. - -And this dreadful happening unto the Peoples of the Lesser Redoubt, had -been a great while gone, as it to seem to her; but she had no means to -tell me how long this time should be; for, in verity, how should she -make a count. Yet had it been a dread long while unto her; and I found -presently, that she had been lost through all that time that I did make -my journey unto her; for, indeed, this thing I discovered by asking -concerning my callings unto her. And she had heard none that did come to -her, in any time since she had escaped out of the Lost Refuge into this -dreadful Land. - -Yet, in verity, oft had she callen unto me, until that her heart did -grow sick with the desolation of her lonesomeness and her utter -forsakeness. And her callings had told unto the Evil things of the Land -that she did be in this part and that; for there had come things and -beasts in search for her; but having the gift of the hearing, she had -known of their approach, most whiles, and had come free from them; yet -oft-times with piteous and fearful runnings and hiding among the rocks -and the bushes, so that she had grown afterward to make no calling unto -me, save odd whiles, lest she bring the monsters upon her. And, indeed, -as you do know, naught had come plain unto me, for she was so utter weak -that she had no power of her brain-elements to send the Word afar or the -tellings of her spirit. - -And because that she was so sorely chased, she had come nigh to be -naked, even as I found her; for the bushes and the rocks had torn her -garments from her, and she had naught with which to make any proper -mending of them. And for food she had eat the moss upon the rocks, and -odd strange berries and growths, and had drunk of the waters of the hot -springs; and oft had she been made utter sick, because of the sulphur, -or somewhat, of the water and, maybe, the poison of odd plants. Yet, as -I did think, it was like that the first did save her life from the -second; but in this thing I do make only a guessing. - -And in all that dreadful time, since that she had come to be quite -alone, she had heard a score drear things; for there had been once the -slaying of a young maid nigh unto her, by some Brute out in the darkness -of the Land; and thrice and more had she heard the feet of people -running this way and that, and the tread of giants pursuing. And by this -telling I did understand those things which mine ears had told to me as -I did go across that Land, and surely a new pity and sorrow and horror -did come upward within me. And the Maid told me how that she came once -upon certain of the Peoples of the Lesser Redoubt, as they did hide -among the bushes; but they ran, with no heed to her callings that she -did be human, even as they; and by this is it plain the sore and -dreadful panic that was upon the hearts of such. - -And the bitter chill of the Land had made her to strive alway to be nigh -unto the fire-holes that were very plentiful; but even as this did be -needful unto her, so was it a thing that drew the Monstrous Brutes of -that Land, even as I had found in the Night Land, and in the Upward -Gorge. And because of this, she was oft made to stay afar off in the -utter cold of the night. - -Yet, in truth, odd whiles she did be so desperate, that she would make -the venture, and so mayhaps have a time of warmth; and because of this, -she had been nigh slain in her sleep, twice and thrice. Moreover, there -were snakes about the fires, though not over-plentiful in all parts, and -there did be spider-crabs and monstrous scorpions. - -And, indeed, even as she had lain by the fire-hole, very weak and -seeming near unto her death, even this time when my call had come unto -her to stir her unto life and bitter knowledge of despair, even then was -she all surround by creatures that were like to crabs, that did squat -all about her, and did but wait for her to die; so that she had been -feared to sleep, lest they destroy her in her slumber. - -And by this thing, she had known that her death was surely nigh; and lo! -out of all the night of the world had come the beat of the Master-Word, -strong and powerful, beating as a low and spiritual thunder out of all -the dark of the night. Yet had she thought of me, only as speaking from -the far-off Mighty Pyramid; so that the cry had brought naught of hope -unto her, but only a newer and more known despair. And, behold, in a -little minute, there had come her name, spoken surely with the tongue; -and a name that was different from the name that my spirit had said -after the beat of the Word. And immediately, I had come out of the bush, -and she had fallen back in a sudden great fear that a monster was stolen -upon her; and then did see a young man in grey armour, and did know in -one instant that I was that olden one of her memory dreams, and the one -that had spoken unto her in the spirit across half of the dead world, as -it did seem. And now was I come through all that unknown desolation and -affright, to succour her. And she was immediately safe; but yet all -broken because of her weakness and her utter joy and her sweet honour -for me. - -And this is the chief of that which she did tell unto me; and the way -that she had seen and did regard the marvel of this our coming together. -But, surely, no man was made ever to be worthy of the way that she did -look upon me, or of the words that she did say unto me in her weakness -and happiness. Now, with the Maid having speech concerning the -spider-crabs, I lookt presently well around, and surely, in a minute, I -saw that they were not gone away; but did be a circle of silent and -steadfast watching and impudence and horror all about us. And surely -this thing put an anger and disgust upon me; so that I gat to my feet, -and went unto the border of the light, and I spurned this little monster -and that, and did truly kick maybe a dozen, before that they were -content to be gone. And by this thing shall you know of their calm and -foolish assurance; but yet were they seemingly without courage; for they -made not to attack me. Yet a true crab of this day been wishful to pinch -me, had I put my toe forth unto it. - -Now, I went back to the Maid, and she did laugh with a little, weak -gleefulness; so that I perceived that she was like to be a very joyous -maiden, if but I did have her in health. And I made her another cup of -the broth, and she drank it very easy. And afterward, I made a very -stern and playful order that she must sleep, and, indeed, she to need it -sore, for she was gone again from her excitement, and her weakness upon -her; yet very happy and content and without fear. - -And I made a smooth place for her, and put the pouch and the scrip to be -for a pillow, and I did lay her there very quiet and sweet in the cloak, -and covered her feet; but, indeed, I saw first that they did be sore cut -and without any gear to them; so that I perceived that Mine Own had worn -out her foot-gear utter in her lonesome journeyings, and in running from -Brutes that did come to find her. And so I to know more in the heart, -somewhat of the true dreadfulness and fear that had companioned Mine -Own. And I was minded then that I would wash and bind up her feet; but -yet was she so utter worn, that I did prefer that she sleep so soon as -she might, and afterward, when she was come wakeful again, then should I -take a proper heed of her feet. And truly, they were very small and -shapely. - -And presently, she slept; and, surely, I doubt whether she had slumbered -so peaceful and proper for a great month; for she never to have known -when any evil thing should come upon her in her sleep. And this to be a -very dreadful feeling, as you do know well; for you do know how I had -been in this same matter. - -Now, while Naani did sleep, I stript off mine armour, and took off mine -under-suit, which was named the Armour-Suit, and a very warm and proper -garment, and made thick that it should ease the chafe of the armour. And -afterward, I put on the armour again; but the suit I folded, and laid -beside the Maid; for, truly, she was nigh unclothed, by reason of the -bushes and the rocks, that had rent her garments all-wise. - -And I stood watch for the Maid, the while that she did slumber; and -surely she went ten long hours. And I walked upon this side of the -fire-hole and now upon that, and did oft cease, that I might hearken -both with mine ears and with my spirit; for, truly, I was all wakened to -a new care and delight, and did have a fresh and doubled fear of any -Horrid Creature or Force of Evil. And this shall be very plain to you. - -And in the end of ten long hours, the Maid wakened, and I ran to her all -joyed that she was come again to knowledge and to be that I could talk -with her. - -And she sat upward and looked at me, and there was new light and -movement in her, so that I knew her strength was come back into her. And -for a little minute, she said naught unto me, the while that I did ask -how she did be; and she lookt at me very keen, so that I wondered some -wise in a daze, what was in her mind. - -And she askt me, of a sudden, how long it did be since that I had slept. -And having not thought to put away her asking, because that the question -was over sudden, I said four-and-eighty hours, which should be three -days and the half of a day of four hours and twenty; and this thing I -knew, because that I kept alway a very careful counting of the hours, -lest that I get all adrift, and know not how long I was taken to come to -this place and that. - -And, truly, even as I told this thing to the Maid, I was grown very -quaint in the head; for, indeed, I was gone a wondrous while without -slumber, and had done much and bitter work in that time; and before then -had been much lacking of rest, as you do know. - -And, sudden the Maid cried out something, and tost the cloak from her, -and had me into her arms, and did heed not to have any foolish shame of -her nakedness. And, in verity, I knew not how I was gone so strange; but -do see now that I was nigh to swoon for lack of slumber and rest. - -And she kept me very steady for a little, and afterward helped me to be -laid upon the ground; and she put the scrip and the pouch under my head; -and so I did lie very calm and restful, and did be the more so, because -that I was grown so tired in the heart, the which did make my head to be -very husht, as that all the world was grown very quiet in a moment. - -And the Maid did mind then that she did lack to be properly covered, and -she gat the cloak, and put it about her, and did afterward sit a little -beside me, and did rub my hands. And presently, I was something more to -myself, and she did grow more happy of her mind, and made to give me -something for my stomach; for, indeed, I was grown those late hours to -be foolish and to have no wiseness to proper eating. - -And she did lift my head, the while that she did take the scrip from -under, and kept me very sweetly upon her knee, and so until she had gat -free a pack of the tablets, and the flask and the cup; for I had put all -matters back into the scrip before Naani had gone unto sleep, and -because of this, I had not been able to eat or drink aught, save by -wakening her, as you perceive; for, indeed I had put the scrip and the -pouch under her head for a pillow, as I have told. - -And she would not bide that I should do aught; but only did ask -concerning the making of the water, and was wondrous amazed to see how -the powder did fizz up and become water; and indeed, she had too much -into the cup, for, truly, it rose up and ran to the ground. And when she -had done thus, and ceased to marvel, she put three of the tablets into -the water, and made me a broth, even as I had made a broth for her; but, -indeed, I was in no need, and had done very well to eat the tablets and -drink the water. Yet, truly, I was not wishful to lack the love of her -way, as you may think. - -Now while I did drink the broth, I did be very restful upon the earth, -and mine head against mine own Maid; and I did mind me now that I tell -her concerning the Armour-Suit that I did mean for her wear. - -Yet I said not that I had stript it from me, for then she had been like -to say nay, and to trouble that I was like to come to a chill, as is the -way of a woman. But, indeed, I might so well have told her, for truly, -she did know on the moment, and set to a little unto weeping; yet very -gentle and sweet, and did kiss me as I lay there, and say such things as -should make a young man the better to have heard, if but that his own -dear Love doth say the same. - -And she would nowise wear the garment; but yet in the end I prevailed by -gentle reasonings and because that I was her master, as I was born to -be; and moreover, her own sweet sense did show that I spoke for wisdom; -for how should she come through all the bitter way before, if that she -had not a strong and close-made garment; and as you do mind, her -coverings did be in utter rags, as I have told; yet very sweet and -clean, as I had known; so that I ween she had stript oft in the lonesome -night, and washt her garments in this or that hot spring of the sulphur -waters and other matters. - -And, in verity, alway she was much given to washings, as I did soon -perceive. - -Now, presently, I did be very well again; but with a sore slumber that -did press upon my head. Yet, ere I should sleep, I did mean that I bathe -her feet and bind them with ointment and with my pocket-cloth; and truly -her feet were very small and pretty. - -And I sat me up, talking my head from her knee; and told her of mine -intent. But, in verity, she did but throw her arms about my neck and -give me one loving kiss, and laught so hearty that I did think to do -this thing when indeed she was the better able to mind it, and I the -better suited to have me to my rest. And, surely, this was very true, -and I made no ado, save to give her the ointment; but lay back, and did -be quiet. - -Now I did be upon my right side, and she went to my back, and took the -cloak from about her, and spread it upon me, and afterward stoopt over -very dainty, and kist me, and bade me to go very swift to my sleep, for -that she did mean to make her toilet and to get into mine Armour-Suit. - -And I made no foolishness in this matter; yet told her to ease the cloak -a little about me, so that I should have room to take the Diskos from my -hip; and this thing I did, and took the Diskos to my breast, as was my -habit; and surely I saw that her eyes did look at me with a little -shining, because that I had so strange and fierce a bed-mate. - -And I made her to promise that she keep a very keen harking, the which -was like that she should do, and to call me on the instant that she did -perceive any unease in the night. And after that, I shut mine eyes, that -I should not shame her, and put out mine arms, and kist her once and -turned from her unto my slumber; and she away to my back that she might -be modest to her needs. - -And surely, I was asleep in but a little moment, and with a great love -and delight in my heart and in all my being. - -And, truly, I waked not for twelve great hours. And when that time was -gone, lo! I came awake, and surely the Maid did sit beside me, so bonny, -and so winsome and pretty that mine arms went unto her in a moment, and -she into them, and gave me a loving and tender kiss; and afterward slipt -away from me, very sensible and loving; and did stand up and turn about -to be lookt at. For she did wear the Armour-Suit, and surely it was -loose upon her; but yet very pleasing, being close-knit. And I to my -seat, from lying, that I might see the Maid the better. And, in verity, -I must kiss her again; for she did be with her hair all about her, that -she look pretty unto me; and her little feet did be bare, and so that -they made my heart new tender to look upon them; for truly she was utter -lost of foot-gear. And I to my knee to her; and she, not to deny me, did -come to be kist again. - -Now when I found how great a time I had slept, I did scold Mine Own; but -yet, as she did say, I must have long slumber if that I go so long -wakeful, else should I lose my strength. And I askt how oft she had eat, -and she told me but the once, and that six hours off. - -And on this I did scold again; but surely she put a very pretty finger -sudden upon my lips, so that I might do naught but laugh, and kiss that -same finger. - -And, after that, we did eat and drink, and made plans. And once I did -comfort the Maid; for, indeed, her sorrow did rise in her, because that -her father was come unto his death, and the Peoples of the Lesser -Redoubt all destroyed, and adrift in the night amid the monsters of that -Land. - -And, in verity, I was set that we go quickly out of that place, ere -there came an horrid Destruction upon us; and, surely, there should -scarce be any human, beside, in all that Land; for there must have come -death upon the chief of those that did make escape. - -And after we had eat and drunk, I did count the packs of the tablets, -and was thankful in all my being that I had been careful and denied my -belly; for I did perceive that there were left enough for our needs, if -that we made a good speed, and did not fear to be empty. And of the -water-powder, as it might be named, there were left two full flasks, and -somewhat of that one that I had drunk from, all my journeying. And by -this thing you shall perceive that we did not be like to die for the -need of such matters. - -And here, as it doth occur unto me, I do ponder how it did be that we -had no thought to slay any small creature for our food; but, mayhap, we -had no knowledge this way; for surely, they did not this thing to my -knowing in the Mighty Pyramid. But yet, as I have said before this, I -have not all knowledge of the doings of the Peoples. But, in verity, I -never saw joint meat in all the time of that far Life that I do wot of. -Yet, had we but slain somewhat for our hunger in that great wandering, -we had been less empty in the belly. - -Now, before that we should do aught beside, we must contrive that Naani -have some gear for her feet; and to this intent, I did make a search -into the pouch, and surely I found that there did be a change pair of -inner shoes, that were made to go within mine own shoes of the grey -metal. - -And at this I was wondrous glad, and did make the Maid to sit upon a -little rock, while that I made a fitting of the shoes. And, surely, they -did be utter big and clumsy upon her little feet; so that I was in -surprise to know how great is a man, beside a Maid. But in the end I had -a cunning thought, for I cut off all the side of a strap, throughout the -length of the strap, very thin and careful, and so had a lace to tie the -boots around the tops, which were soft and easy for such a purpose. And -after that, I stood away to look at the Maid, and neither she nor I were -truly pleased; for, indeed, she was too pretty to be so hid and muffled. -Yet were we glad otherwise; for now she might go without hurt to her -feet. - -And afterward, we packt our gear, and she did make a bundle of her torn -garments; for, truly, they might be proper somewise to our need. And so -we to begin the way out of that Desolate Land. - -And we went forward together across the Land, and the journey was no -more a weariness, but of a close and sweet joy; yet did I have a new -anxiousness, as you do perceive, lest that any monster come to harm Mine -Own. - -And we went twelve great hours in the bed of the olden sea, and did eat -twice in that time. And surely the Maid did grow utter weak and weary; -for she was not come proper unto her strength; yet did she make no odd -saying to tell me of this thing. But indeed, I did know; and I stopt in -the thirteenth hour, and took her into mine arms, even as I should carry -a babe; and I went forward with her, and did hush her protesting with a -kiss, and afterward she did but nestle unto me and shelter against my -breast. - -And I bade the Maid to sleep; but, indeed, she had no power to this end, -for her body did ache very sore; but yet did she strive to give me an -obedience in this thing. And in the eighteenth hour, when that I stopt -to have food and drink, surely she did be awake, yet had she been utter -silent; and I made to scold her; but she gat from mine arms, and did go -upward upon her toes, and put her finger against my lips very naughtily. -And afterward she did be impudent unto me, and did deny me to kiss her. -But she went unto my back, and did open the scrip, and gat me to my -food, even as a quiet and proper wife should go. As she did be so sedate -that I knew she had mischief her heart of harmless kind. - -But afterward this did pass sudden into weeping; for she had a quick and -sore memory of her father and of the Destruction; and I took the Maid -into mine arms, and did let her be there very gentle, and made not to -kiss or to comfort her; but yet to give comfort. - -And presently she ceased from weeping, and did slip her hand into mine, -and I to keep it within, very soft and quiet; and afterward, she began -to eat her tablets, yet always she did be very husht; so that I did be -quiet also, and feel as that my love did be round her as a shield. And I -knew that she had knowledge of this thing in her heart. - -And oft I harked into the night of the Land; but there was nowhere any -sound, or disturbing of the aether, to trouble me. And the Maid in mine -arms did know when that I harked; for in verity, she had the -Night-Hearing and the understanding spirit that doth be needful to such. -And odd whiles did I look down to her through the gloom that did be -about us; and presently I did perceive that she lookt up to me, out of -mine arms. - -And I kist her. - -Now, in all that day, we had come nowhere upon any fire-hole in the bed -of the olden sea; and truly I did ache to be nigh unto the warmth of -such; for I did feel the cold of the Land, because that I was weary, and -because that I had not the thickness of the Armour-Suit below mine -armour to warm me. - -And the cloak did be about the Maid; for I had feared that she should -grow cold as I carried her. Yet, now she did know subtly that I was come -to feel the utter chill of the Land; and she gat from mine arms, and put -the cloak about me, and afterward came again into mine arms. And I let -the cloak bide there, and drew it forward to be around her, also. Yet, -truly, I was joyful that I did be cold, as you shall perceive. For it -was sweet to the heart to bear somewhat of that dread chill for Mine -Own; and she half troubled and likewise with understanding of my heart, -because that I was less clothed than I had been. - -Now, in a little while, the Maid did pack the scrip; and so we did make -ready again to go forward, for I was grown anxious, as you may suppose, -that we should come to some fire-hole, that we have a place for sleep -that had warmth and light; for, truly, the cold of the Land did be drear -and horrid. - -And I stoopt to take the Maid into mine arms, that I should carry her; -but she did say nay, that she did be well rested. And I not to gainsay -her, for she did mean the thing, as I perceived, and I had no desire to -force my way upon her, save when I saw truly that she did seem to go -unwisely. And, indeed, when such did be the case I did strive with her, -only with a nice reasonableness, as you shall know. - -And the Maid walkt by my side, and wondrous silent; but yet very nigh to -me, so that I knew she did be very full of love to me, and of that -quaint and sweet humbleness that love doth breed odd whiles in a woman -when she doth be with her man, if but that man be also her master. And -presently, I perceived that the cloak did be over mine own shoulders, -and I took it and would have put it about the Maid; but truly she did -not allow this; and when I did be stern with her, that she obey me in -this matter, she did stand upon her toes, that she might kiss me, and -pulled my head down, and surely she kist me and coaxed me that I wear -the cloak, else should I give pain to her, in that I did surely be cold -because she did wear the Armour-Suit. - -Yet, I would not hark to this thing; so that the Maid did be truly in -trouble. And first she made a threatening that she wear but her olden -garments that did be only rags, if that I did persist. But this I saw to -be foolishness and scarce-meant, and did as much need to smile at her as -that I did think to scold her; but I did be firm that she wear the -cloak. - -And lo! she went sudden into crying; and this had been beyond my -thoughts. And truly, it set me all adrift; for I perceived that she did -be greatly distrest concerning this matter, when I had conceived that -she did but mean this thing for tenderness' sake. But mine heart helped -me to understand, and I saw how she did be truly shamed, in her sweet -womanhood, if that I helped her not in this matter; for she did feel -that she was made to do hurt unto that one that was her Love. And this -thing I do pray you to think upon, that you understand; for, indeed, -until that I was made to think, I had not seen it thiswise, for her. - -And in the end, I came to agreement with the Maid, that we wear the -garment hour by hour, in turn; and she to wear it the first hour and I -to wear it the second hour; and so to go forward. - -And truly, this did be an happy arranging; but yet she stampt her foot a -little, as I put the cloak about her. And thrice in the hour did she ask -me concerning the time that was gone; and surely, when the hour was but -up, she had the cloak off in a moment, and went to my back and cast it -upon my shoulders, and after to my front, and made it fast upon my -breast; and so eager and naughty was she to this, that I took her by the -shoulders, and shook her, somewhat, even as she had made to stamp at me; -yet mayhaps with more of laughter. And she to take no heed at all; but -to button the cloak and be very sedate. Yet, in verity, I caught her up -into mine arms, and kissed her, for a sweet and naughty Maid; and she -very willing, now that she had gotten something of her way. - -But yet in an hour, I did have the cloak about her, again; and so did -straiten matters, as you shall conceive. - -Now, when we had gone forward, through five great hours, I perceived -that the Maid did be utter worn, but yet did make presence that she was -unwearied. And because I saw how she did be, I did heed and be anxious -only that we come to some rock, to be for our safe refuge, and mayhap -there to find an hole or cave, that should be somewhat to keep our heat -about us; for there was nowhere any fire-hole anigh in all those hours. - -And presently, we came to a part where there did be rocks, and we went -to and fro in the gloom, and came in the end to a place where the rocks -did go upward into the night, as that it had been a small and ancient -cliff. - -And surely in a while I found a hole that did go inwards of the rock; -and the hole did be above mine head; yet when I was come to it, and had -made the Diskos to spin therein, that I should have light to see whether -there did be any creature or creeping thing in the hole, I was well -pleased; for truly it did be sweet and dry. - -Now the Maid had cried out a little to see the sudden shining that did -come from within the hole, when I made the Diskos to spin, and because -of the low roar of the weapon. But I answered her that there did be -naught to have fear concerning; and so was she peaceful again, but yet a -little trembling when that I came down to her; for, indeed, the Diskos -did make always a strange sounding and a quaint and drear shining, as -you do know; and she did be feared for me that some Evil Force had come -upon me out of the cave; for she had neither knowledge nor conceiving -that ever there did be so wondrous a weapon in all the world. - -And I gave the Maid an help upward to the little cave, and came after, -myself; and so we did be in a very nice and cosy place, that did not be -easily gotten at by any monstrous thing. And surely I was utter glad for -such a place, so that both should have safety that we might sleep in the -same hours. - -And, in truth, this was a needful plan; for if one had stayed wakeful to -keep a watch for the other, then had our sleep taken us double hours; -and this thing might not be, else should our food be done, and we to be -twice so long as need be, ere ever we did come unto the refuge of the -Mighty Pyramid; and I utter wearied and anxious of the heart and spirit -that I bring Mine Own soon unto the safety and glory of my Mighty Home, -and so free from the Destruction that did hang above our two souls for -ever in that Land, and the peril that did be everywhere, save in the -Last Redoubt. - -Now when we were come into the hole of the rock, the Maid did slip the -scrip and the pouch from my shoulders; and she gat out the tablets, and -made some of the water, and did be very swift and natty, and all to the -despite of the gloom that did be utter in that little cave. - -And we eat each of us two of the tablets and drank some of the water; -and I made jest with the Maid how that the tablets did be proper for -strength, yet very lacking to fill the belly; though, indeed, I named it -otherwise. - -And she to agree, and did pat mine arm, and did tell me how that she -should cook me a monstrous tasty and great meal when that we were come -unto the Mighty Pyramid. And immediately afterward, she did make to -laugh upon me, and to name me impudently for so much thought unto my -feeding; and afterward again to silence, and to patting my hand. - -Now, when that we had made an end of eating and drinking, I was very -ready for sleep; for, truly, it was six and twenty great hours since -that I did last slumber; but for the Maid it did be eight and thirty -great hours; for, as you do mind, she had made no sleeping when that she -did lie in mine arms for six hours of our journeying. - -And I made how we should sleep; and put the cloak about the Maid; but -surely she did refuse, very piteous, and seeming to have also somewhat -of doubt and puzzlement. But in this thing I did be very stern and -intending; for she did not be over-warm clad, as you do know, and -moreover, she was but a little One, while I did be wondrous hardy. - -And, in verity, I made her to obey, and gave her the scrip and the pouch -for her pillow; and she, as it did seem to me, to sob to herself a -little in the gloom of the night. But yet did I stay my heart a little -stern to mine intent. And I wrapt the cloak about her, and set the scrip -and the pouch very nice beneath her head; and afterward, I knelt over to -kiss her, before that I came unto mine own slumber. Yet did she turn her -mouth from me, and did put her hand above her face to ward me off, the -which did grieve me; for truly, I did heed alway that I should never -thrust my love upon her in her lonesomeness; but only let it be to her -for a shield and for all comfort unto her heart. - -And I turned my back, and went a pace away and lay down; for truly there -did be no way else but to be near unto the Maid, for it was but a little -cave. And I lay very husht, because that I was so sore in the heart. -Yet, truly, I could not come unto my slumber, for I was so disturbed in -my love; and I stayed very quiet maybe for a great hour; and did fight -that I shake not mine armour to jinglings with the utter cold that did -make me to tremble. But the Maid did sleep very sweet and calm, as I -perceived by her breathings. - -Yet, in verity, the Maid did be so much awake as I, and with some sweet -and naughty intent of the heart, as my spirit did sudden perceive. And I -lay very husht, and did wait to discover what this thing might be. - -And I made my breathing to seem as the breathing of one that did sleep, -even as that naughty Maid did make pretending. And surely, in a while I -did know that she moved very quiet, and came unto me; and I made yet -that I slept very sound and strong; though the cold did nigh to conquer -all my quietness. - -And in a moment I perceived the intent of the Maid; for I did feel the -cloak spread over me with a wondrous gentleness; and afterward there did -be a soft kiss put upon my hand; and the Maid back then to her pillow; -yet, as I did hear, she brought it something more nigh to me; as that -she did crave to be near unto me that was her own Love. - -And I sat up, and I put forth my hands suddenly and took the Maid into -mine arms; and she to nestle unto me so that I did be wordless, because -that I loved her so utter. - -And presently, I felt her to stir in mine arms; and I loost her -somewhat; for I did be always very mindful that I impose not upon her -dear liberty of maidenhood. Yet she made not to go from me, but only to -gather the cloak about her; so that we did both be in the cloak. And she -askt why this might not be; for surely it did be madness that one should -starve and the other be very nice in warmth. And, indeed, this did be -but wisdom; yet it might not come the first from me. - -And I said to Mine Own that this thing should be; and she reached out, -and brought the scrip and the pouch, and placed them for a pillow for my -head, and told me that I should put my head thereon. And I askt her how -this did be right; for she did need a pillow the more than I. But she -bid me to bide, and to have obedience in my turn. And when I was so, she -spread the cloak over me, and afterward crept under, and did lie down -beside me, and did seem as that she was asleep in one moment. - -Yet, though she did be so sedate and matter-of-the-fact, as we do say, -while that she was wakeful, she did yet nestle unto me very sweet and -childlike in her sleep. And surely I did want to kiss her; but yet did -refrain from my love; for, truly, I did well that I treat her very -gently, at such a time, as you do perceive. And, in verity, such a Maid -doth make a reverence in the soul of a man. - -Now, presently, I was gone over unto sleep; and in seven hours I waked; -and in that time had the Maid slumbered through eight hours; yet did I -intend that she be not disturbed, until that we were aready to the -journey. And I slipt from under the cloak, and put it round her, very -gentle. Yet it to be as she did miss me, even in her sleep; for it to -seem to me that she put out her arms in the darkness, and she made a -little moaning in her slumber. Yet, in a moment, she did be quiet, and -afterward I put the cloak about her again. - -And I went then to the opening of the little cave, and put forth my -head, and lookt well about, and harked a long while; but there stirred -nothing in the night thereabout; neither did my spirit wot of any matter -for trouble unto us. - -And presently, I gat out two of the tablets; for, as you do know, the -Maid had given me the scrip and the pouch to be my pillow, so that I had -power to come at these matters, without awaking her; but for her own -part, as I did learn after, she had used her torn garments to be for a -pillow; yet had made no explaining, as you do mind; and surely this was -one of her naughty whimsies; and mayhap she had been so full of a -playful happiness--as doth take the heart betimes--that she had made a -little mystery where there did be no mystery; and this but to release -her joy, and so to say masterful things unto me, out of her impudence; -and afterward had meant that she tell me; but yet was gone unto slumber, -ere that she did mind her. - -Yet, since that time, a new thought hath come unto me that she did mean -in the first that she should come into mine arms to sleep, and thereby -need no pillow. But afterward, it may hap that she saw with a sudden -olden wisdom, all in one moment; and afterward did act lovingly, yet -with understanding. And so did change from her intent; yet with no -improperness of modesty; but only with a niceness of Sense, which she -did make no talk of; but yet did have. And surely, how oft is a man thus -wisely ordered, unknowing. - -And to cease from these thinkings, and to go forward, I eat two of the -tablets, and afterward made some of the water. And lo! the fizzing of -the water waked the Maid; and I knew that she reached out very sudden to -me; but afterward knew in a moment what did make the sound, and that I -did be up and making ready for the journeying. - -And she gat up in the darkness, and said my name, and came unto me, and -kist my forehead in the dark; and immediately she ran her hands gently -downward of my left arm, and when she came to the cup, she took it from -me, and slapt my hand, very dainty. And afterward I knew that she took a -sip from the cup, and then did turn that side to me, and so gave me to -drink, and did scold me that I had not waked her to tend to my needs; -for surely she did be Mine Own, to have her duties to me. - -And after that I had drank, she took the cup, and did finish it; and she -gat two of the tablets, as I did think, and came afterward and sat upon -the rock to my side, and did nestle somewhat against mine armour, and -took mine arm and set it about her; and so did make to eat. - -But first she put her tablet unto my lips, in the dark, that I should -kiss it; and surely this was an olden way of Mirdath My Beautiful One; -so that I did be all shaken of the heart. And I kist the tablet; and -immediately she nestled unto me, and did begin to eat. - -And truly it was as that Eternity had been rolled backward; for I had -discovered the soul of mine olden Love in this dainty Maid to my side. -Yet, in looks had Mirdath been of an utter differing; but, in verity -Naani was wondrous lovely. But, though I to be so stirred, I did be -silent; for my heart was very full of memory. - -And as the Maid eat, she slipt her fingers between mine, curling them -softly; and surely her fingers did be very little; and she stirred mine -olden memories again in this thing. And surely I was dumb before my -Memory. - -And presently, she put up the second tablet, as I did think, that I -should kiss it; and I kist it, as before. Yet, ere she did begin again -to eat, I did wot suddenly that she hid some intent from me. - -And I caught her hand very quick in the dark; and her fingers did close -upon the tablet, very guilty; so that I perceived that I had guessed -aright. And I opened her fingers; and I found that there did be but the -half of a tablet within her hand. And surely she had taken but that one -tablet, and had given me the one end to kiss, and afterward the other; -so that I should suppose she did eat two proper and complete tablets. - -And I perceived that she had done this thing secretly, being minded that -if she eat always but one tablet, then should I never lack, even if that -we did be over-long coming unto the Mighty Pyramid. - -And I askt how oft already had she eat but one, for two. And she -confessed in a very quiet voice that this did make the fifth time. And I -was so angered, that I took her hand and whipt it thrice, so hard that -she had screamed if that she had been any coward. And she said nothing -to me, neither went away. - -And she began again to eat the half of the tablet, and did eat it from -the other hand, as I to be aware, because that her left hand did be -hurt. And she wept not, but was very quiet by me; and presently I knew -that she kist the whipt hand secretly in the dark. - -And afterward, I put mine arm again about her; and she did be there in -it, very sober and happy. And when she had made an end of the first -tablet, I gave her the second, and she eat it very quiet and content. - -And presently I talked with her, and showed her how that this thing did -hurt my heart, even as she had been hurt that I did be cold garmented, -the while that she did be warm. And I showed her the wickedness that she -had done, that she did play so foolish with her life and strength; and -well might she be weak and all a-lack. - -Yet, did I think a little sweet impudence came into her, as I told her -concerning her wickednesses. And I took her then into mine arms, and I -showed her how that I knew all the unselfishness and wonder of her -heart; and I kist her, and truly her lips did have a lovely glad -humbleness as they came unto mine; so that it was as that I had not kist -her truly until that moment. And I made her to promise that she never -deceive me in such matter again. And indeed she promised; but yet with -no ready tongue. - -And afterward, we made proper for the journey; and when we had gotten -our gear together, I went downward of the rock, and gave the Maid help -to come down. And when we did stand at last upon the bottom of the rock, -I askt Naani how she did feel, and whether her feet did hurt. And she -answered that she did be very well and had no soreness in her feet. - -And we went forward then, and she close unto me; and odd whiles with low -speech, but more oft with silence, because that we did need that we hark -alway for any danger or horror; and also there did be so utter a silence -upon that part of the Land, which did be the bottom of the olden sea. -And we eat and drank at the sixth and the twelfth hours; and in the -fifteenth hour, we came upon a great slope of the earth; and lo! it did -be the far side of the sea. And we went upward for a long hour; and so -came to the upward part, and did be able once more to look over the -greatness of that Land. - - - - -XI - -THE HOMEWARD WAY - - -Now, truly, it did seem very light, after the horrid and lonesome gloom -that did lie all-ways in the bottom of the olden sea; and I saw that I -was come out upon a part of the Land that did be surely to the right of -that place where I made entry into the sea-bed, on mine outward going. -And there did be a great plenty of fire-holes, so that mine heart was -warmed to see them; yet did I mind to be wary in coming unto them; for, -as you do know, there did so oft be life of this kind and that about -these fires. - -And I lookt now down to the Maid, and she upward to me, and did come -more anigh to me, and truly she did be most wondrous pretty and sweet; -yet did seem very awearied and pale in the face; so that I made blame -upon myself that I had overwalked her; for, in verity, I do think that I -was so strong and hard as that I had been made from iron; and she but a -dear and tender Maid. Yet did she refuse that I should so reproach -myself; and did but stand anigh to me and look at me with eyes that were -very beautiful. And so I put mine arms about her, and kist her; and -afterward lookt again over the Land, that I should shape out our further -journeying. - -And from that place where I did stand, there spread out all before me -the blue shining that I had seen from the mouth-part of the Upward -Gorge; yet did it be a great way off. And, indeed, I should tell you in -this place, that it was by the glimmering of this shine within the sky -of the night that I had steered, as we did come across the olden -sea-bed. And, truly, it was but a broad thing to go toward; but yet did -serve me, in that it told me that I went toward the far side of the -sea-bed, and made not to go all about in blind circles in the night. - -And after that I had considered a while, I did know somewhat where the -Gorge should be, and perceived that I should go unto my left; but not -overmuch, for indeed I saw the red-shining of the giants' hole that lay -at a great space that way; and surely I must go so that I missed the -place of the giants so much as I might, and in the same going, come not -overnear unto the blue-shining that lay before me, across all the far -part of that Country; for, in verity, I Mistrusted the place where that -shining did be. - -Now when I had gained somewhat of knowledge where should be found the -Mouth of the Upward Gorge, I put mine arm about the Maid, where she did -stand so nigh to me, and very husht, the while that I had lookt about. And -I pointed outward over the dark Land unto my left, and told her that the -Gorge did be somewhere that way, a great distance off; yet utter out of my -sight, and only to be known that it did be somewise there by the things -that I did mind of, concerning my way after I came into the Land. - -Now the Maid, having stood very quiet, had lookt all that time about -her; and so had come to some knowing of the place where she did be in the -Land, for she to know the land someways, as you shall think. And she askt -me how I did mind to go; and truly I said, so straight as we might; but yet -so that we come neither too nigh to the shining nor to the great red -fire-pit of the Giants. - -And the Maid bade me to look in the way that I did mind to go; and I -lookt, but yet there was nothing save, as they did seem, certain -fire-holes that had a green-shining about them. And she set out unto me -then, how that there did go a tract of bad gas in that part of the -Land, that should be utter poisonous unto any; and this had been well -known in the Lesser Redoubt, by the reading of their instruments. And -where the gas did go, there was there a green-shining about the -fire-holes. - -And she showed me how that the Place of the Gas went a great way unto -the North-West, so that I learned now somewhat how the land did lie, as we -do say in these days. And it was in all the North-West that the great -blue-shining did burn. And I askt Naani how they named this, and she told -me by no name, save but The Shine. - -And Mine Own made very earnest to warn me, regarding The Shine; and urged -that we go no more that-wards than should be needful to our lives--the -which, indeed, was no wish of mine. And her reason to be that the Fixed -Giants did be within the borders of The Shine, and all hid in the light -thereof, save when the burning mist did roll this way or that. And I -took a great heed of this thing, and did guess that these Fixed Giants -were somewhat even as the Great Watchers that were about the Mighty -Pyramid, as you do know. And immediately I minded me of that utter -monstrous face that I did see amid the bright smoke of The Shine, when -that I came first into the Land; and surely this had been one of the -Fixed Giants, that Naani told me were Forces of great and very horrid -Evil. - -And I askt Mine Own how far the Place of the Gas went across the Land; -and she pointed and made further explaining. And, in verity, in the -end, I saw not how I should come that way to the mouth of the Gorge, if -that I would keep off-wards from The Shine. Yet, in a moment, Naani askt -me how I did come across the Land, when that I searched for her. And, -truly, as I showed her, I had walked then by a sweet chance, or guiding, -alway upon the far side of the Place of the Gas, and so unto the Olden -Sea bed; and was in this way come free of the gas, and all unknowing of -it. - -And at this telling, the Maid said that we go downward again into the -bed of the Olden Sea, and walk some great hours below the shore, but in -the way that should take us unto the South-West, and so until we were -come beyond the Place of the Gas. And afterward up again into the Land, -and then to have an utter caution that we escape the watching of the -giants who did be ever about the Great Red Fire-Hole. And by this plan -very speedy to the entering-part of the Upward Gorge. - -And, truly, this did be very good and sound, and such as I should have -planned in a moment; for, indeed, I am not over-slow in such matters; -only the Maid did be very eager and quick; and it was very sweet to me -that she should thus plan; for, in verity, I loved alway the sounding of -her voice, and to hear her have speech and to plan and think, and so to -show me the workings of her inward self and her dear qualities and human -niceness. And to have part and lot alway with me in all things and -thinkings. - -And, we shaped to this plan that Naani made; but at that time, as you do -mind, it was somewhat of seventeen hours since last we had slumber; and -the Maid was sore wearied, as I did see. And I showed to her how that it -did be wise that we have our rest very soon, and so forward again in new -strength and ability. - -And the Maid did soon agree with me; for indeed she was very weary; and -we made it that we should venture unto one of the fire-holes that lay no -great seeming away, a little upon our right, which was the Northward-way -of that Land. - -And we went toward the fire-hole; and, truly, it did be further off than -we had thought; for it was a good hour before that we came anigh to it; -and, indeed, it to prove a very great and red-glowing shine that went -upward into the night, out of the hollow place where it did burn among -rocks. - -And when we were come near unto it, I made a sign to the Maid that she -be utter husht; and I took the Diskos from mine hip, and went forward -before her; and afterward to my knees and hands, and beckoned backward -to Mine Own, that she do likewise. - -And we came this way to the edge of the hollow-place where the fire-hole -did burn; and so were able in the end to look downward. And truly it was -a great fire that burned in the earth in that place; yet, as I perceived -very swift, there did seem nowhere any monstrous thing about the fire, -the which set some peace upon mine heart; but yet not overmuch; for it -was come fresh upon me that we did well to stay afar off from the fires -of the Land, in that it was about the fires that all living things did -congregate. - -And I lookt a great time, and the Maid crept unto mine elbow, and lookt -with me; and afterward we harked, very keen, into the night; but there -was nowhere any trouble of the air or of the aether of the Land. Yet I -spoke quiet with the Maid, and showed unto her how that we did well to -stay off-ward from the fires; but, truly, she was so utter cold and -chill, that she did beg that we go down by the fire-hole, even should it -be that we stay no more there than should put a warmth through the utter -chill of our bodies. - -And, in verity, I was so bitter cold that I was all weak to go beside -the fire; yet, truly, I do think that the shiverings of the Maid was -that which did force my heart, to go against the teachings of my head; -so that in the end, we came down into the hollow, and very swift unto -the fire. - -Now, truly, it doth seem a strange thing to be so diverse-minded as -this, when that, as you do know, I had been so long a-search for a -fire-pit; and mayhaps you shall perceive the better how my heart and -brain did be contrary, when that I tell to you, now, how that I have -belief that my spirit did even then be subtly set to warn me. And, also, -as all do know, it doth be easy to forget this warning and that of -experience; by which saying, I do mean that, oft as I had come to know -the dangers that did be alway about the fire-holes, yet when I did be -far off from them, and Mine Own broken and a-shiver with the chill of -the Land, the danger did seem but a small thing and afar off from my -mind, and unreal; but the cold to be doubly real. Yet, when we did come -even unto the fire-hole, then did come again all about my heart the -truth of those dangers that had seemed, but a while gone, so little. -And, indeed, I do hope you perceive me in this thing, and how that I -strive alway to set unto you the utter truth, so that you shall go with -me all the way, and lend me your nice understanding. - -Now, when we were come down unto the fire-pit, I went this way and that -among the rocks that did be in the bottom of the hollow, so that I -should perceive whether there did be any living creature there hid, that -should mayhap come out, unknown, to work us harm. - -But, indeed, I discovered nothing of any greatness; yet I saw three -snakes, and there were, beside, two scorpion-creatures, as I did name -them, that neither went backward from me, nor came against me; but did -bide where I saw them, each in an hole of the rock. - -And because I had seen these things, I saw that we should not do wise to -sleep nigh unto the fire-hole; for the creeping things did mortally like -the heat, and should be like to come upon us in our slumber. And, -indeed, this did but uphold my caution, that we should be well -actioned, if that we chose some other part to our rest. - -Yet, as you shall suppose, I said naught unto the Maid concerning the -creeping and the poisonous things; for I did mean that she have rest and -happiness the while that we did stay beside the fire-hole; and -afterward, I should tell her, and so she be the more ready to see the -properness that we go elsewhere to our sleep. But, as you to understand, -if that she not to see wisely and be still intent to the fire-hole, I -should have her to obey; for surely she was Mine Own, and I did love her -and did mean alway to have her to safety. - -Now, presently, the Maid was something warmed, and afterward, she slipt -the scrip from my shoulder, and so had food and drink very swift to my -need. - -And we sat together, and eat and drank; and the Maid very sweet and -quiet, as she did begin to eat her second tablet; and, truly, I had -knowing that she did remember in all her body that I had whipt her. And, -indeed, she did be utter mine. - -And oft as we did eat and drink, I lookt this way and that, so that no -creeping thing should come anigh to us; and presently, when we had made -an end of our food, the Maid saw that I did look about, and she then -very swift to catch some of mine unease, and to stare over her shoulder. -And, indeed, in a little while she saw a snake go among the rocks; and -she then to be very eager that we find some place that should be secure -from creeping things. And we to begin then to look for such. - -But in the end, we stayed in the hollow, for we found a little cave that -did be in an upstanding rock of the hollow, and the upstanding rock was, -mayhaps, an hundred good feet off from the fire; for the hollow was very -great. And the cave did be a hole that was thrice my height up from the -bottom rocks; and it was dry and sweet and with no creeping thing within -it, neither did there be any place to hide such therein. - -And when we were gotten into the hole, surely it did be very sweet and -cozy; for the shine of the fire-hole did shine therein; and surely we -had felt it a very haven, but that there was ever the fear of the Land -upon our hearts; and upon mine the more than upon the Maid; for, truly, -Mine Own did seem to trust me utter; and to seem that she feared not any -evil monster, but to have surety that I had power to succour her in all -ways. And truly this trust had been very sweet unto my heart, if that I -had lacked somewhat of my terror for the safe home-going of Mine Own. - -And we slept that night as we had done before, and shared the cloak over -us; for truly, the fire-hole made no great warmth unto us; yet was it -less bitter in that part than in the darkness of the Land. - -And by that we had come unto sleep, it was twenty good hours since last -we had slumber; and truly we did be very wearied; but yet came unto our -rest with our spirits set anxious to harken on danger the while that we -did sleep. - -And we slept seven hours, and did know suddenly of some matter that had -need to waken us; and lo! in a moment I did wake, and the Maid in the -same instant of time; and there was a great screaming and crying out in -the night, that surely affrighted us both; yet did hurt our hearts the -more; for it did be the utter cryings and terror of poor humans in the -night of that Land. Yet might I do naught; but only wait that I learn -more of the matter; for my duty was unto Mine Own, and I had no leave of -rashness any more. - -Yet, as you do suppose, I was all shaken to go downward of the rock, and -afterward to climb out from the hollow, that I should give some help -unto they that did need help; but yet might I not leave the Maid. - -And immediately, there was a great roaring in one part of the night, and -again another roaring in another part of the night; and lo! in a moment -the roarings did be answered; and the roarings were the sounds of big -and husky voices; so that it did seem that we harked to men so big as -houses that did run and shout in the night. - -And the Maid did begin to shake, and I put mine arm about her, and drew -her backward into the hole so that she did be into the shadow; and she -to tremble like one that was broken in courage; for, truly, she had -heard those sounds oft in the night in all the long and dreadful month -that she had wandered. - -And, indeed, I was all shaken in my courage; for it did be the shouting -of giants that I heard; and you do know somewhat of the utter horror and -terror that did be alway in the heart that did harken unto those -monstrous voices, for you do know my tale. - -And there came in a moment, a dreadful screaming out in the night, and -the screaming did be the screaming of a young maid that doth be slain -very brutal. And my heart sickened, because of Mine Own; but my spirit -did swell with a strange and utter anger, as that it should burst my -body. And the Maid to my side broke into an utter sobbing. - -And the screaming of the maid afar off in the dark did end very sudden; -but in a moment there did be other screamings in diverse places, and the -hoarse shoutings of the great men and the thudding of mighty feet that -ran this way and that, a-chase. - -And the cryings of the humans came nearer, and the thuddings of the -great feet. And, in verity, in a little minute, it did seem unto me that -the sounds did be right upon the hollow; and I crept forward, and peered -out. And I felt the night to be full of people running; and immediately -there passed by the hollow a clustering of humans that ran ever, and -screamed and gasped and wept, panting, as they ran. And the shining of -the fire-hole made them plain seen and clear, and they did be both men -and women, and were but in rags or utter naked, and all torn by the -rocks and the bushes, and did seem, indeed, as that they had been wild -things that did go by so swift and lost. - -And mine heart troubled me with the pain and longing that it did know; -so that I had gone in a moment after those people, but that I should -leave Mine Own and put her to peril. And even while that I felt so utter -in this thing, there came a great thudding of monstrous feet; and there -ran four great men out of the night, and went past the hollow very -quick. And three did be dull coloured and seeming much haired and -brutish; but the other did be an horrid white, and livid-blotched; so -that it did seem to my spirit that there went by, a thing that did be a -very man-monster filled of unwholesome life. And surely they did be gone -from out of the shine of the fire, in one moment, as we do say; and -again into the night to their dreadful chasing. - -And when the thudding of their feet had gone a long way off over the -Land, I heard them bellowing, and afterward a far away screaming, that -did have a death note in it; and I knew that those dreadful brute-men -did be taking the life from some poor wild humans; and afterward there -did be the silence again. - -And, surely, it did come to me with a fierce impatience of sorrow, that -those people did be without spirit of courage; else had they turned them -upon the giants, and slain them with their hands, even if that all had -died to compass that slaying; for, truly, they should all die anywise by -the giant-men; and they had died then with somewhat to comfort their -hate. - -Yet, as I do know, the Peoples of the Lesser Redoubt had long been born -of parents that were starved of the Earth-Current through an -hundred-thousand years and more, and because of this thing, they did -surely lack somewhat in all ways. Yet was Naani otherwise; but this not -to prove aught, save the rule, as we do say. - -Now, sudden, as I stooped very husht and troubled in the mouth of the -little cave, I knew that Mine Own sobbed dryly in the back part of the -cave. And I had gone to comfort her, but that in the same moment, I saw -a naked maid run very swift over the edge of the hollow, and did look -over her shoulder, as she ran. And she came to the bottom, and crept in -under a ledge of rock that did be in that place; and she did seem utter -worn, and gone of the spirit, and desperate. And I perceived in the same -instant why that she did go stealthy and swift in that fashion, and to -cower, as for her very life; for there came a squat, haired man, so -broad as a bullock, who did come silent down into the hollow, looking -this way and that, even as a wild beast doth peer, very sudden. - -And the Squat Man had instant knowing of the place where the maid did -be; and ran in upon her, with no sound. - -And I paused not; but leaped all the great way unto the bottom of the -hollow, which did be, mayhaps, twenty good feet and more; for mine anger -was upon me, and I did mean that I save that one, though I did be -powerless to give succour unto those others. - -And I fell strong upon my feet, and had no harm of my limbs, for all -that the leap did be so high. And in that moment, before that I had time -to save the maid, the Squat Man ript her; and she cried out once with a -very dreadful scream, and was suddenly dead in the hands of the -Brute-Man. - -And my heart made my blood to burn with wrath in mine eyes, so that I -had scarce power in that instant to see the Squat Man, as I ran upon -him. And the roar of the Diskos filled all the hollow, as I made it to -spin, as that it did rage with an anger, and to be glut of the Man. - -And the Man came round upon me; and thought, mayhaps, to deal with me, -as it had dealt with that poor maid, but not all thatwise, as you must -know. And I swung the Diskos, and it did seem to sing and to cry eager -in my hands. And I smote at the Squat Man, even as it did leap silent -upon me, as a tiger doth leap, making no sound. But I gat not home the -blow; for the Man dropt sudden down upon the hands, and the blow went -overwards. And the Brute-Man caught me by the legs, to rip me; and I cut -quick with the Diskos, and it did have but one monstrous talon left unto -it. And immediately, it cast me with the other, half across the hollow, -and I fell with mine armour clanging mightily, and the Diskos did ring -like a bell. - -And by the graciousness of all good things, I was harmed not by that -monster throw; but was to my feet in one instant, and had not loosed the -Diskos from my hand. And the Beast-Man did be upon me with two quick -boundings; and I stood up to the Man, and it made no sound or cry as it -came at me; and there did a great froth of brute anger and intent come -from the mouth of it, and the teeth came down on each side of the mouth, -very great and sharp. And I leaped and smote, so that my blow should -come the more speedy, and the Diskos took away the head and the shoulder -of the Squat Man; and the dead thing knockt me backward, with the spring -that it had made; but it harmed me not greatly. Yet afterward I did know -how sore and bruised I did be, in all my body and being. And I came back -very swift against the Man; but it did be truly dead and greatly horrid. - -And I went from the dead monster, and did go, all heart-shaken, unto the -dead maid. And I took the torn body of the maid, very sorrowful, and -cast it into the fire-hole. - -And I turned me then that I should look unto the cave, that I should -know that all did be well with Mine Own, and whether she did have seen -the horror, or be gone into a swoon. - -And lo! Mine Own did run toward me; and she had in her hand my -belt-knife which I did give her, before that time, to be a weapon for -her defence. And I perceived that she had come to be mine aid, if that -I did need such. And she did be utter pale, yet very steadfast and not -seeming to tremble. - -And I made to take her from that place; but she went beyond me, and -lookt at the monstrous bulk of the Squat Man; and was very silent. And -she came back unto me; and still so silent. And she stood before me, and -said no word; but my heart knew what she did be thinking; for I am not -foolish, to have lacked to know what did be in her heart; though mine -effort had not shown itself that way unto me, before that moment. And I -had no pretending of modesty, but received with gladness and a -strangeness of humbleness the honour that her eyes did give to me; for, -indeed, she did be so, that she might not give word to her joy of me and -her glad respecting, the which is so wondrous good unto the heart of all -men that do be loving of a dear and honest maid. - -And she said nothing, neither then nor afterward; but I did be honoured -all my life after, when that I did anytime mind me of the way that Mine -Own lookt upward at me in those moments. - -And afterward she did need and allow herself to come unto mine arms, -that I hold her from the trembling of heart which did come to her, after -that there did be no need for courage; for surely we had both seen a -very dreadful thing, and there was a great horror upon us. - -And I climbed upward again to the little cave, and did help Naani; and -when we were come there again, we did rest awhile. And presently we eat, -each of us, two of the tablets and drank some of the water, and indeed -we were both utter thirsty. - -And in about an hour, after that we had harked very keen a time, we came -downward again from the cave, and had our gear with us; and we came up -out of the hollow, and set forward with a great caution unto the olden -sea-bed. And we came there in two long hours; for we went very slow and -with constant harkings; for the fear of the monstrous men was upon us. -But there came no harm anigh, neither did we perceive any disturbance in -the night of the Land. - -And we went down an hour into the olden sea-bed, and did go now the more -swift; for our fear was something eased from us, because that we had -come away from that place where we had perceived so great and dread an -hunting. But yet had we all care about us; for the giants surely to be -everywhere in that Land; but yet, as I do think, they to roam more oft -anigh to the fire-holes; for the humans did surely wander in such parts, -that they have warmth of the fires. - -And after we had gone downward an hour into the sea-bed, we turned -somewhat unto the South-West, and went for twelve great hours, and did -never be any huge space from the shore; for it did run that way, as you -do know. And I made to steer by the shinings of the Land, and with -advices from Mine Own. - -And in the end of the twelfth hour, I did count our distance, making -that we did walk somewhat of a certain speed; and by the tellings of the -Maid, we did be surely come beyond the place of the Land where the -Poison Gas did lie. - -And by this, it did be something after seventeen hours since we did -sleep; and surely we did be very ready to have rest; for we had gone -forward strongly, and with anxiousness; and truly my hurts did be come -upon me, so that my whole body did ache; for the quick fight had been -bitter, and I had been thrown very hard and brutal; and, indeed, it was -wondrous that I had not been all smashed, only that the armour did save -me. - -And this doth show truly how hard and strong I did be; and Naani did -speak upon this, and was oft a-wonder, and at that time did beg me that -I make some rest to cure my hurts; for she had not conceived that a man -did grow so strong and hardy; and, in verity, the men of the Lesser -Redoubt did be soft-made and lacking of grimness, as I did perceive, -both through my reason and from her tellings; for they did lack the -strong life that doth breed where is the beat of the Earth-Current, as -we to have in the Mighty Pyramid. And this thing I have said somewise -before this time. - -And because that we did be so wearied, I said unto Naani that we find a -place for our slumber, and she very willing, as I have shown, and to -counsel me likewise. - -Yet did we search about in that gloom for a great hour more, and found -no cave or hole to give us a safe refuge for our sleep. - -And when that we could not find such, I told Naani that we should put -the boulders together, somewhat, and so have them about us, that we be -greatly hid; and, in truth, even as I began to tell her my plan, she did -have the same words in her mouth, so that we caught our little fingers, -there in the dark of that grim Land in the end of the world, even as she -and I had done oft in the early years, before that eternity, when that -she did be Mirdath the Beautiful. And we did both be silent, and after -that we had wished very solemn and earnest, we said each a name; even as -lad and maid shall do in this age; and so to laughter and kist one the -other. And truly, the world doth seem not to alter in the heart, as you -shall think. And this was what I did find. - -And we set-to, and gathered together the boulders which did be very -plentiful in that part. And she carry those that did be thin and flat, -and I to roll those that did be great and round. And I made a place that -did be long and narrow; and afterward, I set the flat stones round the -sides, that there be no little hole by which any creeping thing should -come inward to sting us in our sleep. - -And afterward we gat inside; and surely it did be very cozy, as we do -say; but yet not so secure as I did wish, only that I could not shift to -plan aught better. And, indeed, it should keep off from us any small -thing, and should be like to save us from any monstrous Brute treading -upon us; but otherwise, it did be but a poor affair. - -Now we eat two of the tablets, each, and drank some of the water, even -as we had done in the sixth and the twelfth hours; and afterward we -shared the cloak for our slumber; and we kist very sedate and loving, -and charged our spirits that we wake if that any horrid thing should -come anigh to us in our sleep; and afterward we did be gone very swift -to slumbering, and suffered no harm. - -And I waked seven hours after, and surely I did ache very bitter, as I -did move my body; for the bruisings did be gotten hold of me. - -And I slipt away from the Maid, very gentle; for I had mind that she -sleep a while more, as I did mean that we make a great journey that day. - -And after I had harked a while, and perceived that there was no evil -thing anigh, I went outward of the stones. And I walked to and fore and -moved mine arms, that I be eased somewhat of the stiffness and ache; but -surely it did seem that many hours must go ere I should make any speed -of travel; for I did be all clumsy and slow and nigh to groan with the -pain of going and aught that I did. - -And I minded me that I should do somewhat to ease this thing, lest that -I cause us both to come to an harm by staying over-long in that Land. - -And I went back into the stones, and gat an ointment from the pouch, -that I did carry. And surely the Maid did yet sleep. And I went outward -of the stones, again; and stript off the armour, and all my garments; -and I rubbed my body with the ointment, and surely the pain did be so -that I groaned at this time and that; but yet must I rub good and strong -so that I die not of the cold of the Land; and beside I was greatly -anxious to cure myself. - -And sudden, as I did rub very strong and savage, and heeding so well as -I might that I groan not, the Maid did speak close beside me. And, -indeed, she could see me but dimly, and had waked sudden to hear my -groaning, and I was not to her side. And immediately she had thought -that some evil thing harmed me, and was come in an instant that she be -with me. - -And she cared not that I did be naked; but was utter in anger that I -strove to do this thing alone, and with none to aid me, and all -uncovered to the chill of the Land. And she ran back into the stones, -and brought the cloak and put it about me; and was so angered that she -stampt, and had no impudence, but rather as that she did be minded to -have tears. - -And she sent me back into the sheltering of the stones, and gathered -mine armour, and brought these things after me. But the Diskos I took in -my hand. And she took the pot of the ointment from me, and made me to -lie, and she rubbed me very strong and tender, and kept me warm with -the cloak; and surely she was a wise and lovely Maid, and utter Mine -Own. - -And in the end, she askt me how I was, and I said that I did be -different; and she hurried me that I be clothed very quick; for she did -be sore afraid that I should come to a chill. - -And when I was gotten again into mine armour, she came to me, and showed -me where I did lack wisdom, and spoke very straitly and gentle and -serious; and afterward kist me, and gave me my tablets, and to sit -beside me. And we eat and drank; and I with a new lovingness unto Mine -Own; and she somewhat as that she did mother me; but when I put mine arm -about her, she did be only a maid. And we did be thus, with but little -talk and a great content. - -And afterward, we gat our gear together, and went from that little -refuge that we had made; and in a while we did go upward out of the -olden sea-bed. - -And when we were come again to the top of the shore, the which we did in -two good hours, I lookt over the Land, a time, with Mine Own anigh to -me. And I perceived that the Great Red Fire-Pit of the Giants did be no -mighty way off unto the South and West; and surely in a little moment, -we saw that there went monstrous figures against the shine of the mighty -fire-pit; and we stoopt unto the earth; for it did seem that the light -did be like to show us standing there, though truly we did be afar off, -as you perceive. Yet, mayhaps, you do share with us the utter horror and -distress that those horrid Men did cast about the heart, and so have a -kindly understanding of our fear. - -And over all the Land, in this place and that, there did be the small -shining of little fire-holes and pits, that did be alway red, save in -that part where the Poison Gas did lie, the which we had now come safe -past. - -And beyond the fire-holes, was the great Shine, that lay from the West -unto the North of all that Land; and, in verity, we did need that we -steer so that we come not anigh to it, neither unto the Great Red -Fire-Pit of the Giants; neither unto the low volcanoes, which were -beyond the Great Red Fire-Pit, as you do know, and someways unto the -Mouth of the Upward Gorge. - -And the way of our journey was between the West and the South-West of -that Land; and to be made with cunning and wisdom, that we come clear of -all unseemly danger unto Mine Own. And I askt her concerning this thing -and that of the Land; and surely she told me so much of terror that I -was half in a wonder that ever I did live in the end to come unto her. - -And it was because of the things that she set out to me, that I -perceived how we must come nowise anigh to the low volcanoes that were -upon this side of the mouth of the Upward Gorge; for it had been known -alway in the Lesser Redoubt that there went very horrid men in that -part that did be called wolf-men; but whether there did be any such -thing in that age, she had no knowing; for she told me the things that -did be set down in the Records and the Histories; and truly no man of -the Lesser Redoubt had found heart in a thousand great years to make a -journeying through the Land, for the desire of glad and dreadful -adventuring, such as our young men did be oft set to; though it was not -all such that went. - -And because there did be no adventuring for so monstrous a space of -years, there was no certain new knowledge of the Land of that age. And -this thing is plain to you, and needing not of many words, which do so -irk me. - -And Naani set out to me how that The Shine was conceived to be a land -where Evil did live for ever, and whence came all those Forces of Evil -that did work upon the Lesser Refuge. And afterward, she did quiet; so -that presently I perceived that she did weep to herself, because that -her memory was all new-stirred by my questionings. And I took her very -gentle into mine arms, as we did be there kneeled upon the earth. - -And after that time, I askt her no question, save as it did be needful -to our health and life; yet oft did she tell me this thing and that of -her knowledge, to be for mine help and guiding. - -Now we went forward, going a space toward the North-West, so that we -come the more clear of the place where did be the Great Red Fire-Pit of -the Giants. And we journeyed with a care alway that we show not -ourselves over-plain unto the light that shone over the Land from the -great Pit; and oft we did creep a while over this stark place and that; -and went nimbly amid the bushes that grew oft in great parts. - -And we made six hours this way, and did then have pause, that we eat and -drink; and truly it was nine hours since first I did wake; yet had we -made no pausing, because that we were so set to our journeying to come -clear of the place where did be the Giants. - -And after that we had eat and drunk, we went onward again; and made now -unto the South-West; for we did heed that we go no more unto the -North-West, because that should bring us over-near to The Shine. - -And in the fourteenth hour of that day's travel, we came to a part where -the Land dipt downward into a broad valley; and surely it did be very -dark down there, and did be seeming shallow, yet truly of a great -deepness; but we went that way, because that it did be a weary long -journey to go around the place where the valley did be. - -And the Valley had a different darkness from the gloom that went alway -in the olden sea-bed; for the gloom of the sea-bed did be ever of a -greyness; but the gloom of this Valley had a greater dark within it; yet -did the air seem more clear. - -And we went downward three hours into the Valley, and stopt then that -we eat and drink; and truly I had not paused then; but that Mine Own did -insist; for our methods did be like, else, to go all adrift, and we to -be lacking of proper strength. - -And this was wisdom of the Maid; but I to be a little irked-like and -restless; and this mayhap because that my blood did itch me, because -that it did be so full of the poison of my bruises. - -And it was gone now of seventeen hours since last we did sleep; but yet -did we be ready to go forward, that we come so quick as maybe out of the -dark of that Valley; for there did seem nowheres any fire-hole to make a -light; only that in this place and that, there did be a little blue -shining, as that there burned a strange gas in this part or that. - -Now, in two hours after the time that we did eat, we stopt, both of us, -very sudden; for there did be some vague and curious sound in the night. -And we went very swift to the earth, that we be hid, and harked. But did -hear nothing. - -And in a while, we to go onward again; yet there did be an unease upon -our spirits; for our spirits did perceive something afar off in the -night; but yet had we no surety in this matter. - -And we went forward through a great hour more; and did pass in that -time, two places where the blue-shining did be; and truly it seemed as -that a low gas hung to the earth in this part and that, and made a slow -burning, having neither noise nor spurtings; but slow, as that it did -smoulder and be all to shine and luminous. And oft there did be a strong -smelling of a bitter gas, very horrid in the throat. - -And in the end of another hour, while that we were a space off from one -of those gas-shinings, there went past us at a distance, as it did seem -people, running in the night; as that they did be lost spirits; yet with -a rustling very soft; so that they did be like to be barefoot. - -And I thought mayhap that these did be some of the Peoples of the Lesser -Pyramid; yet did they be only as that shadows went among the -blue-shinings. And I pondered a moment, whether that I send my voice -over the Valley, to question what they did be; but yet had caution, and -harked through the utter silence of the night; for I had no surety of -aught. - -And, surely, in that moment that we harked very keen, there did be a -sound afar off in the night of the Land; and it was as that we had heard -the sound before; and, in verity, our spirits had perceived the sound, -those two hours back; and now our bodies did wot, and perceived that we -had known it subtly before that moment. And the sound was as that -something went spinning in the night. - -And a very great terror came upon the Maid; for she did know the sound; -and the sound was that which did show that one of the great Evil Forces -of the Land did approach; and the sound had been known alway in the -Lesser Refuge to show this thing. And, indeed, mine own spirit had been -half to know that a Power of Evil did come through the night; but yet -was the assurance very terrible; for how should I protect Mine Own. - -And the spinning came toward us, and was presently in the Valley; and it -came swiftly across the dark of the Valley. And my heart was all broken -within me, because that there had been happiness with us, but a little -time gone; and now there did be our death anigh. - -And Mine Own gave me the knife that I had given to her; meaning that I -slay her, in the last moment; for she did heed even in that moment that -she be not gashed horridly by the terror of the Diskos. And I took the -knife. And I kist not Mine Own; but stood there, very shaken and -desperate, and gript her fast unto me, scarce heeding the hardness of my -gripe; and alway I lookt unto the way of the coming of the Sound. And -presently did unbare my wrist where the Capsule did be. - -And the sound of the thing Spinning came anigh, across the Valley; and -my heart did dull and my spirit go black with my desperateness, because -that this thing must be, and because that I could nowhere see hope that -I should save Mine Own. - -And, of a sudden, the Maid put up her arms, and pulled me downward, and -kist me once on the lips; but I wot not whether I kist her; for I did -burn with despair and was all adrift in my being. Yet was there a sharp -comfort that mine own dying did be so nigh. - -And the Maid stood gently against me; so that she did be convenient unto -my hand. And afterward I remembered this thing; and do you pray that you -be never to have such a matter on your hearts! But, indeed, there was a -wonder in this thing, beside the horror; so that my memory doth be alway -knowing of this wonder; and mayhap you do see with me, and love Mine Own -also in your hearts. And in the moment that the Maid stood thus, as I -have told, I perceived sudden that there did be a little glowing in the -night, and the glowing was pale and horrid. And there was no more any -sound of the Spinning; only there did be, as it were, the trunk of a -great tree, that did show in the glowing; and the trunk of the tree came -toward us across the darkness. - -And I turned the Maid from the Tree, and she did flutter a little in my -hands, as I did know, scarce-knowing; for she perceived that she did be -going to die in that moment. And I had my body thus between the Evil -Thing and the Maid. And lo! the Tree came no more anigh to us; but went -backward, and the pale glowing did fade, and the Tree no more to be -seen. - -And I cried unto the Maid, very husky, that we did live; for that the -Evil Power was gone off from us; but she answered not, and did be heavy -against me. And I held her, and lookt alway about us, lest the Tree come -in upon the other side. - -And, as I lookt this way and that, I saw naught; and afterward, in a -moment, I searched the night above, lest that the Thing come from -above. And, behold, I saw that there abode over us a clear light, as it -were a clear burning Circle, above us in the night. And my heart did -leap with an holy joy and an utter great thankfulness; and I was no more -in fear of the Tree; for, in verity, there fought for our souls one of -those sweet Powers of Goodness, that did strive ever to stand between -the Forces of Evil and the spirit of man; and this matter have I shown -to you, before this time. - -And concerning this holy Defense, I have thought that it should not, -mayhap, to have had so strong a power to save us, if that we had shown -an over-weakness and fear, but because that we did rather stand so well -as we might to make battle of escape from so dire a Destruction. - -And, surely, this doth seem but a sane thinking unto me; but yet without -proof, and to be said to you, only as the shapings of my thoughts. And -this the chief end of that happening, that the holy Circle did truly -deliver us, and burned through twelve great hours above us; and by this, -do I know that the Evil Power hovered anigh, to destroy us, all that -while; for, indeed, it doth not be proper of reason to suppose that such -an utter wondrous thing did be needlessly over us, save to be a Shield -of Great and Lovely Force against a waiting Evil Thing. And surely you -do see thiswise with me? - -And, truly, so soon as my Spirit and Reason perceived that we did be no -more to suffer from the Evil Thing, I remembered that I did know that -Mine Own had swooned. And, in verity, you shall mind how that she did -face her death so utter sweet and brave, and had given no cry, but made -quietly to help me in that dreadful moment, and did stand brave and -gentle to the stroke. And so fell into a swoon, as you have seen, -because that she did suffer an hundred deaths as she did stand so brave, -waiting to be slain, for the blow did be so long delayed, yet to come in -any moment. - -And I gat her to come-to unto her life again, and I set the lovely tale -very swift to ease her, and surely with love and warmth, and kist her -with a great joy. And I showed how I did honour her for her good -courage. - -And she to weep a little, with the ease come so sudden upon her; and -afterward to kiss me upon the lips an hundred times, and to need that -she be very safe in mine arms, because that I had meant that I do so -dread an office to her. And surely I do wonder whether you perceive all -that did be then in her heart. - -And the holy light that did be over us, she did watch with a sweetness -of awe; and rest did come more great upon her in the heart, as she did -learn how sure was the seeming of that Lovely Power to deliver us. - -And, presently, we made forward again in the Valley. And did go -steadfast, and newly-loving each to the other, and so through twelve -great and body-weary hours; but our hearts could never be done singing -within us, nor our hands to cease from the hands of the other, because -that we did so crave each unto the beloved. - -And in the ninth hour, a monstrous way off in the dark of the Valley, -there did seem as that there went a far and dreadful screaming in the -night. And it did be as that our spirits perceived the sound of -something Spinning in the night; yet faint and a great way off; but yet -had we no surety that we did truly hear the sound of the Spinning; only -we did be so shaken in the heart, for truly there was some horror done -unto humans, downward in the mighty darkness of the Valley. And to think -upon the sound of the Spinning, was to be in a shaking trouble of the -spirit; and to bless the quiet and holy light that went above us in all -that time; and to ache only that it should stay to be to our protecting. -And surely it did be plain that there were the signs of great Forces in -that Land. - -And three hours after that time when we did hear the far-off screaming, -we were come up over the edge of the Valley, and did be once more unto -such light as did be general in the Land; and truly it did seem a -wondrous lightness, after so utter a dark. - -And we did be all exhaust, and Mine Own drew her feet so weary that it -was as that she must go no more, until we did rest; for indeed it was -three and thirty hours since last that we had slept; and a bitter -trouble and work there had been in that space, as you do know. - -Now we had eat some of the tablets a few hours back, as we did walk, and -had drunk some of the water; but had made no rest; for we did crave only -that we come free of that Valley. And now it was needful that we rest, -if but a little time. - -And I minded that we find some place where I should have a hot pool, -that I be able to bathe Naani's feet. And, surely, we came in a while to -a hollow-place, and there did be two dull-burning fire-holes in this -place, and a hot-bubbling spring, the which did seem to be a rare thing -in that Land; so that we were the more fortunate to perceive it. - -And I made Mine Own to sit, with her feet in the hot-spring; for it was -not over-hot, and did seem pretty natural to my taste, as I did prove in -the first. And also I did search about the hollow, lest there be any -harmful creature near-by; and this you will have truly supposed, because -you do know the methods of my journeying. But yet did I not have so much -care as did be proper; for I was so dull in the mind, by reason of my -weariness; but, indeed, there came naught to work us any harm; and so we -came to no suffering, through mine aches and dullness. - -And I sat beside the Maid, and made her to eat a tablet, and saw that -the cloak did be nice about her, and her head to rest against my knee, -and I laid the palm of my hand to be as a pillow, because of the armour, -to ease the hardness. - -And I eat with the Maid, and we both drank after; and so there came -back somewhat of our strength. Then I took the Maid's little feet, and -rubbed a portion of the ointment from the pot all about them, very -gentle and constant; and so did they be new-rested and eased; and she -presently fit again to the journey; for I was strong set that we go -quickly hence out of that Land, and stay no more there to sleep, lest we -come unto Destruction. - -And when we had rested an hour, I put the shoes again upon the Maid, and -made them secure; and so gat my gear about me, and made to the journey. - -And lo! as we did leave the hollow, I lookt upward unto the Holy Light; -and behold it was gone from us, and by this thing I supposed that we had -come free of instant danger; but yet did there be to me a seeming of -nakedness and unprotection, as you must perceive. - -And because that the Light was vanished, I was the more set that we come -speedy out of the Land. And we went forward at a strong speed, and had -the Great Red Fire-Pit of the Giants to our rear unto the left, and a -mighty way off in the night; but yet I did wish it the further. And -before us, was a small ridging up of the dark Land, as I did judge, -because that our view of the lights and the shinings was bounded; and to -our left at a great way the low volcanoes, and somewhat to our right, -across all that part of the Land went the cold and horrid glare of the -Shine. - -Now, in a little while, I felt that the ground did be sloped upward -before us a little, and by this thing I saw that I had known aright, for -that there did be a ridge that hid the Land somewise over unto the part -where I lookt to find the mouth of the Upward Gorge. And we went up this -slope at a strong pace, because that I was so eager that I find where we -did be in nearness unto the mouth of the Upward Gorge. - -And surely, I was something forgetful, in mine eagerness, and came -somewhat ahead of Mine Own, who did make to hide from me that she did -begin to lag, because that her new strength was near gone from her. - -And sudden there did be a very dreadful cry, to my back; and I came -round in one instant, so quick as a light doth flash; for it was the -voice of Mine Own, and all my being did suddenly burn with fear that -kindled through me in a moment of thought. - -And lo! Mine Own did struggle terribly with a yellow thing which I -perceived to be a man with four arms; and the Man had two arms about the -Maid, and with two did make to choke her unto death; for she cried out -no more. - -And I came unto the Man with a quick leaping, and stopt not to pluck the -Diskos from my hip; and surely I did be very strong, and mine anger and -rage to make me monstrous; for I caught the two upper arms of the Man, -and brought them backward in an instant, so fierce and savage, and so -wrencht upon them, that I brake them in the shoulders of the Man. - -And the Man roared and shriekt, even as a wild and dreadful Beast should -cry out, and came round upon me with the two lower arms. And surely it -was a mighty and brutish thing, and so broad and bulkt as an ox, and the -lower arms were huge and greatly haired, and the fingers of the hands -did have the nails grown into horrid talons, as that they should grip -very bitter. - -And it caught me by the thighs, to rip me upward, as I did fear; but yet -this did not be the intent of the Man; for in a moment it caught me -round the body; and on the instant, I gat the Man by the great throat, -and the throat did be haired, and so great as the neck of a bull. And I -strove with mine armoured hands that I choke the Man, and surely I made -it to suffer great trouble; yet, I could not harm it in the life. - -And so I did be an horrid minute, and fought with the Beast, with no -more than the strength of my body; and it was as that an human went with -his hands to slay a monster so strong as an horse. And the breath of the -Man-Beast came at me, and did sicken me; and I held the face off from -me; for I had died with horror, if that it had come more anigh; and -surely the mouth of the Man was small and shaped so that I knew that it -did never eat of aught that it did slay; but to drink as a vampire; and -in truth, I did mean that I chop the Man to pieces, if that I have -chance to the Diskos. - -And I did sway this way and that, as we did struggle; and surely it was -as that the Man had never made to use the lower arms, save to hold unto -prey, the while that it did use the upper arms to strangle, as I do -think. For all that weary minute of the fight, the Man made not to loose -from me, that it should tear my hands from their grip to the throat; but -made vain waggings with the arms that I brake, as that it would use -these to the attack; but surely they had no more power to do hurt. - -And sudden, it put forth an utter power about my body, so that mine -armour did be like to crack; and truly I had died in a moment; but for -the strongness of the armour. And the man hugged me thus for an horrid -time, the while that I did hold off from me the brutish face, and gript -very savage into the haired throat. - -And lo! the creature did work slow in the brain, and in the end loost -from me, abrupt, and went back with a leap, so that my hands did be ript -from the throat of the Beast. And in one instant it did be back unto me, -and gave me no moment to free the Diskos. But I made anew to fight, and -shaped as I had learned in the Exercises of mine Upbringing; for truly I -had been alway deep in practice of such matters. And I slipt from the -great hands of the Man, as it did try to take me by the head; and I hit -the Man with mine armoured fist, and put a great power and skill to the -blow. And I went instant to the side with a swift stepping, and evaded -the Man, and I smote the Man again, and took him very savage in the -neck; but all the while grown very cold and brutal and cruel; for I was -set to the slaying. And the Man-Beast came round on me; and lo! I slipt -the gripe of the great hands, and my body and my legs and mine arms did -work together unto that last blow; so that I did hit so hard as a great -hammer. And I gat the Beast in the throat, and the Beast went backward -to the earth, even as it did think to hold me. - -And lo! in a moment, I was free, and I pluckt forth the Diskos from my -hip. And the Yellow Beast-Man grunted upon the ground; and it rose up -again to come at me; and it stood and did grunt, and did seem as that it -was gone mazed; for it did make other sounds, and an horrid screeching, -so that truly, by the way of it, I conceived that it cried out unknown -and half-shapen words at me. And in a moment, it came again at me; but I -cut the head from the Beast-Man, that was in verity an horrid monster, -and the Man died, and was quiet upon the earth. - -And truly, in that moment, the distress of mine efforts and mine utter -tiredness and the ache of the bruises took me; so that I do surely think -I rockt as I stood; but yet was my head strong to think and my heart set -in anxiousness; for I wotted not how great an hurt had been done upon -Mine Own. - -And I ran to her, and came to where she did be upon the ground; and -surely she was all huddled, and had her hands very piteous to her -throat, that did be so pretty. And it did shake me in that moment that -she was truly slain; for she was gone so utter still and as that she did -be broken unto death. - -And I took her hands from her throat, and surely it did be a little -torn; yet not to be much, or so that it should loose her of her dear -life. And I strove that I steady the trembling of my hands; and I gat -free of mine armoured gloves; and made that I feel whether her throat -did be deadly hurt; and, in verity, it seemed not so; only that my hands -did so shake, because that I was so frightened for Mine Own, and because -that I was but new come from the battle; and because of this, I had not -power of touch to assure me. - -I made then that I quieten my breath, which did yet come very full and -laboured; and I put mine ear above the heart of the Maid, and lo! her -heart did beat, and the horridness of my fear went from me in a moment. - -And I had the scrip from my back very speedy, and some of the water to -fizz, and I dashed the water upon her face and upon her throat; and -surely there did be a little quivering and an answering of her body. - -And I strove with her for a while more; and she came unto her life -again; and in the first, she was all a-lack, as you may think; and -immediately she began that she remembered, and she then to shake. - -And I told her how that the Four-Armed Man was surely dead and could -harm her no more; and she then to weep, because that she had been put -to such shock and horror, and held by so brutish a thing. But I took her -into mine arms, and so she did come presently to an ease; and I -perceived in all my being that she was as a little ship that doth lie in -harbour; for she did cling and nestle unto me; and did be safe with me -in all her heart and body and belief. And surely she was Mine Own, and I -to have glory in that knowing. - -And presently, I put her from mine arms, to lie; yet so that she might -not perceive the body of the Yellow Beast-Man. And I made clean the -Diskos, from her sight, and afterward I put on the scrip; and I took the -Maid to mine arms again, and had the Diskos in my hand beside her. - -And she made protest that she should truly walk; for that I was all -a-weary, and she come to her strength again. And, indeed, I carried her -a certain way, and did then put her down to her feet; and truly her -knees did so tremble that she had not stood, let be to walk! And I -caught her up again; and I kist her, and I told her that I did be surely -her Master, in verity, and she mine own Baby-Slave. And truly you shall -not laugh upon me; for I was so human as any; and a man doth talk this -way with his maid. - -And she did be quiet and sweet and to obey wisely; for she was gone very -weak. And thiswise we did go; and I to say loving words, in the first; -but afterward I did heed more of my going, now that she was something -eased and at rest within mine arms. And I did peer everywhere about, -lest that some other evil thing come outward of the bushes, to have at -us ere I did ware. And, truly, the bushes grew here and there in that -place, very plentiful, in great dumpings. - -And presently I was come to the top part of the ridge; and lo! a great -gladness took me, and some amazement; for there did be the lights that -did be in the mouth of the Upward Gorge, and they did show me that I was -come anigh to that place. Yet had I feared that we were surely a dozen -great miles off; and now I to learn that we did be scarce of two or -maybe three, as I did judge. - -And I told this thing to the Maid; and she rejoiced in mine arms, with a -deep and quiet thankfulness. And I set forward then at so good a pace as -I might; and I was come into the mouth-part of the Upward Gorge in about -an hour; and surely I did be very weary, for it was beyond six and -thirty hours that we had gone since last we did sleep; and there had -been sore labour and terror to our share in that time, as I have told. - -And I turned in the mouth of the Gorge, and told Mine Own, very gentle, -that we did take our last look upon that Land. And she askt that I put -her down to her feet; and I put her down. And therewith we stood in that -place, and mine arm about her; and so did I support the Maid, the while -that she lookt silent over the dark of the Land. - -And presently she askt me in a very husht voice, whether that I knew -where the Lesser Pyramid did be in all that Darkness; for she was all -adrift of her bearings, and was as a stranger, because that she had -never lookt upon the Land from that place, before then. And I showed her -where I thought the Pyramid to stand hid in the everlasting night; and -she nodded, very quiet, as that she did think thatwise, also. - -And so a time did pass, and I knew that Naani said good-bye forever unto -all that she had known of the world in all her life; and she did be -whispering a goodbye in her soul unto her Dead. - -And I was very husht, and deeply sorrowful for the Maid, and did -understand; for in verity, there should no other human look upon that -Land of terror through all the quiet of eternity; and the Maid did lose -all her young life into that blackness, and the Father that was her -Father; and the grave of her Mother; and the friends of all her years. -And there went death in the Land, even then, after those that did live. - -And Mine Own shook a little within mine arm; so that I knew she strove -that she be brave, to weep not; but afterward, she made not to cease -from her tears; and truly I was there, to be her understanding; and she -did be sweet and natural ever with me; for she was Mine Own, and did be -hourly the more so. - -And presently, I moved a little, to sign that we go downward of the -Gorge; and she stayed me one moment, that she look once more over all -that Land; and afterward, she submitted, and turned with me, and did -break into very bitter sobbing as she did go stumbling beside me; for -the sorrow of memory did fill her; and she was truly a very lonesome -Maid in that moment, and had come through much dreadfulness. - -And in a minute, I stoopt and lifted her; and she wept in mine arms -against mine armour; and I very silent and tender with her; and carried -her downward of the Gorge for a great hour more. And presently she was -grown calm, and I knew that she slept in mine arms. - -And in thiswise we made farewell of that dark Land, and left it unto -Eternity. - - - - -XII - -DOWNWARD OF THE GORGE - - -Now I carried the Maid an hour downward of the Gorge, as I did say; and -I was then grown so weary that I near fell, as I walked, and stumbled -everywhile, because that I had lost somewhat of guiding in my feet, the -which did show mine utter alackness. - -And I saw that I must come very swift to a place for slumber, or that I -did be like to fall headlong with the Maid; for I nigh slept as I walkt. - -And I began that I give attention to the sides of the Gorge; and surely -I had gone that hour all in a dream; for I was fresh-waked, as it were, -in that I did give my will to perceive aught; and when I did come to -have power to attend, I knew that I had gone, even as a sleep-walker; -for the Gorge did seem a fresh matter unto me, and as that I had come -awake sudden to find myself a-walk in that strange and narrow place. - -And presently, I saw somewhat where I did be; for I minded the memory of -mine outward journey, and truly I have a good power to know and remember -a way that I have gone. And I saw that there was a great and ruddy -fire-hole anigh to me; and I was all sure that I had perceived certain -caves in the wall of the Gorge, near to that fire, as I past it on mine -upward way; and I had been given a mighty longing of heart at that time, -that it be given to me that I should bring safe Mine Own out of the -peril that beset her, and have her unto just such a place for her -slumber, on the way of our journey backward. - -And surely I tell you this thing as a child in pleasure; for, truly, it -was a wondrous happy matter that my desiring should be like to have a -true ending; as, indeed, it did seem was truly to be, if that my memory -had set me aright. - -And I went onward somewhat; and lo! I to be right, for the little caves -did be there, a little past the great fire-hole; and there were seven of -them in the left side of the great cliff of the Gorge; and one did be as -that it were very cozy and a place of sure safety, if that we could win -unto it. - -And truly, as I did conceive, we had come safe from the Evil Forces of -that Land; but yet did I mind that there was no surety in this thing; -and neither did I know but that some Monster should come downward of the -Gorge, out of that Land; and so work our deaths, as we did sleep; if -that we have no sure place for our slumber. And, indeed, I had wished -that we were come a greater way downward of the Gorge, but this might -not be; for I was all adrift with weariness. And truly, if that we gat -upward to the top-most cave, there did be few Monsters that should have -power to come at us, ere we be warned of their coming. And afterward -they should be like to come upward against the Diskos; and this should -be indeed a thing difficult, as you shall conceive. - -Now it did be needful that I wake the Maid, and I kist her, as she did -be in mine arms; and surely that dear One did kiss back again in her -sleep, and was yet asleep. And truly I did love her with all my being; -and I kist her again, and shook her very gentle, and so had her to -wakefulness, and told how we did be come to a place fit for our slumber. - -And she to look about, very sleepy, as I set her to her feet; and then -to upbraid herself that she did over to slumber, the while that I did -labour with her carrying. And, in verity, I kist her again, as she did -stand making to steady herself, and looking so pretty with the sleep -that did lie yet in her eyes. And she to kiss me very dear and all mine; -and even then scarce proper come to wakefulness; and did say with -something of a little dear abandon, that she did love me utter and -forever. - -And afterward, I climbed to the topmost of the caves, and told Mine Own -the while that she walk up and down a little; so that she come to a full -awakedness; and this I was careful to, because that she should have a -need of all her powers that she come safe upward unto the cave. - -And when I was come to the cave, lo! it did be so sweet and dry, as did -make glad my heart. And there did be a warmth in the cave, as that there -went a fire somewhere through the rocks anigh. And the light from the -fire-hole did make a reflection inward, and so this did seem a place -safe, and fit to our slumbering. - -And I came downward unto Naani, calling that the cave was very proper -for our use; and presently I gave her mine aid to the climbing, and so -we came in the end safe into the cave; and truly we did feel very safe -and happy. - -Yet, before we did sleep, I set free the scrip and the pouch, and took -the straps and went downward again into the Gorge; and I gat a good -boulder, so heavy as I might carry, and strapt it to my back, and came -upward again to the cave, and the Maid very grave and anxious, lest that -I slip to my hurt. And when I was come to the cave again, I set the -boulder in the mouth of the cave, and did balance it so light upon the -edge, that a touch should send it rolling downward. - -And by this devising, I conceived that any Beast or Monstrous thing that -should climb upward whilst that we slept, should be like to set the -rock adrift, and mayhaps the rock to work an harm to such, but the -chief end to be that I should be swiftly waked by the noise. - -And then I did turn that we go to our slumber; and lo! the Maid had -spread the cloak upon the rock, that we should sleep upon it; for truly -there did be no need that we have it now to our covering, because that -the cave did be so warm as I have told before. - -And surely, there did be no cause either that I should have the cloak -for a bed; for how should I perceive any softness from the cloak, -through all the sternness of mine armour; but yet did I see that the -Maid had made a couch that should be for the two of us, and did be so -sweet and natural, and to lie by me; but yet to preserve her sweet -modesty, and to do the thing with no thought, save that it was natural -to our hearts; and that she did long alway to be anigh to me; but yet, -mayhaps, scarce full conscious that her heart did prompt her in this -thing. - -And, in verity, I loved her very dear. - -And surely, Naani showed me the where that I should lie upon my side; -and when I had obeyed, she kneeled, and kist me on the lips, very sober -and loving; and she lay down then upon the cloak beside me; and truly we -had both gone to sleep in one little minute, as I do think. - -Now I did be waked twelve great hours after, by the fizzing of the -water; and lo! when I lookt, the Maid was not beside me; but did make -ready our simple eating and drinking. And she laughed at me, very sweet -and tender, because that she loved me so, and did be so glad to have me -awake to her; and she came over to me, and kist me, very bright and -loving upon the lips. - -And after that she had kist me, she kneeled beside me, and lookt at me, -very dear and tender; so that I knew in a moment that she had waked a -while gone, and watched me, somewise motherlike, as I did sleep. But how -I knew this thing, I am not sure, save that my spirit did know, or that -her thoughts did have tongues unto mine. - -And truly I needed that I be so loved, and all of you to say like with -me; and I put up mine arms to her, as I did yet lie; and she not to deny -me, but came into mine arms, and did snuggle there so sweet and happy -and gladly, and with so true a delight, that it did be plain how she did -love in all her body and spirit to be anigh to me, as I to her. Yet, -truly, as you do mind, the armour did be upon me; so that I feared to -take her very strong in mine arms, lest I hurt the dear Maid; and surely -the armour did be a stern matter for her to nestle unto; but yet, -mayhaps, did the sternness something please her womanheart, and yet, -again, mayhaps to lack. - -And presently, she made that she would go from me, and I loosed mine -arms from her very ready, because that I did heed alway that she have -full sweet liberty of her dear Maidenhood; and I to be watchful -sufficient unto this end, yet always honest and wholesome and not -over-pondering even in this my care; and this proper intending you -shall ever perceive, if that your hearts do strive to hearken unto my -heart, which doth speak alway before you. - -And the Maid went from me, over to where she had put the cup of the -water, and the tablets; and I to make to rise, that I look that the -boulder did be safe untouched in the mouth of the cave. But she called -unto me that I lie backward; for that she did mean gently to spoil me -that once; and that I have no heed to the boulder or whether there did -be any Monster or Beast anigh in the Gorge; for that the boulder did be -safe as I did balance it; and nowheres any Creature to sight in the -Gorge; for she had lookt oft, since waking, to this end. - -And truly I obeyed, and lay back, and did like that I should be spoilt, -as we do say. And Naani brought the cup of the water, and the tablets -over to me; for she gat them from the scrip before I had it to my -pillow, in that while when I had gone downward for the boulder. And -surely, even when she brought the cup, she would not have me to rise; -but took my head upon her knees, and kist me once very dainty on the -lips, and I very happy to be so loved, and wishful no otherwise. - -And she took a tablet and kist it and gave it to me; and afterward -touched another to my lips, and had that to be for her own. And so we -eat and were very glad and happy, someways as children are happy, and -our hearts all at ease. - -And presently, we eat each our second tablet, in the same wise as the -first. And truly I did be kist more than once. And afterward, we drank -each of the water. - -And when we had made an end, Naani told me that I move to stand; and -surely I wondered; and I stood up, and lo! I near cried out with the -pains of my bruisings; for I was all gone stiff in my sleep, and as that -I did be more sore than ever; and this to be because I had fought again, -as you do know, and surely had been hurt more by the Four-Armed Man than -I had known. - -And I perceived then that Naani had supposed that I should be thus -pained, and had given dear thought to the matter; and truly she had the -pot of the ointment, ready, if that I did be very bad, that she rub me. - -And she gave me aid with mine armour, and afterward eased me with my -garments; and surely I did be utter bruised in the body, by reason of -the violence of the Yellow Beast-Man. And the Maid had somewhat so -tender and sweet in her eyes as she looked upon the bruisings, that I -did be very happy and to glow with contentment. - -And she had me to lie, and made me in comfort with the cloak, so loving -and grave, so that I was as a child that doth be cared of by his mother. -And she did rub me very skilful and gentle for a great hour, until I was -all refreshed. And in verity she was a lovely wise maid. - -And as the Maid ministered unto me, I lay alway very restful, and -harked to the low sound of the muttering of the fire-hole that did be in -the bottom of the Gorge; and alway I did feel as an happy child that -doth be clothed in love and guided in wisdom. - -And presently, when that the Maid had ended her dear care, she put by -the ointment, and gave me her hands very dainty, that she mean to aid me -to rise; and surely when I was come again to my feet, I was all eased, -and to have movement with no great pain; and truly this made me wondrous -pleased and to feel new couraged; for I had been troubled that I should -be so helpless, in that I did be the Protector of Mine Own. - -And when I had tried my limbs, and found them to be in command and -ready, I lookt about for my garments. And lo, the Maid brought me my -spare body-vest, from the Pouch, and had it upon her arm, to give to me. -But surely she denied me a moment, of the vest, and stood before me, and -had an admiring and wonder, very sweet and honest, because that my arms -did be so great and hard with muscles. - -And, indeed, I did be very strong, as you have perceived; for I did be -alway in affection of the Exercises that were taught in the Upbringing -of all the Peoples of the Mighty Pyramid; and by this explaining, you -shall understand that I was like to be strong; but indeed, I owed the -straightness and shaping of my body to the Mother that bore me. And -afterward, in all my life, had I taken pride of my body to be of health -and to have strength; and surely this is a matter very fit for pride; -and to be told bravely and with honesty. - -And the admiring of the Maid was very sweet to me; and, in verity, I did -be to deceive, if that I said otherwise. And in a moment, she dropt my -body-vest, and put out her hands to me that I take her into mine arms. - -And I took the Maid into mine arms with a great gladness and with -somewhat of humbleness that I was nowise good enough to hold her, for my -heart was young, and I loved her very dear and youthful. And she did lie -there very quiet and happy, a little; and surely I did find presently -that she kist the great muscling of my breast, very sweet and sly, where -her face did be press against it. And lo, in a moment, she came free of -mine arms, and gave me an aid with my garments, and afterward with mine -armour. - -And when that this was done, she stood off from me; and she lookt at me, -half shy and half of sweetness and naughtiness. And she came then in a -moment, and put her hands upward to my shoulders, and so stood her -eyelids something down over her eyes; and did steal a little look up, -this time and that. And lo! in a sudden moment, before I did wot, she -was to her knees before me, and did weep; and I down very swift to kneel -with her. - -And I askt not why she wept; for I perceived that she did have joy and -glad happiness and sweet trouble of her man; and that she did be a true -woman, and one part of the woman did worship, so that she did be -strangely humble and nigh to be shy; and another did love, and need that -she be anigh to me; and a third to have a calm wisdom. And all did now -be a-tremble, together in her heart; and I knew that I did be truly an -hero to her, though but usual to all others. And my heart was wondrous -proud and wondrous humble, so that I was in the same moment upraised and -to feel dreadly unworthy. But I made no pretending to discredit myself -to her, but only did resolve that I win alway her dear respect; and I -did be natural and truthful of my manner and without foolish denial of -her sweet worship, for she was utter Mine Own, and it did be a pitiful -thing if that I seem otherwise than an hero unto her. - -But of you I ask kind understanding, and to call me not a thing of -conceit because that I did understand; for truly I knew my faults, even -so well as you, that do know all of my going. And you to look backward -upon the love-days, and to mind how that your maid did ever to make you -great in manhood with her dear belief and uplooking; and so shall you -conceive of all my feelings; for we do be all so human in this matter, -and to meet on a dear natural ground, as you will say. - -And, truly, in a little time, Mine Own did be steadied, and wiped her -pretty eyes, and nestled to me a while, very husht and to need that she -be close. And I to have her gentle against mine armour, and to be in my -heart as that I did be her father and her lover in the one man, and -surely to be silent and joyful that I lived. - -And presently I slipt her shoes from her little feet, with my right -hand, the while that she did rest within my left arm; and I condemned -myself that I had thought not more swift to this end; but indeed I had -thought upon it while that Naani rubbed me, and had intention thiswise; -but afterward forgat, as you shall understand, that have been with me -alway. And truly Mine Own did be hurt that I say aught to my blame; and -I to cease, but yet to feel reproached by my heart. - -And when I had lookt to the Maid's feet, I tied on her shoes again; and -we gat together our gear. And afterward we came down from the cave, with -a great care, because that it did be so high up in the cliff of the -Gorge. - -And afterward, we made downward of the Gorge, and had a good care to our -going, and so much of speed as we could make, that we come something off -from the Dark Land of the Lesser Redoubt, so quick as we might. - -And in six hours we had gone very well, and we stopt then that we eat -and drink; and afterward, I lookt again to the feet of the Maid. And I -bathed them in a great rock basin of warm water that did be anigh to the -place of our eating; and afterward I put the ointment about them very -thorough and gentle and for a good while; and so she had some ease and -comfort. - -And afterward, we made onward again; but now we did go pretty easy; for -I had considered the notings of mine outward journey, and so did -perceive that we should be but six or seven hours off that part of the -Gorge, where did be the Slugs. - -And I was minded that we rest and sleep, ere that we make through that -dire and dreadful place; for that we should be twelve great hours, and -more, to go through, and to have no rest or pause, until that we did be -safe outward again, as you shall think. And so did we need to be strong -and well rested, and this to be wise also for the feet of the Maid. - -Now surely the Maid did be in delight of the fires of that part of the -Gorge where we were come, and she had beside a rest of the soul, in that -she had feeling that there did be no Evil Force to trouble us to our -destruction; and I bothered her not yet awhile with tellings of the -horrid place that we should to journey through in a while, as you do -know. - -And so we did go, and alway with a good caution, lest that some Beast or -Creature should come upon us; and alway with the fire-holes before and -behind, and in the air of the Gorge the little whistlings of steam that -did spirt out in this place and that; and a good warmth in many parts, -by reason of the fires; and odd whiles a smelling of sulphur; but not -greatly, nor to our trouble. And alway the low muttering of the -fire-holes and pits, and the red lights, and the dancing of the shadows -when that we did go by a fire-pit where the fire did frisk and burn -lively. And upon either side, the grim walls of the Gorge going up -measureless into the night. - -And so we were gone presently, pretty comfortable, for six good hours, -since last that we eat; and we made halt, and eat and drank; and I -showed the Maid how that we should make a short journey that day, and -sleep, and so be ready to the horrid journey through the dark part of -the Gorge, where the Slugs did be. - -And we made search then, that we have a safe place to our slumber; and -surely I perceived where we did be; for we came upon that same cave -where I did sleep after that I was come free of the Slugs; and that we -were come no farther, doth show how easy did be our present going, and -this you do know. And there did be the spring where I washed, and the -fire-hole anigh, and truly they were not like to be gone away, as you -shall say! Yet did we exclaim, very natural; for the Maid did be so deep -in interest of the matters of my coming, and to be at once that no other -place should serve for our rest and slumber. - -And, indeed, this was a natural thing, and the place so good as any, -save that I did wish it had been upward unto a high place of the Gorge, -as you shall understand. But yet might we block the mouth-part of the -cave with boulders, somewise as I did before, and so to have a defence -against any thing that should make to enter upon our sleep; or at the -least to be waked by the falling of the boulders. - -Now Mine Own went inward of the little cave, which did be very light -from the fire-pit that was to the front; but before that she did go, I -made a swift search of the place, that there should be no creeping -thing; and truly it was sweet and free. And the Maid did be strangely -taken that she should come to the veritable place where once I did lie -on mine outward way; and truly I do understand, and so shall many that -do have these feelings about matters. And afterward, we went unto the -hot spring that was in the hollow of the rock, anigh to the fire-pit. -And I saw that there did be no snakes, neither any of the rat-things -anigh; and so I had the Maid to sit very comfortable on the side of the -pool, and I freed her shoes, and bathed her feet, and afterward rubbed -them very steady with the ointment; and so for a good time, and alway to -keep a looking out upon the Gorge. - -And presently, when that I had taken a loving care of her pretty feet, I -tied the shoes again upon the Maid, and so back to the cave; and the two -of us to carry boulders, according to our strength. And when we had a -sufficient, we builded a rough and clumsy wall, after that we were gone -into the cave; and the wall rose nigh to fill the mouth of the cave, and -made us to be somewise in darkness, but yet to feel in safety. And I had -a good heed to make the chinks of the wall very close in the bottom, so -that no small creeping thing should come through unto us whilst that we -slept. - -And afterward, Naani set the scrip and the pouch to be for my pillow; -but had the bundle of her torn garments to be for her own purpose. - -And I perceived that she had the water-powder and a pack of the tablets -to her hand for our waking, that she might prepare our food, and mayhap -to wake a little before me, so that she have all ready to greet me from -my sleep. But, indeed, I said naught to show that I knew; for I saw that -this thing did give her a dear pleasure, and truly it was very sweet to -have her to these gentle duties, that did be to her so sure and quiet a -delight. - -And Mine Own bade me that I lie; and she put the Diskos upon the outward -side of me, to mine hand; and with a dainty and fearful touch; for the -weapon did be very dreadful unto her thoughts; but yet a comforting -thing to abide for our defence. And afterward, she covered me with the -cloak, and kist me very sedate upon the lips; and then to her own side, -and to come very nice and happy under the cloak, and so to her rest. - -And presently she did sleep, as I perceived by her breathings; and -surely it did seem to my spirit that she had an utter and dear content -in this arranging of our slumber, so that she did be all at peace in all -her being, because that she did be nigh unto me, that did be her Own -Love. - -But, indeed, I could not sleep for a time; and surely, in a while, Mine -Own did nestle unto me in her sleep, so sweet and dear as a child, and -likewise as that it did be her right to be so anigh unto me; and I to be -that I should put mine arms about her, but indeed I moved not, neither -did I kiss her, as I did wish; for truly I should be very manly with -mine own maid that did be so trustful and utter mine in her sleep. - -And presently I was over unto slumber also, and stirred not for eight -good hours, and did wake then to the hissing of the water, so that I -knew Mine Own was awake before me, as she had planned, and was making -ready that we eat. - -And when she saw me move in the half-light, she gave out a little word -of joy, that I did be again to knowledge of her; and she came over, and -put her arms about my neck, and kist me very loving, thrice upon the -lips. And, in verity, it came to me in that moment that I had been kist -a while gone in my dreams, but scarce to know it; yet I perceived now -that Mine Own had taken a naughty advantaging of my slumber, that she -kiss me to her own pleasure; yet did the Maid say no word of her -naughtiness; and I to be likewise; but to resolve that I waken, mayhaps, -on the next time, and so catch her in her sweet and secret delight of -me. - -And, truly, this doth sound quaint; but to be true. - -And I rose, and took down the half of the wall that did be across the -mouth of the cave, and afterward lookt out; but there was no sight of -any horrid thing in the Gorge, save that one of the rat-things did -slumber, very gorged-seeming, upon the side of the little fire hole. - -And afterwards, we eat and drank; and the Maid then to rub me, as -before; for I was greatly stiff on my waking, as you shall think; but -she came not into mine arms presently, as I did hope; but only kist my -shoulders, when that she had finished, and so bid me to dress. - -Yet, after that I was drest, and had mine armour full upon me, she must -come unto me, and she slipt her two small hands into the one of mine, -and so stood by me, very silent. And sudden she put up her lips very -quiet and passionate, that I should kiss her; and she kist me once, as -it did be as that her spirit kist mine, and all her being came unto me; -and she gave me but that one kiss, and afterward slipt her hands very -gentle from mine, and made to the gathering of our gear. - -But truly, I that loved her so great, knew that a tumult of love did be -hid in her heart. And, indeed, she looked once at me in such wise, that -I grew near to a true humbleness of heart because of the honour and love -that did be in her eyes. - -And surely, it is a very little thing to die for such an One as Mine Own -did be. And by this saying, shall you perceive my heart in that moment, -and that I did pant, as it were, that I do some deed of love to show my -love. And truly this is but a natural desiring and human, and the cause -proper to the uplifting of manhood. And surely you shall all mind you of -such feelings in the past love-days, that I do pray should be never -past. - -And when we had our gear together, I left it in the cave, and took Mine -Own over unto the hot pool that was anigh to the fire-pit; and she to -exclaim upon the rat-thing that did be yet a-slumber upon the side of -the fire-pit; and I to say that the thing did be no cause for fear, but -rather, indeed, a good friend, in that it was a devourer of snakes, as -you shall mind. - -And while that we talked, I bathed the little feet of Naani; and surely, -as I dried them upon my pocket-cloth, I was taken that I should kiss -them; and surely I kist them, and they did be very shapely and dainty, -and all eased of travel by the care that I did take to this end. - -And afterward I rubbed them with the ointment for a good while, and so -had them again into the shoes, and the Maid very quiet, after that I had -kist her feet that did be so dainty, but yet with a sweet naughtiness in -her way, as my heart perceived, though she did nothing, neither said -anything, to this end; and was truly very obedient, and orderly to all -my wishes. - -And we went back then to the cave, and the Maid put the pot of the -ointment back into the pouch, and she buckled the pouch and the scrip -upon me; and the Diskos I had upon my hip; for I went nowise anywhere, -without it, as you shall suppose. And she had the little bundle of her -clothing for her burden, and truly, I was ready that she should carry so -much; for we did be to act wisely, and she well able to carry so small a -thing, and I better to have my hands alway free to the Diskos and to the -needs of the way. - -And we went downward of the Gorge at a strong speed, for there did be -somewise of fifteen hours good journey, ere that we come out upon the -far side of that place where the Monsters did be, and this did be three -hours to the upward beginning of that place, and twelve hours journey -then, in the least, that we should take to go through again into the -light of the Gorge below. And this I did reckon from my notings of mine -upward journey, as you do know. - -And I made all clear to the Maid, of the thing that did be before us, -and made not to hide the danger and horror, but yet to make not overmuch -of the same. And she to walk close beside me, very sweet and trustful, -and to say that she feared naught, so that I should be there to have -care of her; but only that she did fear harm for me; and yet to have -confidence that I should slay all hurtful things that should be like to -trouble us. And, truly, I did kiss her for her dear belief and love. - -Now, in the middle part of the third hour, the air of the Gorge did -begin that it was heavy, and to have a seeming of fumes that stang -something upon the throat, odd whiles. And there were presently less of -the fire-holes, and soon, as we did go the more downward, the beginnings -of a great gloom, and to have smoke therein that made us to feel husky. - -And in the end of the fourth hour, we were come truly far downward -within the gloom; and to be as that we groped in a fog of distaste; and -to know not how we went with any surety; for oft there did be an utter -darkness about us; and awhile the shine of a dull-glowing fire-pit upon -our sight, that did show us the gloom and dread of that place. - -And we went alway very husht, and the Maid to my back; but I did halt -now and this time, and make to know how she did be; and surely she -whispered very brave to me through the dimness, and once did slip her -hand into mine, and I to take off mine armoured glove for a little -moment, that I hold her hand, and give her nice assurance. But, in -verity, there was terror in mine heart, that did be a terror far beyond -the trouble of mine upward way; and surely I was shaken newly with every -danger, lest that I should lose Mine Own, or she to come to any hurt. -And, indeed, you shall perceive how I did be; for so should you be in a -like case, and, in truth, it doth be an utter anxiousness and suffering. - -Now when we had been two hours in the dark part of the Gorge, I smelled -of the dread and horrid stink that you do wot of. And surely a great -fear came upon me; for I perceived that we did come among the Monsters, -or that one came anigh to us. - -And I whispered unto the Maid that she halt; and we stood very husht a -while, and surely the stink did grow, and to be very dreadful in the -nostrils, so that I felt Mine Own Maid to shake somewhat with the fear -and disgust that this thing did make in us. And presently the stinking -did ease somewhat from about us; but whether there had gone past us a -monster Slug, I have no sure knowing; for there did be no fire-pit anigh -to that place; so that there was a great darkness all about. - -And surely there was a great slowness and wetness of the air, and dismal -drippings that made desolation in the silence; and the feel of strange -growths upon the boulders, as you do know, and oft an horrid slime and -dankness; and the stink to be everywhere, so that we knew a constant -disgust and fear. And alway the fumings of sulphur, that did seem, in -verity, to beat down upon us, utter heavy and sore upon our lungs. - -And so went we onward amid the smell that did be as of dead things; and -oft did we make pause and hark, and had a great care as we did go by the -dull fire-holes and fire-pits, that we should make no showing of -ourselves in the light. - -And sudden, as we did go by a great pit that burned very deep and red, I -reached back and caught Mine Own by the arm, and I set her gaze unto -the right side of the Gorge, which was beyond the fire. And the Maid -went very still, as she did see the thing that was there; for in verity -it was utter monstrous, and did shine very wet-looking in the light of -the fire. And truly it moved a little with the head, this way and that, -stretching through the dark and the shadows, as you shall see a slug to -move, and with no speed or sound, and nowise seeming heedful of aught. -But yet did I fear that it smelled us, if this might be; and this, as -you shall think, to be a very natural fear. - -And alway, as I do mind, it seemed to go blindly somewise, or to have -that slow and strange moving that doth make one to think of a blindness; -but whether it did be truly blind, how shall I say; only that it was an -utter Monstrous Brute, so great as the black hull of a ship, and very -dreadful unto our hearts. - -And we moved not for a while, save that I pulled Mine Own down into the -hiding of the boulders of that part; and she to put her hand very -anxious unto me; yet not to be comforted, as I did half to think, but to -persuade me, lest that I go to some adventuring that should set me in a -surer danger. And this I perceived in a little moment, and loved her for -her care. - -But, indeed, I had no mind to aught, save that we come clear of that -place; and I watched the Monster, through places between the boulders; -and surely, in a little while, it swayed the great head very slow and -quiet unto the cliff that did make that side of the Gorge; and the Brute -set unto the Cliff, and began that it went upward with a strange moving -of muscles that did go wavewise under the wet and horrid-gleaming hide. - -And so, in a little time, it was gone quiet against the cliff, and the -head-part did be upward in the darkness above, so that it did be from -our sight. But the monster body did be plain for a great way, and was -seeming clung to the cliff, and to come downward out of the dark, as -that it did be a great black ridge of soft and dreadful life upon the -face of the cliff; and the tail was something less bulked, and to taper, -and did trail outward into the Gorge upon the boulders. - -And surely the thing did seem as that it slept, but that odd whiles the -tail did lift a little off the boulders, and curl somewise, and -afterward come down again upon the boulders, mayhap in this place and -mayhap in that place, as we did watch, all hid. - -And it was as that our sense and our Spirits did assure us that the -thing had no wotting of us; but surely our fears did nigh to equal the -comfort of this sweet reason, and to make us think otherwise. - -Yet, in a time, I made that we go forward together through the spaces -that did be among the boulders. And I went creeping, and the Maid to -follow likewise. - -And oft I did pause, and made a watching upon the monster; but truly it -moved not, save as I have told; and I kept a great heed upon the Maid, -that she follow alway close unto my feet. - -And in the end we came safe from that place where the monster did be -clung unto the great cliff in the night. - -And we went then for two great hours without adventure, save that once -the Maid touched me that we pause; for that something went by us where -we did be in an utter dark place of the Gorge, and no fire-hole anigh. - -And I knew that the thing did be near, even as the Maid toucht me. And -caught I the Maid in the dark, and thrust her under the side of a -boulder; and I crouched then before her, with mine armour, that I should -protect her from any Brutish thing. And the Diskos in my hand, and -afterward an horrid time of waiting. - -And the stink of that part of the Gorge grew very dreadful, so that it -did be as that we should not breathe, with the horror of the stink. And -there went past us some horrid and utter Monster, that made neither -sound nor anything, save that there seemed a strange noise that might be -the breathing of a great thing; but yet did be all uncertain, in that -the sides of the Gorge cast the sound this way and that, in an horrid -whispering of echoes; so that we did not know whether the sound be made -nigh to us, or afar upward in the eternity of the night, where I did -suppose the mountains to be joined over the Gorge in a monstrous roof in -that part. - -And presently, the strange noisings died in the upward height, and all -about us; and the utter disgust of the stink went from us; so that we -knew that the Monster had gone past us, and did make downward through -the dark Gorge; and mayhap then to some lone and dreadful cavern of the -world, as I did think. - -And, indeed, as I do mind, I had a sudden wonder at that time, and other -whiles, as it did chance, whether this way did be truly the olden way -that the Peoples of the Lesser Refuge did travel in the Olden Days. And -surely, as I did suppose, they had come some other way, or the Gorge to -be different and less dreadful in the far-off years. And this thing you -shall agree with me to be a reasonable thinking. - -And after that the Monster had gone a good while we went onward again, -and with a great caution; and dreading alway lest that we come upon that -Monster, in the darkness; but yet did we know by smell, and by all our -consciousness, whether that we came nigh unto one of the monster Slugs. - -Then, in the end of the fifth hour in the dark part of the Gorge, we -came by the mouth of that great cavern, upon our left; and you to -remember the same. - -And I made pause in the darkness, and had the Maid very gentle by the -arm, that she should look with me. And I whispered how that I past this -place, to my right, upon mine upward way, and how that I did think -there to be a-plenty of monster caverns within the mountains that made -the sides of the Gorge, and that, mayhap, the Slug-Creatures had there -an home in such places, or came up, it might be, from some utter strange -deepness and mystery of the great world. - -And the Maid did bide very close unto me, and silent, whilst that I -whispered; for the terror of the place did be on her, yet not to make -her lacking of courage, but yet to put a monstrous awe upon her and a -great and natural fear; and I likewise, as you do know. - -And we stayed there, where we did be, a little moment, and looked -downward into the bowels of the monster cavern; and the shine of the -fire-hole beat over the cavern in the near part; but there did be an -utter mystery and deathly dark beyond the shining of the pit that did be -within, as you shall remember. - -And, in verity, as we stayed but to glance, I perceived that there lay -humped things about the fire, and some to be black-seeming, and some to -have a seeming of whiteness, but with no sureness in the colour to mine -eyes. - -And there came a moving in one of the humpt things, so that it did be as -that an hill did wake unto an horrid life. And immediately I knew that -the humps did be some utter monsters, mayhaps even the great Slugs, -a-slumber about the fire-pit that did burn in that strange deeply -cavern. And I saw that I did ill for our lives, that I should pause even -for a little moment to such staring. - -And immediately I whispered to Mine Own that we go with all our speed; -for, indeed, I knew not whether that our nearness had waked that -Monster, or whether that it had but waked by chance. And truly, I was -utter eager that we be gone from that place, so swift as we might. - -And we went on then through all of the sixth hour that we did be in the -Slug part of the Gorge, as I named it unto myself. And in all that hour, -there did nothing harmful come anigh; only, as I did know presently, -there came an unease upon our spirits, but yet to be very little at that -time, and we to be scarce knowing of it. And alway, as we went, there -did be darkness for the most, and odd-whiles a vague murmuring of the -night far above, as it did seem; and presently the dull glare of a -fire-pit to shine out far off below us in the Gorge, and to seem very -dim and unreal unto us, by reason of the smokes and the fumes that made -a haze and a distaste in the Gorge. - -And presently, the murmuring of the night to grow somewhat, and, -afterward, the sound of the muttering of the fire-pit to come unto us; -and the murmuring to die unto our ears that did be hearing now only the -dull muttering, and so we to know that the murmuring of the night did be -truly the far-off muttering of the fire-holes, and our eyes to guide our -hearing, and our reason to explain and knit the sounds; and so we to -pass by the fire-hole with a great quiet and caution and ever with -watchfulness, as you shall suppose. And afterward again into the dark; -and presently again the murmuring, to tell that we came unto another of -the fire-pits, that was yet afar off in the Gorge, and made dim echoes -in the night. - -And alway we went very watchful, and in grim fear; but with -steadfastness and good intention to win forth out of that desolation and -horror, and having alway so great a speed as the darkness and the -dangers and the trouble of the way did allow. - -And in this place I will make explanation why that I speak somewhiles of -fire-pits and otherwhiles of fire-holes; for the holes did be those -fires that burned nigh to the brim of the holes; but the pits were those -places where the fire was deeply in the earth. And this thing I give for -your enlightenment, even on a small matter; so that you shall have a -clear knowledge to abide with me all the way; and you to agree of this -for wisdom, and I to be pleased that you so agree. - -And here also, I should tell that there did not come a muttering from -all of the fire-holes and the fire-pits; but mayhap from this one, and -mayhap not from that one, according to the way of the fire therein. And -this shall be plain unto you. - -And so shall you see us go, and the smoke and the bitterness of the -sulphur to be all about us; and oddwhiles the murmuring of a far-off -pit, and oft the utter silence; and to pass this time a lonesome -fire-hole; and afterward the utter dark, or the half-gloom, all as might -chance, according to the nearness of the fires. And upward in the -everlasting night, the grim mountains to make a roof over us, as I did -suppose. - -And all this while did the unease, of which I have told, make upon us; -so that, presently, Mine Own whispered unto me the thing that already my -spirit did half to perceive, that there came after us through the night -some harmful thing, that did be surely no great way off, as I did feel -within me, and the Maid to have a likeways belief. - -And, truly I thought at once upon that Brute that did wake downward in -the mighty Cavern, where did be the great inward fire-hole, as I have -told; but whether this did be true knowledge that we did be chased in -the dark by that thing, or whether there came after us some other -Monster, I could have no sureness; but only that we did be chased, and -of this I had assuredness. - -And I set the Maid before me, that I have myself ready to the danger -that followed; and we made forward again then, so quick as we were -abled; and she went very wisely; for she had good wit and had noted the -ways of my leading. - -And we went thus until the end of the seventh hour. And surely, in that -time, we heard the murmuring in the night which told of a fire-hole -somewise before us; and soon to have the red glare plain to our eyes, -and the noise of the murmuring to die away into the nearer mutter of -the fire; and so presently to be anigh; and we to make forward with a -good speed, because that we feared utterly the thing that made quiet -chase of us through the night. - -And oft I did look backward, and smelt the air, that I know whether it -did be a monster Slug-beast that chased us; but there did be no -worseness of the smell, to tell me aught. - -And alway, I did be fretted in the heart, that we could make no greater -speed; but, indeed, as you shall perceive, our going did be but a slow -thing in the dark places, and even thus we had many a sore tumbling and -bruising. - -And by this, we were come almost unto the fire-hole; and immediately, I -saw that I knew the place, for there went upward beside the fire, a -great jaggedness of rock, that I had seen upon mine upward way. - -And surely, I caught the Maid in an instant, and bent her, and she quick -to obey with her body. And we were both immediately hid downward among -the boulders. And this I did, because I minded how that there did be -many of the Monsters nigh to this same fire-hole, as I did go upon mine -upward way. - -And we went forward then with an utter care; but yet to keep onward, -because that there did be somewhat in chase of us. And, in verity, when -that we were come opposite unto the fire-hole, I saw that there did be -seven of the monster Slugs against the far side of the Gorge, and did be -all set upon their bellies against the cliff, and their horrid heads to -be hid in the upward dark, and their tails to lie very great and -soft-seeming in the bottom of the gorge, upon the boulders. - -And, lo! the Maid toucht me, and she drew me to look upon the near cliff -of the Gorge. And truly there did be three of the Brutish Things laid -upward there, and a fourth did be humped somewhat upon a great ledge -that did be upward of the Gorge, and just to be plain to our eyes. - -And surely, it was as that we did be all surround by such Monsters, and -to make the heart sink, and fear to lie upon our hopefulness. But, -indeed, the Maid showed a good spirit, and I to have fierce determining -that we come free of that Gorge, and afterward, in time, unto our Mighty -Home. - -And we made forward again, and did go creeping among the rocks and the -boulders; and so came presently past that place, and had not waked the -Monsters, if that indeed they did truly sleep. - -And I made halt a moment upon the far border of the light from the -fire-hole, and I lookt backward up the Gorge, perchance that I should -see the thing that followed us. But, indeed, there came nothing out of -the dark of the upward Gorge, so that I knew that there did be some safe -space to our backs, which did be truly a comforting thing. - -And here I should tell how that there was no great stinking in that -place where did be so many of the Slug-beasts, and this to puzzle me; -and in the end to make me think that some of those horrid things did -stench more great than others; but yet I to have no certainty in this -matter, as you do perceive. And, truly, this thing troubled me; for I -had been comforted that my nose should tell me when that the thing that -made chase of us should draw nigh in the darkness; and now, in verity, I -knew not what to have for assurance; for the awaredness of the spirit -was but a vague thing, and no more in such a matter, than a feeling as -of an inward warning. - -And we went onward then for a great hour, and with an horrid unease upon -us; and thrice we did go by fire-pits in the darkness; and alway I made -pause upon the far side of the light, that I should look backward; but -did have no sight of aught; yet did my spirit or my fears warn me with -new fear, and a greater sense of nearness; and the Maid to confess also -to this thing. - -Now, we saw not any of the Slugs for a long while, neither had there -been any about the three fire-holes; and the air of the Gorge was grown -something sweet and free somewhat of the stench of dead-seeming things; -but yet to be very bitter with fumings and smoke and sulphur stinks. - -And lo! in the middle of the tenth hour, as we did go, painful and with -anxiousness in a very dark place of the Gorge, there came unto us again -the smell that told to us that one of the Monsters did be anigh. And -surely we had both a great fear, in that we had belief that it did be a -sign that the thing that made chase, did draw near upon us. But yet did -I to use my Reason also, and to know that the stink might be from some -Monster that we were come nigh to in the darkness of that place; and I -whispered this unto the Maid, and she to say, very husht, that it might -be so; but to have no belief; and I to be likewise, as you do see. - -And we pusht forward at a new speed, and had many bitter falls, so that -we did be all bruised; but not to know it at that time, because that our -fear did be so keen. And oft we made a little pause and harkt; but there -did be only the dismal drip of water from on high; and presently the -murmur of the night, that told that we drew near unto a new firepit. - -And surely this was a great easement to our spirits, in that we should -have light to perceive our danger, and mayhap to win free. But to be in -that utter dark, was a thing to break the courage, and to breed belief -that we did be utter helpless, and all wrapt in horror and despair. - -And the stink grew ever, as we made forward; so that I knew not whether -there did be great Monsters beside the fire-pit that was to our front, -as I have told, or whether it made plain the advancing of the Pursuer. -And we only to be able to make our best speed, and to be weary with hope -that we rush not blind into death; and alway to be chilled in the back -with the belief that the thing that made chase did be very close in that -utter dark, and to gain upon us. - -And we knew not whether to make our belief to be the tellings of the -spirit or the utterings of our fears; and so shall you perceive our -plight; and we but to be able to make forward. And, in verity, the -dreadfulness of that time doth shake me now to think upon, and you also, -if that you have gotten my tellings to your hearts, so that your human -sympathy doth be with me. - -And there came presently to our ears the far mutter of the fire-pit, so -that very soon the murmuring was lost to us in the night, and only the -slow mutter to be plain. And the dull looming of the fire shone afar -off, through the night and the smoke and fumings; and we to a great -speed, and to pant with fear; but yet with a freshness of hope again to -sweeten us. - -And we came nigh to the fire-pit, and lo! the smell did be grown very -drear and foul; but there did be no Slug-Beast near the fire. And by -this, we perceived that we did be truly in an utter danger, in that the -Pursuer did be upon us, and the stinking to tell this to be truth, and -our spirits to have warned us very strong and proper. - -And I stopt near to the fire-pit, which did be great, and very -red-glowing; and I lookt upward of the Gorge, into the night of the -Gorge that we did come from; but the Monster was not yet upon us to work -our death. And I lookt to the sides of the Gorge, and the Maid to have -the same thought that did be mine, that we climb the mountains that made -the sides of the Gorge. - -And I lookt very keen first to this side, and then did run overward, -that I look more close upon the other; and afterward back again; for it -did seem that we should have a greater ease upon the side that we did -be. - -And I askt the Maid whether that she did be prepared; and she to be very -white and wearied, and all besmirched with the dankness and growths upon -the boulders and the hidden pools of the Gorge and the dripping of the -waters; but yet did she be sound in her courage, and to show that she -had all belief and abiding in me, and her judgement likewise to be with -mine, in that her own Reason did approve. - -And I took the bundle of her torn clothing from her, for it did be at -her girdle, and like to trouble her movings; but she to refuse, very -determined, in that I did be already over-burdened. And I to be firm in -my deciding, and to make her to yield the bundle, the which I hookt unto -the "hold" of the Diskos, where it did be to mine hip. - -And the Maid to be there, a little figure, and white in the face, and -strangely angered, and her anger mixt with hidden acknowledgement that I -did be her master, and half to be minded that she move not from where -she did stand, and part to be reasonable and fearful of the hidden -Beast; and in part also to thrill in her womanhood unto the man that did -be so masterful unto her. And all to pass in a little moment, and we to -be to the Gorge side, and busied very eager to the climb. - -And the Maid to be first, as I did heed, and I to follow, and have -constant looking to the task and to her safety, and alway to be bitter -anxious for our speed to be good, and to be anxious the more then, lest -that Mine Own should slip; for there did be an horrid wetness upon the -sides of the Gorge, as you shall have guessed, and horrid growths that -blotched the great rocks mightily, and made an utter slipperiness, if -that they did be trod upon; and we to have to come so clear of all such -matters, as we might, and yet to be speedy for our lives, and likewise -to lack no care and thought to the setting of our hands and of our feet -in places fitted to the lifting of our weight. - -And truly you shall see that we went very desperate, and I to give word -to the Maid that she look not downward, the which I was urgent upon, -lest that she come giddy in the heart. But I, as you shall think, could -scarce to keep from fearful peerings below, so that I learn speedy -whether the Pursuer did come yet into the light of the fire-hole, -beneath. - -And presently, the Maid did gasp very weak and troubled with the -soreness of the climb; and I came higher, and set mine arm about her, as -we did be there upon the face of the cliff; and she stopt very still a -little while, and an ease did come to her, and an assurance of safety. -And surely, I kist her there where we did be in that upward place, and -her lips did tremble unto mine; and her courage and strength to come -back into her, so that in a minute she did make once more to the -climbing. - -And we came presently to a place where a great ledge did be, that jutted -out from the mighty cliff, and was surely a huge way above the Gorge -bottom. And the ledge sloped, and there were on the ledge, great stones -and boulders that did make lodgement there through eternity. - -And I lookt very careful to our way, and saw that we did be in the path -of a mighty rock that was over-nigh unto the edge of the shelf-place, -and did put fear upon me, in that it seemed that it should come down -with great thundering upon us, if that we but shook the place where it -did be. - -And I caught the Maid very swift and gentle, and shaped our path unto -one side of that great rock, and did presently lose my fear, when that -we did come safe from under it. - -And in a minute after, we were come upward upon the ledge, and a very -safe place it did seem, and surely as that no monster should be abled to -come upward upon us. And this I did try to make for comfort unto -ourselves; but that we both to know how that the great Slugs could lie -up against the sides of the Gorge, and surely it did be like that they -should be able to come upward clear of the Gorge, and so to the place -where we made to have safety. And I had no thought to deny this thing, -when that it was clear to my brain; but set rather that we should have -some way to fight the Monster, if that we did be discovered. - -And I thought in a moment upon the stones that did be about; and the -Maid in the same moment cried out that we should push the big rock down -upon the Slug that we believed to have chase of us, and indeed, the rock -to be a great weapon, if we could but stir it, as you shall think. - -And alway, as we talked, very hushed, we lookt downward into the -deepness of the Gorge, unto the upward end of the fire-light; but there -came no thing yet unto our knowledge, only that the stinking did rise up -to us through that great distance. - -And the fire-pit to seem now a very small burning, and to give no great -light up to us; and we neither to be abled to see very clear of the -Gorge bottom, in that the haze of the fumes and the smoke was in the air -of the Gorge, and made uncertainty; and we to be nowise proper free of -the smoke, even where we did be. - -And we watched, very set with anxiousness and fearful expecting of the -monster; and did be both yet lost of breath, and the Maid that she made -her words something broken for a little while. - -And lo! in a moment, Naani cried out very low and sharp that the thing -did come; and I to see a moving of somewhat, in the same instant, in the -Gorge that lay upon the upward side of the fire-pit. - -And immediately I saw the great and monster head of the Beast come -forward into the shine from the pit; and the head did be of a blotched -white, and to have the eyes upon great stalks that came from the forward -part of the head; and the stalks to be set downward, so that the eyes -lookt upon the bottom parts of the Gorge. And surely this doth be very -horrid-seeming to the mind of this age, but yet to have a less -strangeness unto the two of us that had seen many horrid sights, as you -do know. - -And as the Monster came forward the more into the light, I saw that the -great and utter mighty bulk did be all of that same whiteness, that did -be so set over with blotchings and a seeming of unhealth. But, truly the -colour was proper to a creature that did abide in so great a darkness, -as you shall say, yet had those Slugs that we did see, been black and -shining, for the most, as I have told; and this to be as I saw, and I -not to heed here that I try unto explainings in this place; else should -I be never eased of my task, as you do see. - -And the Monster Slug came onward, and as it did go, it set the stalks of -the eyes in among the boulders, as that it did search; swayed now this -way and now that way, from side to side of the Gorge, and alway it -pushed the stalks of the eyes inward among the boulders; and so to go -forward, searching. And truly it was very dreadful to see the thing make -search for us, and to go so steadfast to so dread a purpose. - -And, indeed, I saw it not so plain as might be, because of the haze of -the fumes and the smoke that did lie in the air of the Gorge, as I have -told, and made something vague the sight at this time and that; but yet -we did both see a strange thing; for when that the great white body did -be come half into the light, the Slug-Beast set out a big tongue among -the boulders, after that it did peer thereunder; and the tongue did be -very long, and white, and something thin-seeming; and the Monster lapped -inward in a moment a great snake from among the boulders, and the tongue -did hold upon the snake, as that there did be surely teeth or roughness -upon the tongue; but yet the distance to be too great for any surety of -the sight, as you do know; and moreover, there did be the uncertainty of -the haze within the air. - -And the Slug took the snake inward, all as it did lash and wriggle, and -swallowed it in a moment; and, in verity, that snake did be a big and -horrid creature, else had it been not so plain to our sight; but it did -be as a worm unto the monster, and gone instant. - -And immediately, the Slug-Beast went again to searching, and the head to -sway from this side unto that side of the Gorge; and by the wideness and -ease of this swaying shall you perceive the utter greatness of the -Beast. - -And alway, as it did come downward of the Gorge, it thrust the stalks of -the eyes inward among the boulders, looking all ways; and oft the breath -did come from it, as a cloud; and the stink to rise up unto us, very -plain and an abomination. And again, we saw the Beast set the tongue in -among the boulders of the Gorge bottom; and it lickt forth a snake that -did seem so thick as a man in the body, and the snake to thrash in the -great white tongue, and to be immediately drawn inward, and gone utter. - -And surely, as the thought did stir in me, there did be a great Mercy -over us, in that we did not die by such a serpent in some dark and -horrid place of the Gorge. But yet, as it is like to be, mayhap the -snakes did be only anigh to the fire-holes; yet doth it be anywise a -wondrous thing that we had come so free of them alway; and truly to -learn, was to be given a new terror. - -Now the Monster was come fully into the shining of the fire-pit, and was -upon this side; and the fire to make a shining against the side of the -Slug, so that odd whiles I did perceive very plain the huge wrinklings -and musclings of the skin, as the Beast made onward. And alway it did -search, thrusting in the eye-stalks among the boulders. - -And sudden, it made pause, and did begin that it brought all the mighty -body together, and humpt itself, and brought the head-part round unto -the bottom of the cliff that made this side of the Gorge. And it -gathered itself, and afterward did lengthen upward against the cliff, -and begin to climb. And lo! I saw that the Beast did scent of us, and -made to come upward to destroy us. - -And as the mighty hill of the body did come into length against the -great cliff-side, the Beast set the eye-stalks into this cave and that, -as it did go, and into all crannies; and so lengthened upward very -straight and monstrous and dreadful unto us, and did be as a white and -mildewed hill, that had an horrid life. And the stink to come up, so -that we did be like to lose our breath with the dreadfulness of it, as -you shall think. - -And surely, for a moment, I looked unto the rocks upon the ledge, and -this way and that way, and upward unto the everlasting darkness that did -be above us, and again unto the great rock that did seem to quiver upon -the edge, as I have told. And I was grown utter desperate in a moment; -for, truly, it did seem in that instant that there did be no power in -the world that should slay so utter mighty a Monster. - -And immediately, even as I did despair, I had run very swift unto the -great rock, and the Maid with me, both very strained and shaken with the -horror of the thing that did make upward unto us so sure and intent. - -And I set my strength unto the rock, and heaved; but indeed the rock -gave not from the place where it did be; so that I had a dreadful -despair; for I saw that it did be more secure than had seemed. And the -Maid lent her strength unto mine, and we heaved together, with sore -pantings, and little cries to guide our endeavours and because we could -not be contained in that moment. - -And surely it seemed that the great rock moved, and lo! as we strove -together to the task, there came a vast and sudden grinding, and the -rock to cease from our shoulders, and to be gone from us, or scarce we -did wot of the happening. And the rock went over, and rushed downward -upon the Monster, and with mighty crashings, as it did grind and crush -the face of the cliff-side with a quick and constant thundering. And I -caught the Maid, as she did stagger upon that dire upward edge because -that she had set her strength so utter to the endeavour, and the rock to -be gone so sudden, as you do see, and she to be like to follow after. -And she clung unto me, and I to hold her very safe as I lookt down upon -the falling of the Rock. And behold! the Great Rock smote the Monster in -the humpt part of the back, below of the head, and did enter into the -Monster, even as a bullet doth strike, and was gone instant from my -sight into the Vitals. - -And there came a mighty sound of anguish from the Monster; and the -Monster did loosen from the cliff, and to crumple, as it did seem, and -sink backward. And a great steam of dread breathing to go upward from -the Beast, and a reek; and it made again the strange and horrid noise of -pain, and the Gorge to be yet full of the echoes of the Rock thundering, -and with the noise of the rock there was now mingled the horrid sounding -of the death-crying of the Beast. And the Gorge to be filled with dull -and dreadful echoings, as that an hundred Monsters died in this place -and that of the darkness in the Gorge, and all to be bred of the noise -of that mildewed hill a-dying. - -And the echoes ceased not for a while, even after that the Monster did -be utter quiet; for truly they came presently from far upward and -downward of the Gorge, out of all the eternity of the night, and to be -as that they came backward very faint out of lonesome miles, and out of -the strange deepness of unknown caverns of the world. And so in the end -to silence; and the far bottom of the Gorge to be filled with a white -and horrid hill, very dreadful, and that did yet quiver to show the -slowness of Death. And alway a dreadful reek and stinking to fill all -the air, even unto the height, as of the grave. - -And I stood upward in that far, high place, and held the Maid very -strong and tender; and she to have covered her ears from that dreadful -crying; and to be yet shaken with the greatness and horror of the dying -of the Monster, and the nearness that she did come unto falling, as you -have seen. - -And presently she came less to tremble, and did weep very easeful, even -as a babe doth weep; and I, mayhap, to be not over-steady, as you shall -think; but yet to have a great gladness set in my heart, and a triumph, -and an utter grace of thankfulness. - -And I held Mine Own, very tender and sure, as I did say; and she very -soon to be eased of her trouble, and the shock to be something gone from -her. And she lookt up at me, and slipt her arms upward about my neck, -and pulled me downward unto her, that she might kiss me. - -And we to talk then, of the going down; and surely this did seem a great -and dangerous task; for, truly, we had come upward pretty easy in the -excess of our fear; but how we might go down, with our blood cool, I did -be all in doubt. - -Yet, before that we did aught else, I led the Maid upward on to the safe -part of the ledge; and we sat there, very quiet and weary, and she did -be leaned against me. And we eat, each of us, two of the tablets, and I -to scold and coax Mine Own to this end, and she to obey and to be better -afterward, because that she had eat. And we drank some of the water, and -did rest a time longer. - -And presently, our courage and strength was come back into us; and we -packt the scrip again, and the Maid set it fast to my back; and we went -then to the edge of the shelf, and lookt downward, this way and that; -and surely, there did be no way to go, save the way we came; only that -we might shape our downward climbing to bring us a little below that -place where the dead Monster did be. - -And I saw by mine own heart and by the paleness of the Maid, that we -should do well that we consider the thing no more; but make to the task. - -And I went immediately over the edge of the shelf, upon my belly, and I -bade Naani to follow. And we began then that we go downward; and, in -verity, we went downward for, mayhap, a great hour; and I gave help -alway unto Mine Own, as I could; and she to come after me very brave, -and made that she hold back her fear, and come downward of that cliff, -that did be oft like to a mighty wall. And surely, even as we came down, -I marvelled how we did ever go upward, even though fear did aid us; but, -indeed, I do think it doth be easier to climb safely, than to come -backward; for this is how I have found. - -And we made rest thrice upon ledges of the cliff. And afterward came -downward again; and alway very slow and with exceeding heed where our -hands and our feet did go, that we slip not suddenly to our death. - -And once, as I did see, the Maid was lost of all her strength, and did -be going to fall, because that she did be all gone into a sudden -weakness of the head in an instant. And she did be silent, even in that -moment, the which doth be marvellous unto me, and to give me a strong -pride of her, as you shall understand, if that ever you have loved. And -surely, I came upward, in a moment, that little space that was between, -and had mine arm about Mine Own very swift, and held her hard and fierce -against the cliff; and this I did that she should feel how that she -could never fall; and immediately, her strength and her dear courage -came back into her; and I kist her, there against the mighty cliff; and -afterward she did have power again to come downward safe. - -And presently we were come to the Gorge bottom, and maybe an hundred -paces down the Gorge from that place where did be the dead Monster, all -sunk into an ugly and horrid heap, so great as a small hill. - -And a dreadful stinking did hang in all that part of the Gorge, by -reason of the Slug; and signs of disgust, as you shall think; and the -great and mildewed body of the thing yet to settle and twitch, as I did -look, as it did come properly unto death in all that mighty bulk. And -everywhere, the skin of the Beast did be set into great wrinklings, and -horrid blotchings to be upon the improper whiteness thereof; and truly I -did be in haste that I turn the Maid away from that thing, and that we -haste downward of the Gorge. - -And we went then for two good hours, and alway I did hearten the Maid, -and she to go very husht and trustful by me; but truly I did be in an -anguish of heart, because that I was newly aware that there did be such -great and dreadful serpents in that part of the Gorge, as you do also -know. And I was not over-feared for myself, but for the Maid that did -have no armour to protect her dear body. And because that I was so set -with this trouble, I took the Maid presently into mine arms, that I -carry her, and so to have her clear of aught that should lie among the -boulders. - -And, in verity, Mine Own did show an anger very surprising and -determined; for I said not why I should carry her--fearing to give her a -greater unease--but only that she did be weary, and I very strong and -willing. - -And, indeed, I could not bring her to reason, without I told her, which -was not mine intent; for she did refuse me to carry her; and said that -truly I had need of no added burden unto my labours. - -And when she saw that I would not be moved by her reasonings, she made -to win upon me by her loving ways; but, indeed, I only kist her; and -went forward with her in mine arms. And she half naughty, that I did be -so heedless of her wishings, and somewise hurt also; and so to be silent -in mine arms; yet mayhap to be something stirred in her nature, that I -did be steadfast to mine intention, despite that her will did be -contrary. - -And this I do believe to be truth, because that, afterward, I do think -that she lay there in mine arms, only as a woman that doth be in the -hands of her Master that hath all her love. - -And in thiswise we went forward. - -And in the end of the two hours that we did go, there was come the end -of the dark part of the Gorge; and we to be outward of that mighty roof -of the mountains, as I do think it to have been; and the air to be free -of the stink of the Monsters, and the fire-holes to be very plenty, and -their smokings to go upward very proper; so that we had no more the -bitterness of their fumings in our throats. - -And there did be a pretty good light, to go by the contrast of the past -hours; and I set Mine Own again to her feet, and made that she keep to -my rearward, so that if there did be any serpents to our path, they -should come first under my feet, and thiswise to work no harm to me, -because of mine armour, neither to Naani, Mine Own Maid. - -Now by this time, it was somewhat of nineteen great hours since we did -sleep; for we had been a long while making that we come safe from the -Slug; and, indeed, we had come downward with a less speed than I did go -through upon mine upward way, as you shall mind; and this to be that -Mine Own did not have the hard strength that was in my body to the -enduring of great labour and stress; and this surely all to be plain -unto you that have been with me in all my journey. And, moreover, there -must be kept to mind the three hours that we had gone, ere we were come -proper into the dark part of the Gorge; and so all to be remembered unto -you; and also you to mind that we did be wakeful a time, ere that we set -forward upon that day's journeying. - -And we did go almost in joyous-wise, because that we were come safe out -of that dreadful place; and surely, odd whiles I did feel the hands of -Mine Own Naughty One to be hookt very pretty and sly into the backward -part of my belt, as that she did make a pretending that she drive me -before her; and surely this doth be a strange thing to tell upon; for -there did be no knowledge of the olden horse in all the eternity of that -dark world; but yet, maybe, some dear olden memory-dream did set her -hands unconscious to this pretty work. - -And, in verity, once I turned very sudden, and had her swift into mine -arms, as she did pretend to drive me; and she to laugh with a sweet and -joyous gurgle against mine armour; and I to heed that I hurt her not, -because I did be like an iron man that should put arms about a tender -maid. - -And we lookt alway now for a place that should be proper to our rest and -to our sleep; and when it did be close upon the end of the twentieth -hour of that journey, the Maid showed me a cave that was, mayhap, fifty -good feet upward in the right side of the Gorge. - -And I lookt about, and saw that there did be two fire-holes anigh, and a -warm spring to make a basin of water, that did lie between the fires; -and all very well set to our need, as I did perceive; for, indeed, we -did be utter besmirched with the filth of the Slug part of the Gorge, -and to need that we be nice and fitly washed, before that we have any -comfort of our selves. - -And I bade Naani to wait a little minute; and I lookt well up the Gorge -and well down the Gorge; and lo! there did be no thing to set me in -unease; and I told Mine Own that she keep a sharp and steadfast -watching, and not to heed me; and this I said, because I knew she did be -like otherwise to look at me and be over-anxious, as I go upward to the -cave; and, indeed, she to be better anyway in watch of the Gorge, and to -cry out to me, if that anything came anigh, whilst that I went upward. - -And I made upward to the cave; and was come there pretty quick; and -truly it did be good for our purpose, and fresh-seeming and dry, and to -have no holes that I could see for the hiding of creeping things. - -And I called down gently to the Maid that the cave did be proper; and -she to show her gladness, and to be looking upward at me, instead of the -way of the Gorge, as I set her; and truly she did be a dear and human -little Maid, and utter Mine; so that I did find a new joy in each small -lack of wisdom, and this just so much as that she had done a wondrous -proper thing. And truly, you shall say, there was some properness to her -heart, in that she could abide not but to watch me. - -And I went quickly down to Mine Own; for there was alway an unease upon -me, save when I did be nigh to her, in chance of trouble. - -And when I was come down to her, the Maid did be seeming a little in -thought; and afterward showed me how that she did be all in a pitiful -disgust of the dirt and slime and the drippings of the Gorge, that did -be on her, and had made her garment utter wet and bemired, so that she -did feel that her very body was a repulse unto her. - -And I saw how it did be with Naani; and I went to the warm pool, and -felt that it did be not over-hot, and afterward found the deepness, by -the handle of the Diskos, and this to be scarce of three feet, and the -water very clear to show me the bottom, so that it was surely a nice -and proper place to be for such a purpose as I did think. And I set some -of the water to my mouth, using my hand; and truly there did seem no -hurtful chemical in the water; and therefore was I eased that the Maid -should have the desire that I did see to be in her mind. - -And I saw that I should be helpful to Mine Own, if that I make the -arranging of things to be in mine own hands. And I went back unto the -Maid, and told her that the pool was very nice to be for a bath-place; -and that she to haste to wash herself, whilst the Gorge did be free of -any Creature or Monster. - -Now I saw that Naani was troubled, and feared that I did be going to -leave her, and yet did be paused a little in her words, to show me all -that she did wish. - -And surely, I stoopt and kist her, as she did look so wistful in her -little puzzlement; and immediately I removed her trouble very natural, -and told that I should stand guard anigh to her, the while that she -bathed. And, truly she did be at ease on the moment, and mayhap -something surprised to know wherefore she had been something a-lack to -ask me. But, in truth, it did be very natural. - -And I told her to be so quick as she might, which was a needless thing -to say, yet to start her; and she to go quietly to obey me; but first to -take the cloak out of the hold upon my shoulders, and to unfold it, and -so to the pool. And I to stand with my back thatwards, and to lean, -ready, upon the Diskos. - -And presently she did be in the water, as I knew; and I to be her man, -very sure and gentle to her and sedate. And truly, as you shall think, I -did love that I be to stand guard to her in her dear maidenhood; and -she, after that she was cheered and warmed by the delight of the water, -to sing very low and happy to herself, where she did be to my back. - -And, sudden, the singing to cease, and the Maid screamed; and I to have -no thought of improper modesty but turned instant to the Maid. And in a -moment, I saw what did trouble her; for there came a serpent out of the -water; and the Maid to be all adrift with natural modesty, and with her -fear of the serpent. And I was come into the pool in a moment, in mine -armour, and did lift the Maid, naked and wet into mine arms, and had her -instant from the water, and upon the side of the pool; and there I wrapt -the cloak about her; and ran very quick and killed the serpent, as it -did go offwards among the boulders. And surely it did be so thick as -mine arm, and to have come from some hole that did be hid in the bottom -of the pool. - -And I came back then to Mine Own, and took her into mine arms, and set -the cloak well about her; and she to cry and to tremble with the shock -and disturbance of the thing; but soon to be eased, and ready to laugh -with me. - -And so she was come proper to her happiness again, and I very gentle -and joyous with her, for truly my heart had been sick that she had come -so nigh to that horrid danger. - -And I eased the scrip from me, and opened it, and made her to take two -of the tablets, and she to refuse to eat, save I company her also; and -indeed I did be very willing, for truly my belly was alway empty. And -she to be very glad to eat, because she did be clean now, and to have no -more disgust of herself. And afterward, we drank some of the water. And -soon we did be finished, and she to ask for her girdle that I did give -her with the knife, as I have surely told. And she belted the cloak very -graceful about her; and lookt very dear and pretty with her little bare -feet; and her hair very lovely upon her shoulders, for she did wear -alway in the Gorge the lining of my head-piece, and so had her hair dry -and sweet. - -And, in verity, I did mind now, how that she did look very beautiful in -her bath, as I had gone to succour her from the snake; and I to be -nicely wholesome in this remembering, because of my love, but yet to be -knowing that I was sweetly stirred to new things; and did not know -before that a maid lookt in the same moment so holy and so human. And -afterward, in odd whiles, I remembered; but never to think overmuch, -because that I did feel inwardly that I should be gently wise in such -things; and you to understand my heart in this, if that ever you have -loved. - -And surely, the Maid brought me from my dreamings very sensible, in that -she had me to stand; and she was gone about me very swift and natty with -her pretty fingers, that she ease me of mine armour. - -And afterward, she bade me to strip and wash, whilst that she keep watch -for me of the Gorge. And she took the Diskos, and leaned upon it, very -brave and proper; but yet, as I do think, with somewhat of roguishness -within her, very deep hid, and scarce known unto herself. - -And I warned her to be very wise with the great weapon; for it did fit -only to fight in my hands, and did be like to cause harm to any that -should meddle with it or make to use it, save me. - -And Naani to nod that she did hear me, and to be half in fear of the -thing, and half to feel that it did be friendly to her; and so to stand -guard for me; and truly to seem a very sweet and slender maid, despite -the bigness of the cloak; and the great weapon to seem more great in her -small hands; and to mind me how strong I did be. And surely you shall -think me in conceit; but truly I did be glad to be so strong; and a -proper thing for pride, if that there be no scorn for others therein. -And you to agree with me in this thing, or to be lacking of sympathy and -good human understanding. - -Now I washt me, not by going down into the pool; for indeed I did not -wot whether there be any more snakes hid there in some other hole. And -the way I washt, was that I dipt my head-piece into the hot pool, and -poured the water over me, and rubbed my body very strong with my hands; -and there to be, surely, some certain chemical in the water that aided -mine efforts; for the water went very smooth under my hands. - -And when I was done, I washt my pocket-cloth very speedy in the pool, -and wrung it, and did then wipe my body so dry as I should; and -afterward I wrung the cloth again, and set it about my loins, and so to -be as proper as I might. - -And I did call to the Maid that I was proper, and she to come then and -kiss me; and she gave back to me the Diskos, and set me that I stand -anigh to the nearer fire-hole, and so to be that I should guard her, and -in the same time be come free of the chill of the Gorge, which was not -great in that place. - -And surely I did mean that I help her; but she would have no help in her -work that she did say to be her glad right; but bade me that I to mine -own work to be her dear protector, as she did call me. And I to lift -that Wilful One into mine arms, a moment, and to give her a very loving -hug, and for that time to have no fear that I harm her, because that I -was freed of the hardness of the armour about me, as you do know. - -And surely she to feel very dear and pretty in mine arms, and she kist -me the once with a little passion of love; and immediately to want to go -from me; so that I freed her in a moment, as was ever my way. And she -then to pause a small space off from me, and lookt at me with a light in -her eyes, and half to put out her arms that she be taken again into -mine; but so to cease, ere she yield to her heart; and turned from me -immediately to the task of the washing. - -And she took first my body-vest, and washt it very quick and clever in -the pool, and afterward came over by me, and spread it upon the hot flat -rock anigh to the fire-hole. - -And she got then my change body-vest from the bundle of her torn -garments, where she did put it to be washt on opportunity, even as now; -and mayhap to like that it should lie in her bundle with her own -garments, for so, as I do mind, the thought came to me very natural; but -she to say naught to lead me thus; yet to be a very honest and dear -Maid, and to have little secret ways of love, as I did perceive, that I -did not be told of. - -And she washt the second body-vest, and set it to dry by the first; and -afterward did likewise with all my garments, and came then to the -washing of her own. - -And lo! as she spread it also to the drying, there came to mine heart -that the Maid did have only this one rough and thick garment, that did -be the armour-suit, as I have told. And surely it did be dreadful that -she have the hardness of that strong knitted and fibrous garment to be -next to her dear body, and I to be in comfort with the softness of my -body-vest. - -And I was all angered in a moment, that she had gone thiswise, while -that I had been gentled, as it might be. And I bade Naani take the -second vest to her own use when it did be dry. And she to look upward -from where she did turn the garments upon the hot rock; and to mean in -the first to deny me. But indeed she was quick to see that I did be -truly in anger; and mine anger to come because that I was hurt that this -did be, and because that I was shamed that she had gone so rough-clad, -the while that I had no thought to the matter. And moreover because that -she had known her lack, and did not tell me of the thing. - -But yet I did have a great tenderness in the backward part of mine -anger, because that I perceived all the unselfishness and delight of her -love that did be about this little matter, as you shall see, if you have -gone alway with me. - -But mine anger yet to be something hard, because I did see that I have -need to watch the Maid, that she put not her dear body to pain, that I -might come unknowing to some little pleasuring or ease, as did be now as -I have shown. And truly it did be sweetly done in love; but to be -somewise lacking of judgement; and so shall you know somewhat of the way -that I did be angered, and to have understanding with me; but if you -have not, you shall think it to be naught, and that the Maid did need -only that she be kist, and to be shaken a little in playfulness, and -warned to heed that I did be earnest; and mayhap you to be somewise -right, and not to guess far off from the inward deepness of my heart. -But yet it doth be verity that I was truly angered, and fit to shake -Mine Own, and in the same moment to be utter tender unto her. And surely -this doth be all a contradiction, and the human heart to be a wayward -thing, whether it doth be of a man or of a woman. - -And Naani, as I do think, to have loved the chafe of that rough garment -for love's sake, and to go very humble and loving, as I lookt at her; -but in verity to be never gone from the sweet naughtiness that did be -alway in her heart, and to plan even in that moment some new and secret -service unto me, that should be for her quiet joy, and to be hid from -me, until that my wit should come upon it to uncover it. And in verity a -young man doth want that he whip his maid and kiss her, and all in the -one moment. And, indeed, he to have delight in both. - -And she obeyed me that time, as alway when I did be earnest, without -more word. And surely that Naughty One did know how I loved her. - -And the Maid washt then her torn garments that did be in the bundle, and -had gotten soiled by the slime of the dark part of the Gorge. And she -put these to dry, and afterward washed mine armour and the scrip and the -pouch and the cloak-hold, and all such matters of our gear; and so to be -presently done. - -And she was heedful then that she turned the garments upon the hot -rock; and afterward did attend to my bruisings. And when she did rest, I -lookt to her pretty feet, and rubbed them very gentle and constant with -the ointment; and surely they did be pretty well; but I to _like_ that I -should tend them, and to have joy to feel their littleness within my -palms, and surely she did know how it did be with me; for presently she -took her feet inward under the cloak; and I, maybe, to look something -woeful; for she put one out presently, when that I did the least expect, -and slipt it very cosy into my hand; and surely I kist her naughty toes; -and she then to be very sedate. - -Now, presently, when Naani found the garments to be proper dry, she gave -those to me that were mine, and bid me to turn my back and be drest very -speedy. And lo! in a little time, when I was nigh done, she came over -and stood before me, and was drest again in the armour-suit, and to look -very slender and dainty. And she lookt at me, so that I put out my -hands, that I kiss her; but she went from me, very proper, and brought -mine armour, and gave me help with it, and alway very grave and quiet; -but yet to have naughtiness underneath, as I did believe. - -And when I was full armed, she took my hand, and set mine arm about her -waist, and she leaned her head against my breast, and put up her lips to -be kist, as that she did be a child maiden; yet when I kist her, she did -be a woman, and to kiss me very dear and loving, and to look at me then -from under her eye-lids; and sudden to make a dainty growling, and to -pretend that she did be a fierce thing that should be like to eat me; -and I to be utter feared, as you shall think, and to be scarce able that -I kiss Mine Own Pretty Fierce One, because that I did laugh so hearty, -and to be so taken with a surprise that the Maid did show this new -playfulness; and in the same moment to be stirred and waked anew that -she did be so lovely and graceful in mine arms, and to make her naughty -growling so pretty that I did be eager that she make it again; but she -to do this playing only as her mood did stir her. - -And she made then that she would go from me, and I to loose her, as -ever; and she bade me that I guard her the while that she washt the -outward part of the cloak; for the inward did be clean, and the cloak -proof to water; but the outward part to be something needful of washing. - -And surely, when this was made clean, it dried very quick, because that -the water went not into it; and whilst that it dried, I gave Mine Own an -aid upward unto the cave, and afterward I passed up the gear, and the -cloak when it did be dry; and so came upward also myself, and brought -with me a boulder, that I balanced very light in the mouth of the cave, -so that it should fall, if that anything toucht it; and this plan you do -know of; for I used it before, as I have told. - -And truly we did be utter wearied, and the time to be something beyond -three and twenty hours, since last we had slumber. And the Maid had the -scrip and the pouch set to be for my pillow, and the bundle of her torn -garment to be for her own. And she to have me to my pillow, and to tuck -the cloak about me, and the Diskos to my hand; and afterward to kiss me -very sedate upon the lips, and then to come in under the cloak, with a -quiet and lovely happiness, as I did know; and to be gone to slumber -very content and sweet. - -And I waked eight good hours after, with the fizzing of the water in -mine ears; and lo! Mine Own did be waked and to make ready our -breakfast; and I came upward upon mine elbow, to see whether that the -boulder did be unmoved; and indeed it was not touched. - -And Mine Own saw that I was come awake; and she ran to me, very dear and -glad, and kist my lips very eager and loving. And surely, as she kist -me, I did feel that she had taken again a naughty advantaging of my -slumber, and had kist me as I did sleep; but truly I said no word of my -thoughts; for I did mind that I should wake sudden one time, and so to -catch her in this, and to call her then Mine Own, and that she did be a -rogue; and all as you shall know, that have loved. - -And I scolded the Maid a little, in that she had not waked me; but I -said not that I would attend to the duties that she did heed to; for I -knew that she had joy of these things, in that she did love to do aught -that should be done unto me. And when I scolded her, she to make but a -little mouth at me, as we do say, and to put her tablets to my lips, -that I kiss them, and she to kiss mine; and so to our breakfast. - -And when we were done, we gat together our gear, and went downward from -the cave, and began again to journey. And we went eighteen hours that -day, and eat and drunk at every sixth hour, as ever. - -And in the fourteenth hour, I perceived that I did be like to overtravel -the Maid, though I made alway to have a less speed than did be natural -unto me. And surely then, I took her up into mine arms; and she to -refuse, and to be troubled that I should so carry her; for she did think -that I was like to be wearied by the task. - -And I to take no heed to her pretestings; but to laugh gently with her, -and to carry her, even as a babe in mine arms; and she to love that she -be in mine arms, if but she be able to have assuredness that I come not -to weariness through her. And truly it did be a dear love task, and to -be set unto the needing of mine especial heart. - -And I carried Mine Own then for four hours; and in the eighteenth hour -we were come to that part of the Gorge where did be the ledge where I -killed the spider, ere I slept, as you shall mayhap to mind. And here I -aided the Maid to climb, and we had the same ledge that night to be our -refuge; and did sleep very happy and unharmed, and alway with our -spirits set to warn us, if that harm did make to come nigh to us. - -And we went then through three days of eighteen hours' journey each; -and alway I did carry Mine Own, from the twelfth unto the eighteenth -hour of each journeying; and this to be very dear unto me, and to give -me a new rejoicing that I did be strong and easy to carry Mine Own; and -she to lie in mine arms very content, when that she perceived how that I -did be so glad to go thiswise and that I had no weariness by the -carrying. - -And thus I did rest her feet, and wore not her dear and slender body -overmuch with the vigour of my going; and was abled to make a very good -speed. - -And Mine Own, this time and that, to make sayings of impudence unto me, -and to hide her naughty lips, when that I should kiss them; and to have -quaint nestlings unto me, and odd whiles to kiss me very dainty when -that I did be going thoughtful of the way. And surely never did there be -so dear a maid as Mine Own; so that I did go many a mile, and to be -scarce that I knew that I was gone any way, because of the stirrings of -my heart and the content of my spirit. - -And oft as we did go, there were great scorpions in the path, and odd -whiles they to have no heed to go from my way; but to be so great as my -head, and very fat and lazy, so that surely I kickt a good number, from -my path, even as you shall kick a ball with the foot; and three I burst -in this way. And truly it did be well that I had on me mine armour, else -had they been like to sting me very quick unto death; for they were so -great. - -And likewise, in this place and that, there were snakes; but none to -come anigh to me; and I to choose alway the open goings; for I did think -there to be many hid snakes and lesser monsters in the dark places -between the great boulders. And alway, when the Maid did walk, I to go -before, that I see clear her way, and this thing to be but a matter of -wiseness, as you shall think. - -And odd whiles, as I did carry Mine Own, she to talk a little with me of -her memory-dreams of the olden days; and mayhap you to think it strange -that we said not overmuch on this wise; but the way of our journey to -have been so utter bitter, as you have seen; and we to be more of that -far age, than we did be of this present age; and this present life to -seem but a dream of Memory, and we to be set then with the realness of -that life. And this telling, indeed, to be a plain thing to your -understanding. Yet did we have a greater talk to these ends, when that -we were come free of the Gorge; but yet, oft there to be an odd saying -and a sweet memory, like to an olden and forgot fragrance of dreams, to -pass between Mine Own and me. And do you to set your sympathy of -understanding with me in this thing, and to know how holy these things -did be, and far off, and to hold memory, as a mist that doth shine with -golden lights, that did make an holy pain upon the eyes of the spirit, -even as a quiet dawn of this day doth set a pleasure of vague pain upon -the heart. - -And once, as I did carry the Maid, I saw that she wept a little, very -husht unto herself; and I to say naught; for I saw that it did be a -natural sorrow for her father, and for the dead Peoples of the Lesser -Redoubt; that did be left for ever unto the desolation of Eternity. And -so, because I did be wise to leave her be, she to be eased presently, -and to wipe her eyes, quiet and secret, and mayhap to think that I did -not perceive; and then to nestle unto me; and so to be the more Mine -Own. - -And about the middle part of the second day, we came past the cave where -I did sleep on the upward journey; and I to tell Naani, and she to look -upward to the cave, and to wish that she might come a moment into it; -only that it did be twenty good feet upward, and I to desire that she -run no risk of her dear life, when that there did be no need. - -And so to go onward; and odd whiles to see strange things a-lurk among -the boulders; but none to come anigh to us; yet did I keep the Diskos -very ready in my hand, as you shall think; and had mine eyes alway to -look upon every side, and mine ears to be wary; and to use my spirit -alway to mine aid. - -And surely, as we did come lower in the Gorge, the Maid was all -a-wondered at the warmness that did grow, and something disturbed in the -first, by the new thickness, as it did seem, of the air. And she to -waste some of the water, because that it did fizz up so quick, even as -I, until that she was come used to this newness. And all this to be very -plain unto you. - -And in the end of every journey, we slept eight good hours in a safe -place; and so to go onward again; and the Maid to grow very eager as I -did tell her this thing and that of the Country that we did come -downward unto. - -And she askt me questions, time and oft, and much I told her, and she to -think upon it with a growing wonder and desire, even as a gladsome child -that hath never seen the sea, and doth be told that it shall presently -be there. And this to be but to shadow the way that Naani did be; for -truly she did be a very live and eager maid, in all things. - -And we to be still within the Gorge, and to go constant by the -fire-holes and the fire-pits, and to see the flames leap upward in this -place and that, so that the mighty walls of the Gorge would show very -plain in an instant; and immediately to come the shadows again, and -afterward the leaping of the flames. And so did it be forever. And oft -the muttering of the fire-pits; and oft the utter quiet and the shadows. - -And this time and that there did be a snake to go by us, and the -scuttling of the monster scorpions; and mayhap a moving in the shadows -of the great boulders, that did tell me there went maybe some peculiar -monster in that place; so that I did be very wary, and to have the -Diskos alway ready. - -And when the fourth day was come, I showed the Maid, in the sixth hour, -the ledge that did be my first sleeping place, when that I was entered -into the Gorge. - -Now presently, in the eleventh hour, after that we had gone five hours -in a gloom, there did show afar off a shining; and I caught the Maid, -and I pointed; and she also to perceive that it did be surely the -shining of the light of that great Country that I did tell upon. - -And immediately we did begin to run downward, and with sore stumblings -in this place and that; but not to halt us; for we did be so mad as two -children for the gladsome light. - -And we came down presently in the twelfth hour of that journey into the -warm light and wonder of the Country of the Seas. - - - - -XIII - -HOMEWARD BY THE SHORE - - -Now we came presently out of that sad and dreary place that did go -inward of the great mountains, and which I have named the Upward Gorge; -and we to halt soon between the feet of the mountains, beyond the -mouth-part of the Gorge. - -And Naani alway to look every way about her, and to breathe very quick, -and her eyes to be gone bright with wonder and the seeing of new things, -and the coming of freedom from so great a dread. - -And she turned, now, and did look upward into the dark of the Gorge, and -to spy upon the great mouth thereof, and to be feared then, and must run -a greater way downward into the lightness of the Country of the Seas; -and to come once more to pause, and to look backward, and with an awe -and a relieved soul; and so again to the wonder of the spreaded Country -and the great Sea; and did near to laugh and cry in the same moment, -with the amazement and gladness and great astonishment that did be upon -her. And she to turn constant this way and that, and to be never ceased -of looking, and of deep breathings of the wide air; for never in that -life had she been in a broad place of light, as you shall have -perceived. - -And we to feel, both, that there did be no more need to talk husht, as -we did alway in the gloom and narrow dark of the gorge. And surely she -to shout, as a child that doth try an echo; and her voice to go very -pretty into the distance, and to be lost afar off in that Country. - -And lo! in a moment, an echo to come out of the dark mountains to our -backs; so that we lookt round very sudden; but whether the echo did be -truly an echo, or some strangeness, or some unnatural call to come -downward out of the gloom and horror of the Gorge, we did be all unsure; -and indeed must run downward a while more, until that we did be all -breathed, and to halt presently where we did feel to be utter free of -the Gorge and of the strangeness that did seem to our minds, in that -moment, to lie upward in the darkness of the great mountains. - -And surely we did took about for a flat rock to be for our use, and we -came presently to a place nice to our purpose, that did be yet upward -over the Land; and we climbed up on to the rock and sat thereon to have -our food and drink. - -And as we eat and drank, we did sit very close and happy; but yet to -have a wise looking about anigh to us, so that we be caught by no danger -of the Humpt Men, or by any other danger that might be. - -And alway, the Maid did question, and did stare afar over the Country, -and to have a shining wonder and joy of the sea, and to be stirred in -all her being, so that she was pained with vague and sudden memories, -that did be as strange dreams, and all mixt with pleasure and pain. And, -indeed, she sudden to weeping, and to need that she be in mine arms, -until that she know herself once again; and so to her dear natural joy -and way. - -And oft did Mine Own speak upon the clear wonder of the air, as it did -seem to her; and to me it did seem likewise, that had lived my life also -in a Dark Land, as you do know. - -And she to break sudden from her rapture, and to set back her speech an -Eternity with vague words, and memories so olden and englamoured that -they did be as moonlight that once hath shone. And in a moment she to be -forward again into that far future time and speech, and all her being to -be close unto me, and oft in a solemn silence of the heart. - -And the greatness of the sea to call unto her with an olden voice, and -to half waken her; and I with her to be thus half-wakened, yet had I -been not thus as I did come mine outward way; but truly I did stir to -the stirring of the Maid, and all mine olden thoughts that did be my -memory-dreams, to come afresh upon my spirit. - -And so we two to sit there all shaken with dreamings that did concern -happenings of the olden world that did lie upward in that dreadful night -which made a mighty and deeply roof over that Country. And surely I am -dumb, in that I have no speech to make known to you all the troublings -and stirrings of our spirits that we did know in that moment. - -And far off, by miles, beyond the feet of the mountain, where went the -shore of the sea, upon our left, there was a great mist and steam; and -this to be that mist and steam that I did come through on mine outward -way; and Naani to ask concerning it, and I to tell her so much as I -knew, and how that we must indeed come presently through it, upon our -journey. - -And she to be in wonder of the volcanoes that did burn in the sea, and -in this place and that of the wide Country, and the height and grandness -to exalt her, and in the same time to give her a strange humbleness of -her mind; so that presently I did take her into mine arms, for I must -kiss her, because that she did be so utter a sweet maiden, and lovely -with interest and naturalness. And truly she to kiss me in turn; and to -make her questionings between her kissings; and this to be because she -did yearn for a greater knowing of the Country; but also, as I do half -to think, because she did be sweetly impudent unto me; and this to be of -her joy. - -And presently, she to kiss me thrice very passionate and warm upon the -mouth; and immediately to take my shoulders, with her small hands, that -did seem so pretty upon my broadness and upon the metal of the armour. -And she to strive thus that she shake me to a speedier answering; and -she, all that while, to be full of a dear naughtiness, and to need that -she be kist very hard. - -And I to answer her; but after mine own fashion which did be a word -between each kiss that I gave to her. And she very quick and naughty to -put her hand between our lips; and I then to kiss the palm, that did be -in my way, and did be very small and pretty. And she, when I had no -thought, to open her fingers very quick, and kiss me through between the -fingers, and immediately to shut the fingers, so that I did be stopt -from the same. - -And afterward, I made her to stand upon the rock, and I set free her -hair over her shoulders; and I took then the boots from her, so that her -little feet did show bare and pretty. And she, at the first, half to -refuse me; but afterward to stand very dear and obedient that I should -have my way with her; and to be a little shy, and the more pretty -because of her sweet blushings. - -And surely, when that I had her to my likings, I stept back a little -pace, and lookt at her. And she to look again at me, very quaint and -naughty; and then to turn her about, very grave; and to make pretend -that she did be a dummy figure. And, surely, when she did be come right -round, and to face me again, and had a very sedate look, she stretched -out her pretty foot, all in a moment, and put her pink toes sudden upon -my lips; and I to be so in surprise, that I had not wit to do aught, ere -she had them back swift from me. And she then to make one glad spring -into mine arms, and to want that she be hugged, and to be loved very -great. And I to laugh, all tender; for I loved her so utter, as you do -know; and I to tell her, as you sure likewise to have told your maid, -that I wanted a pocket sufficient, that I might have her therein alway -anigh to my heart; and this thing I to say to her, as a man that doth -love, shall say it; and you to know the way of it so well as I. And she -to laugh very mischievous, and to tell me that she should truly tickle -me, if that I carried her thatwise; aye and to pinch me, too. And I to -have no answer, save that I shake her, very gentle, but indeed she to -kiss me very naughty on the mouth, in the midst of my shaking; and -truly, what shall a man do with such an one. - -And she then to want to be more sedate and to be set down upon the rock; -and she to make me to turn around, so that she should come at the pouch, -which did be upon my back. - -And she gat thence the comb that was a fitment, and did comb her pretty -hair, and I to sit and talk with her, and to jest, with a heart that did -be so light as it had not been for a great while; for though I did dread -the Humpt Men and the monstrous animals of the Country of Seas, I had -not any abiding horror of aught that I had seen in that Country; for -there seemed a naturalness in all things, so that I did have no -loathing; neither any fear of an Evil Force. - -And presently, when that the Maid had combed her hair, she to bind it -upon her head; but I to ask that she leave it upon her shoulders, -because that it did be so pretty; and she to smile at me, and to be -happy to my pleasuring. - -Now we did be truly sedate, and to set our gear together; and I to put -the boots upon the Maid; and afterward we to begin again to journey -downward into the Country of the Seas. - -And we went at a good pace; but not to bring us to any great weariness; -for it was mine intent that we rest for our slumber upon this side of -the place where did be the steam of the boilings, that was anigh to the -shore of the sea, as you shall mind. - -And we at this time to be passing along the feet of the mountains, unto -the place of the steam; and to go thiswise for six good hours, and still -to be a great hour off that part; for we went not so fierce as did be -the speed of mine outward way, which was utter strong, as you do mind, -that have gone with me in all my journey. - -And so, when we had walkt six hours, we did be gone something beyond the -eighteenth hour of that day's journeying; and to be very ready to our -slumber. - -Now, presently we found a tall rock, very hard to climb, that had a flat -top so great as may be twice my length everyways; and this to be very -good to our purpose. And when we were come safe to the top, we to eat -and drink, and presently to sleep, and to have the cloak under us, as -did be the will of the Maid; for the Country did be utter warm and nice, -so that we had no occasion for covering. - -And surely, we waked, both of us when that we had slept seven good -hours; and we sat upward, and lookt newly each at the other; and to be -as that we did each see the other anew in that good light, and to have a -fresh joy each in the look of the other. And she to come into mine arms, -and to kiss and to need that she be kist; and truly, we both to have our -need; but yet to be something the more hungry of the other, for the -having. - -And Mine Own then to make our breakfast; and the water to fizz very -strong and surprising; and we to eat and drink, and to be utter happy -each with the other, and to talk on this thing and that, and the Maid to -look about, as we eat; and she to look afar off at the wonders and the -newness of the Country to her knowledge; but I to look near, lest there -be any danger that might be anigh. - -And in a while, Mine Own to draw my gaze to the Mountains that the Gorge -came through. And, in verity, now that I did look in ease, I to see with -her how that they did be truly monstrous, even as a monstrous wall that -did go upward for ever until that they were gone out of the light of -that Country, into the dark night of the deathly Upper World, that did -be lost an eternity. And I to mind that I had some vague thoughts -thiswise, on the outward way; but now I to have ease, and the Maid to -speak with, and so to perceive odd matters the more. And I to tell you -this little thing, so that you shall perceive the way that restfulness -did be upon me, by compare with the Outward Going. - -And, truly, we had no great speed with our talk and with our eating; but -in the end did make somewhat to hurry, because that we did be conscious -that we leaned to slackness. And indeed, we came down then pretty speedy -from the rock where we did sleep; and had forward to our way at a good -pace. - -And when we had gone a while, we to begin to hear the far hissing of the -steam and the noise of the upward burstings of waters that did boil; and -the sound to be very strange; but I to have heard it before, as you do -know; so that it to trouble me the less than the Maid. And I to assure -her; and she to come nigh to me, and thiswise we to enter presently into -the steam. - -And we went then for more than three hours; and I had the Maid to my -back, that I should be the first; and this I did, that she have no -danger to walk into a boiling pool in the mazingness of the steam, which -was everywhere. And I to be something guided in my path by the shore of -the sea which did be unto our left alway; only that we could see neither -the sea nor otherwise, except that we go so close that we near into the -water. - -And, truly, the sea to seem to boil in parts, and there to be hot pools -in all places; so that who should say with ease whether we did go by one -of the great hot pools or by the true sea. And this, our constant -puzzle, shall be likewise to you; and you to perceive how that we did go -utter wary. - -And about us from every part there did come the strange burstings and -shriekings and whistlings of the boil of the waters breaking upward from -the deep world. And odd whiles the sounds to be as of great monsters; -and the earth to shake under us; and other-whiles there to be a hush and -only the steam about us, and somewhere in the distance and uncertainness -a low piping of some steam cranny, very strange and lonesome-sounding. - -And when it did be somewheres nigh upon the fourth hour, we came out of -the thick steam; and the pipings and the roarings to be to our rearward; -and soon the steam to be gone thin, as but a mist, and the noises to be -very far-seeming; and presently we to be come clear out into the air of -that Country. - -And the Maid now to perceive the trees, which did be in great forests -unto our right hand, while that the shore of the sea did go alway upon -our left. And she to be utter in wonder of the trees; and to need that -she pluck branches, and smell of them and look at each leaf; and so to -be all stirred; for never in that life did she to have seen such a -matter as those great trees did be; but yet to be all stirred by vague -memories that did seem no more than dreams. And you to think but a -moment, and to perceive how the thing did be with her; and you to have -been likewise stirred, if that you did be so strangely waked in a corner -part of the heart; though but a little matter to wake you. - -Now when the sixth hour did be full come, we made a halt in a wise -place, and had there our tablets and the water; and afterward, the Maid -bid me that I take her unto a warm pool that did be near by, and to ask -that I turn from her, but yet to be anigh for her Protector, as I did be -ever. - -And so she to wash and to make herself happy with a sweet cleanness that -did be proper to her; and afterward, when she did be done, she to act -watch whilst I to mine; and to help me in all matters, that she was -able; and truly, I to be happy indeed that she did so have delight to -attend upon me and to treat me mother-wise; yet truly with her -maid-heart not all hid, as you have perceived, this time and that. - -And surely thus did we go alway in these matters; and oft that I have -not space to have told; and oft that you shall remember, if that I do be -too full of other happenings to give heed to tell upon. - -And afterward we to our journeying again; and to talk upon this thing -and that thing; and I to be watchful as we talked, and to tell the Maid -that she keep her eyes wary, but yet not to be of unease. - -And when we did go thiswise for seven good hours, we were come nigh -opposed to the bright-burning fire-hill that did be offward in the sea, -and had made me a warm light in that time when I did sleep in the tree, -as you do remember. And truly, as I shall here mind you, we did be past -seven hours coming to this place, from the part where the steam did be; -yet had I gone that space upon the outward way at a speed that was -greater; but truly I might not set so great a pace to the Maid, save, -mayhap, odd whiles; and this thing I beg that you have alway in your -mind, and so to understand why that we did be oft long upon this part of -the journey and that, by compare with mine outward going. - -And, in verity, I had set off our hour for food, because that I saw we -did come nigh to the place where the tree did be; and I to know that the -Maid should like to eat and drink anigh to that place, and to know that -I did sleep there. - -And surely I took her to the tree, and when that I told her, she to beg -me that I indulge her and that we go upward to that branch where I did -sleep, and there to eat our tablets. - -And I to be willing, and to enter into her wishing; for, indeed, there -was no danger in the climb, and I to go alway below her, so that I could -be surety for her safeness. And we came up to the great branch; and she -to make how we should sit, and I to have to show just where I did lie, -and she to look very close, and to see that my weight had surely marked -the hardness of the armour upon the bark; and she then to be upon that -branch alone, as she did eat and drink; and to look outward at the light -from the fire-hill, and to be very husht, and to think, and I not to -disturb her with speech. - -And when she did be done, she gat from the branch, and kist the place -where I did lie; and lo! in a moment a thought came into her, and she -drew her knife, and cut out a piece of the bark, and put it into her -breast to be for a keepsake; and so to seem somewise contented. - -And truly, I told her about the great beast, when we were come down -again to the earth; and she to cry out and to show me that there did be -yet the mark where the belly of the monstrous beast did brush upon the -earth, as it ran, and moreover the broken places of the foot-marks; and -she by this to see how great a beast it did be; but yet did it be a -little thing beside the Slug; only that it did be a thing of horn and -hardness of skin, as you have perceived. - -And truly, I do mind how that the observings of the Maid did bring very -keen to me how that there had past but seventeen days since that I did -go onward from this place; and this to seem very strange and scarce -credible unto me; for I had thought it, somewise, as a great time; and -truly this to be because it was so marked by stress of the mind and -great happenings; and you to agree in this thing. But yet, also, we -shall truly mind that those times that I have called days, did hold oft -the hours of two days, and mayhap three, as you do remember. Now we -went onward then to our journeying; and I to make to carry the Maid, as -ever, after that she had walked twelve hours, though she did walk -thirteen hours this time as you have seen. And she to say that she go -now upon her own feet through the next six hours, and so to ease me from -the labour that did be needful to carry her. - -But I to know how that she did be like to be all gone of her strength -thiswise, in but a day or two, and we to make the better speed, if that -I keep to my way, and to have her to walk twelve hours of every journey, -and afterward to come into mine arms; for, truly, she did be bred less -hardy than I, as you shall think from all that I have told concerning -the Peoples of the Lesser Pyramid; and moreover she was yet something -weakened, as I did think, by the dreadful month of her lonesomeness and -escapings, before that I was come to succour her. - -And truly, as I did carry her, the Maid did make remark of her -wonderment concerning me, in that I did be so hard of my body and set in -the determination of my mind. And, in verity, I did be exceeding strong -and of great hardness of body; and mayhap my will did be somewhat this -way also, else do I think I had never borne to come unto Mine Own -through so much desolation. And I to smile very happy upon her; for I -did love that I was so strong, and very truly in delight that Mine Own -Maid did take gladness in this thing. And you to mind how you did be -also in the love-days; and so to have nice understanding of my -naturalness and human pride. - -And surely the Maid did nestle unto me, as she did talk; even, somewise, -as a Child shall come nigh to the Mother, but yet also as a Maid doth -love to be nigh unto her Man, if that she doth truly love. And I to lift -her more nigh to my lips; but she to refuse to kiss me, and to be a -Sweet Impertinence that did lie in mine arms; yet when I did make to -lower her again to the way that had her easy to carry, she to slip her -pretty face very snug under my chin, and to kiss me there, after her own -fashion; and afterward to be willing that she be as usual into mine -arms. - -Now, as I set the Maid again comfortable, it seemed to me that she was -something tender; and sudden it came to me that mayhap the armour to be -very hard and painful unto her; and I to ask this thing of her, in a -moment; and she to see that I would not be put off; and so to tell me. -And, truly, I was utter angered with myself; and somewise also with her, -in that she did not waken mine unthinkingness to this thing. - -And I set her instant to the earth, and made her to bare her shoulders -to me; and truly they did be much bruised where that she had lain so oft -in mine arms, against the hardness of mine armour. - -And I to be so angered that I near shook her, and she to see how I did -be, and that she did be nigh to be shaken, because that I was grown so -angry that she should let herself come to this foolish hurt, that yet I -did know was very dear unto her secret heart. And, in truth, she put up -her lips to me, very sudden, and with a strange naughtiness, that she -have her own way with me to tempt me from mine anger, that yet she did -half to like. And, in verity, I near slapt her then upon her pretty -shoulders, but that she ceased from her tempting of me; and instead she -turned her shoulders to me, even as a child, that I button her garment -for her. - -And surely, when I had buttoned her garment, she came round unto me, and -closed her hand, so that it did be a little fist, even as I did love her -to do, because that it was so small beside my great hand. - -And she slipt her shut hand into mine; and surely I let it stay within, -very quiet, and made not to close upon it, as I did wont. And the Maid -did move her hand around in mine, that she make me to take notice upon -her, and to grasp her little fist. Yet I did be very stern, for I was -truly angered; and neither did I put her hand from mine, nor made to -hold it; but only to let it bide; yet, truly, I to be something stirred -in the heart-part by her pretty ways. - -And in a little while, she took her hand from out of mine, and did have -daring to be cold unto me. And mine anger then to be quaintly renewed, -and to think that she did well need to be whipt. And she made a naughty -and foolish impudence upon that which I said to her; so that presently I -did say that she did need such as should make her to heed her manners; -but yet, as you shall conceive, I to know inwardly all that time how -that even this true naughtiness did not stir me to proper anger; but -more that it made me masterful and to lack not that I make her to know -truly that I did be her Master; and in the same time to be strangely -touched in a very deep and secret place of my heart. And truly love doth -have strange actings upon the heart. - -And the Maid to ask me in a very saucy fashion that did be intentioned -to anger me, what I did mean that she to need. And truly I said that she -did go the way to earn that she be flogged like any boy, and I to mean -actual all that I did say, which doth something amaze me now; but, as I -do know, I yet to be constant stirred inwardly by her beloved quaintness -that did be alway so dainty, even when that she did mean her naughtiness -to be truly to anger me. - -And lo! when I told the Maid this thing, that she did well go to earn a -sharp reproof, she turned in a quick instant, and came close to me, all -tender and small and to need to be nigh to me. And she slipt both her -closed hands into the one of mine, and truly they did be little fists. -And because I could be no more stern with Mine Own, I put mine arm about -her, and she did nestle to me, so that all my being did want to be a -shield about her. - -And she to hark very quiet and humble to my counsellings; and in the -end did be so strangely husht that I lookt down to where her pretty face -did be hid against mine armour, as she did love to do, when that I did -be those odd whiles a little stern with her. And I held her face away -from mine armour; and surely she did be smiling, very quiet and naughty; -so that I perceived that she did be good only for that time, and did be -like to show again this wrongful and impudent spirit. Yet I not then to -be in trouble of the future; but to hope only that I do wisely, if that -she show again this waywardness. And, truly, I to perceive now that I -did be very young; but, anywise, as you do know, I to act alway from the -natural telling of my heart. - -And I shook Naani a little, for this naughty spirit which did not be -gone from her. For I perceived that my manhood had but stirred the woman -in her to that strange quick humbleness that had seemed to be a -quenching of her wayward unwisdom; and truly it had not been stilled, -but only sunken for a little moment in the uprising of her dear nature, -which had responded unto me. - -And the Maid to look at me from under her lids, as I did shake her with -gentleness; and I to know that Mine Own did be a wondrous maiden, full -of all life and spirit, and to be held wisely and to be loosed wisely, -all as did be for the best to bring out the uttermost of her goodness -which did be in all her being, and to be very lovely; and to make me -feel as that I did be a giant that held a white flower very tender; but -I to feel also that I did be her Master. And this mayhap you to -understand, if that you look into your hearts. - -And by all my telling, you to know that I did be very dainty with Mine -Own Maid that did be all of daintiness; but yet I to be masterful, as -did be my nature, and a very proper way it did be with the Maid, so that -she did be alway reasonable in the main; and this to come out of her -love, which did have pleasure to know that I did be Master unto her, all -in the same while that she did fight to show that I did be otherwise. -And truly, and in part by this same showing, you shall perceive that her -naughtiness to come likewise from her love, and the way that my nature -did work upon her. - -Now I to shake the Maid very gentle, as I have said, and with much that -did be of play, but in the same wise there to be also somewhat of tender -reproof. And surely, that naughty maid to spring very light upon her -toes, and had kist me sudden and dainty upon the mouth, before that I -did wot. - -And I to put mine arm about her, and to give her a little hug; and -immediately then to matters that did be practical; for I was eager to -have come across that stony part of the journey, that did be before us, -as you do know, before that we look for a place for our slumber. And -this eagerness of haste to be, because of the great bird things which I -had seen to go bounding over that waste, when that I was upon mine -outward way. - -And, surely, after that I had thought a little moment, I bid the Maid -that she dress in her torn garments, so that these should be over the -top of the armour-suit, and thiswise to make a soft thickness upon the -top of the armour-suit, that should act for a cushion between mine -armour and her dear body. - -But indeed, the Maid would nowise to do this thing; and I not to make -her, because that my heart perceived how it did be with her. And her -reasons to be someways mixt, as doth be proper in all humans, and the -more so when that it doth be a maid that hath reasons, as you to know, -if that you have ever held such dear perverseness in your arms. - -And she, as I could know, to be strangely in love that her gentle body -be bruised by the hardness of mine armour; and if this might not be, she -to be not wishful that she wear her torn clothing upon her neat suit and -so to seem careless and to lack to be dainty in mine eyes; for, indeed, -she did be alway to wash herself and to make tidiness; and she to have a -way now that she did set the armour-suit upon her, that had it to seem -different, and she to have set a little sprig from the trees upon her -breast, and in her girdle, and so to seem the more of a maid; and surely -a man doth know and love these things; but not alway to have full -knowing how that they be done. And, indeed, you to be likewise with me -in this thing. And we all to think we know, but somewise to be just -a-lack when that it doth come to the proof. - -And, in verity, the Maid to find a way that she be eased of the hardness -of the armour; and I to have come to the same thing in the same moment; -but truly I do think she had been able to think upon it a long while, if -that she had been so desired. - -And truly, this was but that I fold the cloak very thick across mine -arms and breast, and to take her then into the little nest that did be -prepared. - -And, surely, now that the Maid might no more have her secret wish that -she lie close against mine armour, she to be helpful, and to have the -cloak folded so in a very quick while; and so to be into mine arms -again; and we to be once more upon the journey, and she to nestle to me, -as that she did hunger to be nigh to me; and she to talk with me, odd -whiles, and odd whiles to be silent. - -And once, I to think that she wept a little; and to know that she did be -like to think upon her father and her own Peoples; but she to have her -face turned to me, so that I could but guess upon this thing; and she -very soon to be husht again of this sorrow, and to lie content in mine -arms. - -And once, when that I had carried her for three hours, she to ask me -that I kiss her; and truly I did kiss her, very gentle and with -reverence, because that my heart did understand the holiness that did be -in her heart in that moment. - -And, surely, as I kist her, she to kiss me very tender; and I to know -that some olden memory did be like to stir in her. And in a moment, she -to take her lips from mine, where she had let them to nestle very light, -and did whisper mine olden love-name; and I then to look at her, and her -eyes to shine as the olden stars that did shine in the olden summers. - -And I to be too shaken even that I kiss her. But she to put her arms -about my neck, and to look steadfast into mine eyes. And immediately, -after that she had lookt awhile, and I to have ceased from walking, she -to put her hands upon each side of my face, within the metal of mine -head-gear, where the guards did come down at the sides; and she to kiss -me very sober upon the lips; but yet to mean utter by that kiss. And I -not to return the kiss; for I saw that it did not be her need. - -Now, in the beginning of the fourth hour, as I did go with the Maid, I -to see afar off one of the half-bird monsters, that I did see before -upon this place where there did be naught save great stones and boulders -for a great way that did be many miles. - -And truly, I to hide very swift with the Maid, where two great boulders -did come together; and surely the bird-creature to go past at no great -way, and to go with a great bounding, that did be half of flight and -half of leaping, as that it did be too weighty in the body to make to -fly proper. - -And, indeed, I to have a sudden memory how that there did be a picture -in some book that I did read in the Mighty Pyramid, where it did show -such a bird-thing as this; and to make remark in the book that these -things had been seen no more in the Night Land for a score thousand of -years, or more; and to be extinct, as we do say. - -But, indeed, now I do think that they did be come downward to that warm -Country, a great while gone, and so to have new life and to breed -through a great age, and this way to have set a pattern unto the Humans. -And, in verity, it might be that in some age that did be far after that -time, the Humans to find some way to journey from the Pyramid, and to -build a new Refuge in that deep Country; and mayhap the Humans thiswise -to have a new space of life, after that all the Night Land did be dead -and lost in the bitter frost of Eternity. But this, indeed, to be no -more than an odd thought; for how might any great multitude pass the -Monsters; and I to ask that you take it for nothing of fact, but only as -of my suppositions; and thiswise to come back again to happenings. - -Now, when the bird-thing did be gone a long way off, I to go forward -again with Mine Own, and to have a new care, and to look very swift and -frequent everyway. - -And, truly, it did be as that the creatures did inhabit that part of the -Country; for in an hour after that, I to see a good score. And, I to -free the Diskos from my hip, and to have it ready in mine arms beside -the Maid; and so to journey. - -And many times I to have to hide with Mine Own, and to crouch low among -the rocks and the boulders; and this way to escape free of all for a -great while. - -Yet, when that the fifth hour did be nigh gone, I heard a noise sudden -to my back, as we did go over a clear space. And, in verity, there did -be one of the monsters that came upward over certain rocks that were to -my rearward; and surely it to have been stayed hid there, or resting, -and to have heard us or to have smelled us; but anywise then to have -knowledge of us, and to come with low and brutish heavy boundings, very -lumbersome, after us. - -And I lookt everyway in a moment; but there was nowhere any shelter -anigh. And the Maid to leap sudden from mine arms, that I be free with -the Diskos; and I to look swift to her, and to see that she have her -knife ready in her hand, that she might chance to aid me. But surely I -might not fight in ease of mind, if that Mine Own did be needless in -danger; and I caught her very quick by the waist, and set her upon the -ground between my feet. And she to make half to refuse; but I to have no -time for explaining, and to be sharp that I have her safe; so that I -gave her a little shake that did sudden to make her feel the strength in -me; and she then to be instant quiet in my hands, and to let me that I -set her upon her face, and to cast the thick cloak above her; and in a -moment to be stood over her, and to set down the visor of mine -head-gear, lest that the bird-monster strike me in the face. - -And surely, the bird-thing did be scarce an hundred good paces off; and -to make two lumbering and monstrous bounds, and to come at me. - -Yet, truly, it made sudden a pause, because that the Diskos did roar and -send out fire, as I made it to spin; but in an instant the great thing -to come in at me upon the left side, and to strike me very hard with the -bill, that did be so long as mine arm, and had surely gone through my -body, if that I had been naked. And the bill of the monster rang upon -mine armour; and it smote me twice thiswise, so that I staggered very -sick and shaken. But in a moment, as it made to draw off, that it should -come the more hard upon me, I swung the Diskos very sure and quick, and -I smote the Bird-thing above the place where the great seeming-leathern -wing did join upon the right side, as it should be the shoulder of the -Bird-monster. And, in verity, the monster gave out a mighty squarking, -and went backward this way and that, and beat all about upon the stones, -and did strike with the great bill at the place where it did be hurt. -And I heeded that I end it swiftly; and I ran in upon it, and the -creature to strike at me with the great bill, very savage. But I jumpt -speedy to this side, and again to that, and so in a moment to have -chance to come in surely. And truly I split the skull of the -Bird-thing, so that it died very quick and was gone from pain. - -And the Bird-creature lay all spread upon the stones and the rock of -that place; and surely it did be as that it were leathern, and made -somewise as a bat doth be of this age, in that it did have no feathers. - -And, truly, it lookt mighty, where it did be spread; and indeed the body -to be full so big as the body of a young horse; and the bill to be very -deadly and sharp and cumbrous, as you to have guessed. And I to be all -and utter thankful that it did be there, dead, in the stead of mine own -body. And the thing yet to twitch and stir a little, as the life did go -from it. - -And surely I was back then very speedy to the Maid, and she to be -kneeled upward to watch me. And I took her into mine arms, and lookt -well about; and made then forward again. - -And about the middle part of the sixth hour of crossing that rocky land, -I saw that we did draw near unto the shallow river, that you shall mind -I came over, after that I had done with the olden flying ship. And in -all that time, since the Bird-monster to come after us, I had seen but -two more, and they a great way off, so that I guessed that I was come -beyond that part where they did go very frequent. - -And I to wade over the river, and to carry Mine Own upon one arm, the -while that I did sound my way with the staff of the Diskos; and truly I -came across very easy, save that I did have to go around somewhat, where -that the river did seem to have a deep place. - -And when that we had crost the river, it did be full one and twenty -hours since that we slumbered, as you shall know, if that you but count -a little; for you do mind that we spent a certain time within the tree, -as I have told; and this not to have been proper counted into the time -of our journeying. - -And surely, the Maid to have been very quiet, since that I did show my -strength a little to her, when that I made her to lie, that she be safe -from the bill of the Bird-monster. But she not to be anywise in anger -upon me; but only, as I do think, that the woman in her did be something -fresh waked unto me; and she to be very content that she be quiet in -mine arms. - -Now the place that we were come to, was much spread with boulders; but -yet to have the beginnings again of the forests, as you to remember; for -I to have made some small remark of the land in this part, upon mine -outward way. And we lookt about for a fire-hole, that I should dry my -lower garments; and truly, we had not past many in a great while; but we -to be in fortune, that we came soon upon a little fire-hill that did be -no more than so high as a man, and to have the rock all hot about; so -that this did be a good place to our purpose. - -And I kist the Maid, and set her down out of mine arms; and when that I -had lookt well about, and seen that there did be naught to our sight to -give us to fear, the Maid to help me with mine armour; and afterward -with my garments, and to ease me all ways that she could think of with -helpfulness. And she set the garments of my lower parts to dry, and -whilst that they did be drying, she to make ready the water and the -tablets, and to have me to sit beside her, in my body-vest and gear, and -we to eat and drink very comfortable in the warm hollow that was -something anigh to the small fire-hill. - -Now, truly, I did be very hungry that time, and indeed to be alway so, -for the tablets did be very unfilling to the belly, as you do well know -from my tellings. And when that I did be finished, I saw that the Maid -lookt at me somewise oddways, and sudden she to come into laughter, and -askt me whether that I did be very empty; and in the same moment there -to be a wondrous dear look within her eyes; so that I perceived that -there went a mother-note under her impudence. - -And she to yearn, as I could know, that she have some way to feed me; -but truly there did be no way, for we thought not to make to slay aught -for our purpose, and we did be feared that we eat any root or plant, -lest that we be ill. And this to seem strange to my spirit of this our -age, but to be natural unto that; so that I do think I did be so long -bred from the primal obtaining of food, that I did be all lost to that -which should seem natural unto the peoples of this early age of the -world; though we truly to think that the world doth even now be old; and -this to have seemed a true thing unto every age that ever did live. - -Now, beside that we did lack somewise to think serious that we slay -something to eat, in that the tablets did actually suffice to our -strength, I to believe that there did be some other reason that I do -forget, and mayhap never to have thought plain upon; but which to be set -within me as an instinct, as we do say; and this to mean, if that I try -to set it in other words, that the tablets did keep the body and the -spirit in such condition that the Forces of Evil did have the less power -to act upon us. - -Yet, have I no remembering that I was taught in the preparation that I -eat naught, save the tablets; and this mayhap never to have been set -upon me; but to have been as a thing that doth never need to have been -told; even as you shall not tell a grown man in this Age that he shall -refrain from dung, and eat only wholesome matter. - -And truly, I to hope that I have made this thing somewise clear unto -you; for, indeed, it doth be something hard to set out; for every Age -hath the subtleties peculiar to that Age; and these to be hard to the -understanding of other Ages, but yet to seem plain and utter natural, -even without thought, unto the Peoples of the Age. - -And surely all this to be plain to you, and to be over-plain; for, in -verity, I tell to you, and over-tell, until that I should be weary; and -mayhap you to be the more so. And, indeed, I not to blame you; but only -to hope that your understanding, which doth mean also in general your -hearts, doth be with me all along my way. And, indeed, this my tale to -be not easy told. - -And, in verity, I to be back now unto the Maid a-laugh upon me, and in -the same moment deeply loving and a-lack that she could not feed me, and -I to laugh with her, and to have understanding with her, as you to know; -and, indeed, I to have an heart that doth be made someways natural unto -understanding; so that even though I be dead when you read this, my -tale, you to feel that we be friends, and to know that could I meet with -you in pitiful trouble, I to have understanding and love to you, if that -you be not utter brutish; and even-so, I to be sorrowful that you should -be brutish, and to have understanding, in that I to know that by -developement you to become wise unto sweetness and charity, and in love -with all dear things, and kind pity of the rest. And thiswise you to be -in human sympathy with me, because that you do feel that I be honest -with you, and somewise even now to your elbow, as you read. And this to -be writ now, and you mayhap not to be born a great while yet; but in the -end to read and to have understanding with me, and to know how I did -love Mine Own. And so we to go forward again, the closer, in that we do -be the more knit in dear human sympathy. - -And surely the Maid kist me very nice on the lips, and did promise again -how that she should make me a great meal when that we did come to our -Mighty Home; and, indeed, as she to say, she to join with me, and we -both to be naughty gluttons for that once. And, surely, I laughed gently -at the Maid, because that she should be so dainty a glutton; but for my -part, I to feel that I could eat an horse, as we do say in this Age. - -And by that we had eat and drunk and talked awhile, and lookt oft about, -so that we know that no brutish thing came near, to our hurt, the Maid -to tell me that my garments did be dry; and she then to give me aid that -I dress very quick; and afterward she to help me with mine armour, the -which she did wipe after that we had eat and drunk; and she to have had -joy that she do this thing, and all things for me; and to have used a -part of her torn garments to this end. - -And so, truly, I to be clothed and armed very speedy, and to feel eased -and the more sure in my mind; for in verity, I was alway in unease, when -that I did not be ready that I be able to meet any horrid Brute that -should be like to come upon us. - -Now, when that I did be into mine armour again, the Maid to set the -scrip and the pouch upon me, and all the while I scarce to be loosed of -the Diskos, as ever. And we then to our way, which did be that we find a -place proper to our slumber. - -And when that we did be gone all-ways, and no cave proper to our sight, -we found a great tree, that did be set off alone, and had a plenty of -branches; but none that did be near to the bottom-part. - -And surely, I gave the Maid a lift, and held her up so far as mine arms -did go, so that she might stand upon the palms of my hands, and be -steady against the trunk of the tree; and she thiswise to have a hold -upon a branch, and so to go upward. - -And, truly, when that she was safe, I loosed one of the straps from the -pouch and the scrip, and I cast this up to the Maid, and she set it -strong about the branch. And when I had caught the downward end, I went -upward very easy; and afterward took loose the strap; and this way we -did be something safe, as you shall see. - -And we climbed upward then, and so came to a part of the tree where the -branches did be very thick together; and we made here a place for our -slumber, and the Maid set the cloak over the branches that did be so -close, and afterward we lay down; but first I set the strap about her -waist, and thence to a branch, and she to refuse sleep until that I be -likewise; so that we did be both very safe from any fall. - -And she kist me, and we then to our slumber, and very weary; for it did -be two and twenty hours, by this, since that we had sleep. - -Now we had eight hours in which we slept utter; and we both to awake, as -it did seem in the same moment; but truly, I to think that Mine Own did -be wakeful before that time; for, indeed, as she put her arms very -dainty about my neck, that she kiss me, I did have a quick and sudden -knowledge that I had been kist oft in my sleep, and this to have been -but a little while gone. And surely, it did seem to me that Mine Own did -have a sweet and contented Mischief inward of her eyes; but yet she to -be very sedate outward, and to kiss me loving and dear, and then we to -our breakfast, upon the cloak. - -And afterward, I climbed to the topmost branches of the tree, and lookt -well over the Country all about; but there was no brutish thing to my -sight in any place, neither near nor far. - -And I came down then to the Maid, and told her how that there was -quietness of life all about. And we had our gear together, and went -downward to the earth, and I to help Mine Own, and this way she to be -safe. - -Now, as we went forward upon our journeying, I perceived that the Maid -had a wayward air; and truly, I thought that she did have her heart all -set toward naughtiness and mischief; and in the same moment that I was -in this belief, I did know in mine understanding that this did spring -from the workings of my nature upon the nature of Mine Own Maiden. - -And Naani to walk, in the first, beside me, and to have no word for me, -because that she did be so filled with the stirrings of her naughtiness, -that did be in the same moment very sweet unto me, and yet to waken all -that did be masterful within me. And she to be that she did know, and -to delight, in her secret heart that she waken that which did be -masterful in me; but yet in the same moment to be strong determined that -she be not mastered by me. And surely this to seem contrarywise in the -words; but to be clear to the heart, if indeed you have ever been loved -by a dear maid of an high spirit. - -And above all this, the Maid did be filled with a love for me, that did -beat and dance in all her being; and this in truth to overweigh all; but -yet from this same thing her dainty naughtiness to be born, because, as -I did say, my manhood to stir all her nature up-wise in sweet trouble -that did be half of rebellion, and half that she did ache that she be -close unto me in mine arms. - -And, in verity, you to be with me in all these things, if that you have -had the love-days beside a dear and dainty maid, of an high and pure and -natural spirit; so that if you be old these days, even but the light -merriment of a passing maiden to bring a pain of wonderings and golden -memories upon your heart. - -And presently, I saw that Mine Own put a little space between us, as the -naughtiness did work in her, as my heart to know; and she to be offward -from me a little. And she still to have no speech with me; but in a -little to begin that she sing in a low voice; and to have her pretty -body very upright and lithesome, and to go forward with a wondrous -dainty swing, so that my heart told me that she did all be stirred with -small thrillings of defiance unto me, and with thrillings of love; and -she to have the triumph of her Maidenhood and of her Womanhood, as it -were both to contend in her and to thrill upon her tongue, and to show -out the lilting and pretty warfare of her spirit that did go dancing and -dearly naughty in her breast. - -And surely I went, very lifted in my heart, and astir; for it did be -wondrous to me that this lovely Maid did be so utter mine. And to see -but the way that she set her feet to the earth, and the way that she did -lift them sure and dainty; and the way that her body did be poised, and -the way of her head; and the way of her naughtiness and the sweetness -and the love that did be wrapt in with all, did make me want that I have -her in mine arms. - -But yet, I not to do this, because that in the same time that she did so -stir me to love and admirings, she to set somewhat else in me at -variance, so that I did half to feel stern with her, for I perceived -that she had that naughtiness then within her, that she did be like to -have a real intent of impertinence unto me, so that she should be -naughtily outrageous, and to have no heed to my advisings, neither unto -my desires, unless that I set my hand upon her, to _make_ her to obey. - -And truly, you that have had dear maids, shall follow mine explainings; -but unto others, I know not whether they shall understand, until they -too have been possessed of One that shall set all their heart adrift, -even as this One that did be Mine Own. - -And sudden, I to know that Naani did change from her low singing unto an -olden air that had surely not been heard in all that eternity. And in -verity, for a little while, I not to know why that it did so shake all -my heart; nor what it did be; nor whether that I had truly heard it -before, or only to think so. - -And, surely, it did be as that the silence of the olden moonlit world -did steal all about me; and sudden, I to know that the Maid did sing an -olden love-song of the olden world, and to go halting a little as she -sang, because that the words did steal something odd-wise through the -far veils of her memory, even as a song doth come backward out of -dreams. - -And I to feel all my blood to seem to tremble in my veins, and my throat -to be troubled, as with vague sobs that did be the ghosts of forgotten -tears. And the dim sorrow that had come so swift and strange upon me, to -be likewise steeped in golden mists of the love that I once did love; -and the glamour to be come all fresh upon me, and I to know in that -moment how much we do forget, even when that we do believe that we have -all memory and all sorrow within our hearts. - -And I lookt unto the Maid, something dimly, because of the way that I -did be; and I perceived in a moment that Mine Own did weep as she -walked; but the less with pain than with the strange anguish of Memory, -that doth have in it Tenderness and Sorrow and Love and all that Hath -Been and all that Did Never Be, and all to make a Vale unto the Spirit, -where doth be both a dim greyness and a warm and everlasting light, and -an utter speechlessness, and the low and far music of forgotten songs, -that do come downward over the shadowy mountains that do be builded of -Years and Forgetfulness, and yet made to be seen with the light of that -our Memory, which doth cast so many husht shadows. - -And surely, as I did say, the Maid did weep as she went; but not to be -cast down; but rather that she held her head upwise, as that she did -walk in a glory. And the song to come oft-broke, and oddly, and to set -her voice to little human quiverings, as her memory did shake her sweet -spirit unto tears afresh; and she to walk with her pretty head upheld -and as that she did go in a Triumph; and the tears to come down -strangely upon her face, and all her soul to be there, pure and -wondrous, and in the same time both troubled and glad. - -And this thing to be very dear and amazing; and she to be as that she -not to know then that she sang; but as that she did be lost in her -thoughts, as we do say, and this to have come sudden upon her, out of -all her upliftedness of spirit, that had been like to make her very open -unto all subtile and subtle powers of thought and inward stirrings, as -you shall think. - -And again the song to come full-remembered, and fresh, as that this -Eternity did be but the yesterday of that moment. And Mine Own to be -all in a sweet madness with those half-dreamed memories, and the wonder -and pain of all that no man hath ever said, and that shall be never -said; and of the utter lost years, and all that hath been lost, and all -forgotten greatness and splendour, and the dreadfulness of parting, and -the loveliness of beautiful things that do be hid in the abyss of the -years. - -And it did be sudden to my quickened fancy, that there did be low echoes -all about us, of the voices of dear beautiful ones that have died; for -so did memory set a strange and lovely mystery about my spirit in that -moment, that I did be all shaken so much as Mine Own. And I to be as -that I drew my breath anigh to tears, and did be there with Naani amid -the quiet spareness of the trees and the rock of that part of the land; -but yet did be to see half dimly that I stood within a light, even as -the light that doth be the wonder of olden sunsets; and I to be, in the -same time, both _that_ man and _this_ man that now doth write; and to -have beside my spirit but one maid, that I did lack to know whether I -say to her Naani or Mirdath; for though the two that have been Mine Own -did be different-seeming to the eye, there to be but the spirit of one -maid beside me in that moment. - -And surely, I did be there, all shaken unto the seeing of visions, as it -did seem; so that the Land about me to have grown half as that it did -lack that it be real unto my sight, because that I lookt inward unto -Lands that did be of Memory. And lo! in a moment this to go; and I to be -in that Country of the Seas, and to look newly unto Naani, and she to go -as I have told; and there to be the lonesome trees and the rocks in all -parts for a great way about. - -And sudden, as I lookt at Mine Own, she to come round unto me, and she -held out her arms, and did gaze at me with such a love, as that she were -transfigured, and to need strangely that she be in mine arms; and -surely, I to an holy need that I have her unto me, because that, after -all, there did be no wonder so great as that wonder, that when all did -be said I did have Mine Own, after that all Eternity had nigh past. - -And, in verity, we ran each to the other, and did be silent, because -that there was no speech of words by which we could say aught of all -that did be in our hearts. And truly you to be with me in understanding; -for you too, mayhap, to have suffered thiswise of dumbness; even if that -it hath not been so great. But yet to make you to know. - -And presently, we grew quiet in the spirit; and Mine Own to come back -again to her joyousness, and to go beside by me, as we made forward. - -And presently, Naani to begin that she look at me with dear impudences -again, that did be very sweet unto me; but yet to be like to lead unto -defyings. - -And truly, by these things shall you know the spirit of Mine Own Maid; -and there to be none to me that ever did be like her. But, indeed, you -to think thatwise of the maid that you did love; and all the world to be -thinking each these thoughts of one dear maiden that doth be the one -maid in all the round world. - -And this to be the lovely niceness of the human heart; and I not to have -any grumble thereat; but yet, surely, you shall say that this Maid that -did be Mine Own, did be very dear and lovely. And, in verity, I to show -my human heart in this thing; for you likewise to want that I think your -Maid to have been just so dear, and the more so. And indeed we ever to -be going these ways; and to have good comradeship of understanding, -because that we have all loved and suffered joy and had utter belief in -a dear One. - -And surely a defyingness to come presently into the way that the Maid -did go, and she to walk a little offward from me; and truly I lookt at -her, both with love and yet with somewhat that did be to reprove her -gently, and all in the same moment that she to make my heart stirred -with her sweet naughtiness. - -And she to look sudden at me; and to be that she half to intend to run -to kiss me; but also that she be minded in the same moment that she set -herself up impertinently against me. And, in verity, she made me to -harden my nature a little, as manhood doth make a man to do; and this -because of the rebellion that I knew to be in her; and she likewise to -know. But she hid her eyes, when that I shook my head, half with play -and half with earnest; and was then impudent unto me; and gone from that -in a moment to her pretty singing, and her naughty walking apart. But -she no more to sing an olden love-song. - -Now, in a while, we past a basin of rock, in a place among the trees; -and there was a warm spring bubbling in the rock, and the basin to be -full of water, very warm and with some smelling of chemistry. - -And the Maid told me that she would wash, and I to think it a good place -for that end. And when I had tasted the water, I found that it did seem -smooth and proper for our intent, as that there did be a verity of an -alkali in it. - -And truly we washed, and after that I was done, the Maid bid me that I -turn my back; and I to do this, and she to mock me very naughty whilst -that I could not see her, and to seem very quiet; for indeed, I heard no -splashings of water, though I stood off from her a long while, and she -alway to say naughty things unto me, as that she did mind truly to have -me angered; for, indeed, she did have a plain intent that she mock at -me, and to ease not her wit. And surely, after that I had stood a great -while, I askt the Maid when that she did be like to be done; but she to -say that she was nowise ended of her toilets. And I knew very sudden -that she made foolishness upon me also in this matter; and I turned -upon her, and lo! she did be sitting upon a little rock, very sedate, -even as when she had bid me turn from her; and to have made no more -forward, but only to have been there at ease, that she keep me turned -away to please her naughty mood, and all the while have a double liberty -to have impudence upon me. - -And, in verity, I did be a little angered; but scarce that I did know -it; for I did love her very great, and was stirred inwardly with her -dearness and that she did look just that-wise that I knew not whether I -to need to kiss her, or to shake her; and truly, how should I know; for -my heart did ache that I have her to mine arms; but my brain to say that -she did go over-far in the joke; and truly you to see that I did not be -unreasonable, neither to be lacking of grace; for indeed I do think that -I was swayed all-ways, because that I saw all the dear way that her -pretty nature did work; and to conceive of her mood and to understand -and be stirred; but yet to shape a little in my manhood unto hardening, -and in my judgement unto sternness. - -Yet, truly, I scolded Mine Own with no more than a little jesting, and -did be nice and gentle with her, because she did be so dear, and I to -know just-wise her mood and the cause and working of it. - -And I told her that I did love her, and that she hasten now and let us -again to the journey. But, indeed, she only to make a face at me, so -that I did be near like to shake her unto sedateness. And she then to be -both merry, and a rogue, as we do say, and to stop her ears and again to -sing very gleeful; and all so that she might not hear aught that I said. -And surely she lookt a very dainty Rebellious One. - -And I went then straightway to her, and took her hands from her ears; -and I kist her pretty ears very gentle that I not to deafen her. And I -kist her lips as she did sing; and afterward shook her, that she be not -such a sweet Torment. But this to have no success that way; for she only -to put out her toes to be kist; for her foot-gear was off from her feet. -And, indeed, I laughed, even as I made to frown; and truly I kist her -pretty toes, and tried then to coax her to go forward something speedy -with her hair, and to be ready to the journey. But she only to sing, and -to refuse to be sedate. - -And, in verity, in the end, I caught her up in mine arms, and had her -bundle in my hand, and so went off with her very sudden, with her hair -all loose upon me in a lovely and soft shining, and her feet bare as -they did be. - -And this action I made, because that I was grown truly a little stern -with Mine Own; for, indeed, she did half to need that she be whipt unto -properness, as you shall think, that have seen how she did be thiswise -only because that her nature did be stirred strangely, and her Womanhood -and her Maidenhood to be all unto war, and in part to make a rebellion -against me that she did know glad to be her true Master; but yet she to -be thus, even though she did be so glad. - -And this to act so that she did be in the same moment both sweet and -wise and yet to show a dainty foolishness and a true naughtiness that -did make me to feel somewhat of a real anger; but yet did have me to -know that all my being did be stirred by her; so that I did think with -one thought that she did be very foolish, and with another that she did -be lovely wayward. - -Now, when that I took the Maid up so quick, and made off with her, she -to give a little gasp and to submit to me with a quick humbleness; but -immediately, she to regain her courage, and to be outraged of me. But, -indeed, I took no heed, only that I was like to shake her; and did know -also that her hair did be wondrous pretty upon mine armour. And she soon -to lie very quiet and easy in mine arms, and to be demure. - -And I to have a half knowledge of somewhat amiss; but yet to have no -sureness, neither to think much upon this vague feeling. - -And when that I had gone a good mile, she to put up her lips to be kist; -and I to kiss her very loving, for she was so dear. And she then to say, -very ordinary like, that I should do wisely now if that I went back for -her foot-gear, which truly I had lacked thought to notice, when that I -did pick up the Maid. - -And I saw that she had known this thing all that while, and had made -that mile of carrying all a waste and a foolishness, because of the -naughty rebellion which did be in her. And lo! I set her instant to the -ground; and she gave out a little cry as she saw that I did be gone -somewise hard and stern with her. - -And indeed I pulled a small branch from a tree that did be near, to be -for a switch as you shall whip a boy with; and I held her with my left -hand, and in verity I laid the switch thrice very sharp across her -pretty shoulders, that she know all that she did need to know. And she -seeming to be ceased in a moment from her perverseness, and did nestle -very quick unto me, that had whipt her; and did need that she be -wondrous nigh unto me. And, truly, how shall even a young man flog such -an one. - -And the Maid to be very husht against mine armour, and to resist that I -look into her face that did be prest so anigh me. But presently, I used -a little and gentle force, and so to look into her face something -sudden. And truly, that One did be smiling very naughty and dainty to -herself; so that I perceived that I had not truly whipt her enough; but -yet I could harden my heart no more at that time; for, in verity, there -doth be a strange half-pain in the bosom, if that you have to flog a -maid that doth be utter thine, and this to the despite that there hath -been--as then--no properness of anger to have for an after -self-reproach. - -And surely, I to have done this thing only of a stern intent and -steadfastness, that I steady Mine Own Maid unto wisdom; but yet to have -been helpt by a little anger, because of the thing that she had done. -Yet, alway, my love did be so strong, that mine anger never to have -aught of bitterness, as you shall have seen, and to understand. - -And we went back then for the foot-gear of the Maid; and she to be very -husht in mine arms; but yet, as I perceived, not to be quiet, of an -humble little heart, but only of the chance that her nature did be -stirred that way for the while. - -And truly, when we were gone back, the foot-gear did be there to the -side of the pool, and the Maid gat shod very speedy, and would have no -aid; and afterward did up her hair very tight upon her head, to have it -utter from my sight; and this to be for a perverseness; for she knew -that I did love to see it pretty upon her shoulders, or if that she must -do it, that she do it up very loose and nice; and truly you to know how -I mean; only that I have no skill of such matters; but yet a good taste -to admirings, if that the thing be aright. - -And I to say nothing, as I looked at her; and she presently to make a -quick glance unto me, to see why I did say naught. And I shook my head, -smiling at her waywardness; but she to look away from me, and to seem to -be set to fresh naughtiness. - -Now we went forward then upon our journey; and alway the Maid to walk -onward from me; but yet to have no other impudence, neither to sing. - -And I to go kindly with her; but yet to think that she did lack somewhat -to know that I did be truly her Master; and I to wonder a little whether -she did know proper that my gentleness with her did be not of weakness, -but born of understanding and love, and the more proof that I did be fit -to possess and to guide her. - -And truly this was the thought of a young man, yet lacking not of Reason -in the bottom part, though mayhap to be something clumsy-seeming unto -the mind of a maid; and to be very human to my years; and you to have -been likewise, if that you have tried all-ways with a dear One, and she -to be yet over-wilful, so that you to wonder whether she did truly know -how you did understand. - -And surely a maid doth know much that doth be in the heart of a man, if -that she be true woman in her own secret heart. And oft she doth know -more of her man than her man doth wot of himself, and to go her own -diverse ways that she search out and bring forth and waken all that is -the inward being of the man that she doth love. - -Yet, when that she have stirred you in the deeps that you scarce to -know, she to be all fearful, and in the same moment to have no fear; and -to be in rebellion, and in the same moment to be most strange humble. -And all to be born of love, and nature in action upon nature. - -And more than this how shall I have learning of the heart to tell you; -for, in verity, there doth be much in these few lines, if that you know -to read. And surely you to know, or to learn; but if neither, then have -you gone short of joy and the true inwardness of life. - -Now this way I did be, as I have told; and the Maid to be quietly -naughty in perverseness, as also I have set out; yet to have a strict -mind to her duties, and to go now wondrous sedate upon the journey; yet -alway apart. And likewise, when that the sixth hour did come, and we to -our halt, as ever, she to be very speedy and nice that the water and the -tablets be ready for me; but yet to have no word; neither to eat by me; -but again a little apart, and not to share the water, but to make a -brewing to herself, when that I had done. - -And likewise, the Maid held not up her tablets to be kist, as alway; but -eat them, quiet and meditative, and with little nibblings, as that she -did ponder upon other matters, or mayhap to be not hungry. - -And these things I saw, as we eat and drank in a silence; and I to look -at the Maid, somewise sad in the heart, and something stirred; and I to -say to myself wisely, yet as a young man, that she did not yet be taught -sufficient that I was her master. And this you to perceive. - -And she never to seem to look at me; but to be quiet and demure, and to -have her eyelids something down upon her eyes. - -Now, presently, as I thought upon the matter, I saw that I do well that -I take no heed of Mine Own; but to let her to come to a natural end of -this naughtiness, that did be, in the same time, both pretty and a -little foolish; so that in half I condemned it and in half I was -stirred; and alway I loved the Maid very dear, and had a good -understanding; and there to be also an interest in my heart at this new -side that she did be showing. And also, she to stir me odd whiles unto -masterfulness; and so you to know pretty well how it did be with me in -the matter. - -Now, surely, I found this plan, that I attend not to the Maid, to have -something of success; for I knew presently that she did look upward at -me, slyly, from under her pretty eyelashes; and after, to be demure in a -moment; and this to go forward for a while; yet I to show no heed. - -And in a while, I saw that she gave attention to her garments, in the -way of nattiness; and afterward, she took down her hair, and made it up -then very loose and pretty upon her head; so that she did be very -lovely, and to tempt mine eyes that they look alway at her. But, indeed, -I did make as that I had no heed that the Maid did shape her hair -different upon her head. - -And she very soon then to speak, and to have the lesser gear together, -and to make that she attract me. But truly, I was very nice with her; -yet to keep her now a little off from me in the spirit; and so to teach -her that-wise, that she was somewhat of a dear naughty maid; but also, -as I do think, I was this way, because that in part I would tease her, -in great love of her prettiness and her makings up to me; and so maybe -even that I make her to be the more defying of me. And this to be as -that I also lacked somewhat of reason; for I did strangely that I think -that she need to be whipt, and in the same time that I go to make her -the more deserving of the same. - -Yet, this to be the truth, as I know it; and surely to be the natural -waywardness of love. But yet, there did be also in the backward part of -my wisdom, an intent that I be wise and careful with Mine Own; and I -surely to have no full realisings that I did be like to set her further -unto perverseness than yet she did be. - -Now, after that I had shown well that I lacked to heed the Maid, I found -that I did be looking oft at her; and she to be so dear and pretty, and -to be all husht, that truly I could not bear that I be longer silent to -her advancements. - -And I ceased then from pretending, and would have had her into mine -arms; but she to be now in sweet dignity, and to keep me off with very -sober graces. And because of this, I to feel someway that I did be -someway in blame; and surely, now that I consider it, I can see that I -was something acted upon, even as had been the Maid; and so we two to -be; and a most human pair, as you to say; and somewhat both a-lack; but -indeed, we did be very wholesome, and in utter love each of the other; -and mayhap both then to perceive something of the sweet foolishness -within us that did be as yeast a-work in us; for I thought that Naani -did smile a little to herself. But, surely, this clear-seeing, to be but -for an odd time; and afterward we each again to earnestness in our way -with the other; but alway, even when we did make to show indifference, -we to be something troubled inwardly with sweet flashings of our -bewildered natures. - -Now, though I have shown you that I to know that I did be not utter free -of this most strange and natural foolishness; yet you to perceive that I -tell this only that I have utter truth of all things that did happen; -for, in verity, because that I was something subtly touched this way at -whiles, yet was this no full excusing of the Maid; though, in the same -moment, you to perceive, that there did be only the half of me to think -that she did need to be excused; for, in truth, mine understanding went -alway, in the main, with the workings of her nature; and had a natural -sympathy with her dear whimsies; but also, as you to know, I to be -stirred constant in my manhood by her naughty defyings; and to be -troubled in my Natural Sense, when that her whimsies made her to act -that she be likely to come unto aught of harm. - -And surely now you to see all the way of my heart, and to have -understanding in things that do follow. And alway you shall mind that I -did love her utter, and to crave alway that I be a shield unto her; -though truly, there doth be, mayhap, somewhat in me that doth act to -make me a little stern seeming in my love; but yet not oft so; as you do -know, that have gone with me in all my tellings. - -Now, we went then upon our journey; and the Maid to be somewhat before -me, and offward to the side, upon my right; and to have no speech with -me, but to make a good pace, and to be very dear and graceful as she -went. - -And now we did pass this thing of strangeness, and now that; and these I -did point out to her, and made some telling concerning the same, having -the memory of mine outward way, and how that I did see these things -then, when that I was all in suffering of so lonesome a doubt. - -And she to hark alway very intent, and to move her head nice and -intelligent, to show that she heard me; and once I saw that she lookt -sudden at me with a dear light in her eyes; but this to be done in a -moment, and she to be again silent-seeming and in her new perversity of -dignity. - -And surely she did seem so utter sweet in this new way of naughtiness; -but yet I did think, odd whiles, that I should like to shake her unto -dear humbleness and her usual way. - -And in the twelfth hour, we made halt again, and had our food and our -drink; and the Maid to serve me very clever and quiet, as that I did be -her Lord, and she an husht slave. And I saw that she made a constant and -naughty mock upon me; and truly, as I did half think, she to need that -she be in care that I not treat her sternly, as shall a slave-master, -and to give her that which she did ask for so mute and impudent. But -alway she did stir me mightily to have her to mine arms, and to love her -very dear. - -And presently, we did be again to our way; and to be yet silent; so that -I scarce knew whether to have patience with Mine Own, or whether that I -take her and speak seriously with her to cease this play, which did -begin a little to dispirit me somewhat strangely. - -And in the end I went over to her, as we did walk, and I put mine arm -about her, and she to yield to me without word, and to hark very quiet -to my speech of reasoning and gentle sayings, and to hide whether she -did be stirred inwardly, or not; though, indeed, my spirit to know that -her spirit did never be afar off from mine in all deep matters; but only -this thing to be to the top, and to set somewhat between us that did be -both a sweetness and a trouble. - -And alway, as I talked with the Maid, I saw that she did make naughtily -to act as that I did be a slave-master, and she but a chattel to me; for -she to be husht before me, and neither to yield her slender body willing -to mine arm, nor to resist me; but only to be still, as that she had no -saying in this matter; and as that I was like to beat her at my -pleasure, or to withhold my hand, all as might chance to be my desire. -And this I perceived was the shaping of her actions, so that all her -dumbness and her quiet obedience did be but a way to say this thing to -me; and all to have come from her love of me and that she did be shaken -in her nature by my manhood, and so to be but a new form of her -naughtiness, that did have this change when that I whipt her. - -And all this, you to perceive, that have gone with me. - -And I saw that she would not cease from this perverseness, but made a -dumb and naughty and hidden mock upon me, very dainty and constant, and -scarce to be truly perceived, save by the inward sense. And truly, I -grew something angered afresh, and to feel that she did need that she be -shaken so stern that she come unto the reality that I did be her man and -natural master; yet alway in love. - -And surely I loosed her then, and went off a pace to her side; and we -again to go forward thiswise; yet she soon to have a greater distance -between us, which she made very quiet and natural; but, indeed, I saw -what she did. - -Now, about the fourteenth hour of that journeying, I saw before us, in -the far distance, the rock upon which did be the olden flying ship, that -you shall remember. And presently, as we came more nigh, I lookt oft to -Mine Own; and I saw that she did be staring that way, and to be in -wonder; but yet to say naught to me. - -And soon, as we came very close, I did want that I tell her about the -ship, and of mine adventuring there, and of the wonder of that olden -ship, set there through Eternity. - -But in the first, I hesitated, as you shall think, because of her way; -but truly, my heart knew that her heart did be proper unto me; and, -moreover, I should be small in my nature, if that I let any pettiness -put a silence upon me; though, in verity, if that the Maid had not been -inwardly loving to me, I had been that I had told her no word; and this -to be very natural, whether it be of smallness or not. - -And when that we were come beside the great uprising rock, I made halt, -and the Maid to halt with me; and I showed her how that the thing upon -the rock did be an olden flying ship from the Mighty Pyramid. And in the -first, she askt no questions; but did be quiet and but to show with -little noddings that she did be greatly interest. - -And I to show to her how that this olden ship did be there mayhap an -hundred thousand years; and to have been there, as it did seem to us -(that were of that age) since the beginnings of the world; though, in -verity, our two spirits did know that the beginnings of That Age, did be -truly the ending of This, as you also to know. - -And much I told Mine Own, and afterward concerning the two Humpt Men -that did come after me; and she alway to be silent, until that I spoke -of the fight; but then to come round upon me very swift, and with a dear -light in her eyes; and had askt, before she did wot, whether they did -hurt me. - -And surely, this to have been the first thing of her olden sweet -naturalness that she did say for a great while, and I to be so in -delight, that I had her into mine arms, and kist her very loving, all -in a moment, and she to submit with a nice gladness, and to nestle unto -me, and all unwitting that she did be gone from her waywardness. - -Yet, in verity, she did be a naughty Maid; for she minded in an instant -that she did forget her pose unto me; and lo, her lips did be no more to -search unto mine, but to be as that they did be kist only of my will, -and she to have no more live nestling unto me, but only to be quiet in -mine arms. And I lookt into her face, and her lids to be down somewhat -over her pretty eyes, and she did look very husht and demure; so that -truly, I knew not whether to shake her or again to kiss her. - -But in the end I loost her, and made then that we go forward; yet, -indeed, she did rather stay awhile, to hark further concerning the olden -ship and of mine adventurings; but she did then to mind that she obey as -a slave shall obey; and truly, I did punish her, in that I told her no -more; but went forward at a good pace, and had some natural wonder how -that I deal with such a Maid, if that I spare to shake her. - -And surely, I thought then again that I leave her be, and so to have her -presently again to her old and natural way. - -Now, in a while, I lifted the Maid into mine arms, that I carry her, as -ever, through the last part of each journey, and so to have her never -over-tired for the morrow. And she for a moment to resist; but instantly -to give unto me, and to lie quiet in mine arms, as that she had no -saying in aught that did be done, but must alway obey. And, indeed, you -to see how dearly perverse she did be. - -And I went on then through four hours from that time, and lookt oft upon -every side, and walkt quietly; for truly we were come now into a part of -the Country where I did feel that there might be near some of the Humpt -Men. - -But I saw nowhere anything to put me in dread. - -And alway as we journeyed, there did seem a great stillness in all the -Country near about; and afar off the low mutter of the Great Fire-Hills, -in this place and that, and a drowse as of life and warmth about us, and -everywhere the air very rich and plentiful. - -And presently, when that we did be come down from that high place where -did be set the rock and the olden ship, we came in among the trees that -came very nigh to the shore for a great way; and oft as we did go, there -were clumpings of small fire-hills that did cast fire and noise; and oft -the roaring of monstrous springs a-boil; and then again the smell of the -woods about us, and oft still in odd places the low near sound of a -little fire-hill, that did burn, lonesome, in some clear space of the -woods, in this place and that; and afterward we to be gone onward again -into the dull low mutter that did be in all the air of that Country, and -that did but make a seeming of silence, because that it did be so far -and constant. - -Now, about the eighteenth hour I to note that the noise of the Great -Fire-Hills grew more loud; and I saw presently over the trees, afar -upward in the great night and gloom that did lie above, those two mighty -Fire-Hills that I did feel to make the earth tremble, in that part, upon -mine outward way. And surely I have told something of this before; and -you to remember, if that you but think a little moment. - -Now, it may appear strange that I speak thiswise of seeing the two Hills -of fire; as that I had perceived them sudden. But, indeed, I had been -long abled to see them both, yet to have had no attention to them, -because that they did be a great way off, and because they did be but -two Hills of fire, in a Country that did be plentiful with such. - -And, truly, I not to have said aught about them, only that our path did -take us now by their feet, and I to see them, as it were, newly; and to -have nice ease of heart to perceive how that they did be a wonder unto -the spirit and the brain for all time. - -For it did be as that the earth had a constant shaking within miles of -them, and that a monstrous force of nature did be in that place. But yet -there to be no desolation around, as you should think; but in all parts -a wondrous growing of trees and great plants in abundance. - -And the trees to grow upward upon the shoulders of the mountain; and -there to be no falling of hot rocks and ash, as you to think; but all -very sweet and wholesome, as that the mighty valley made a chimney to -the mountain, and mayhap to others, so that their waste, if that they -had such, did go free. But, indeed, you shall take no heed of this -explaining, save as an odd thinking that hath come to me, and to be -without foundation. And there to be no surety of the reason to this; -only that there did be no falling of ash in that part, as I do know. Yet -in other parts of that Country the Fire-Hills did make new mountains of -the matter that did come from them; but this not to be alway so; and -there to seem to my knowledge no cause to order why this did not be -constant; save that my guessings to be right, or naught to be blown from -some. But, indeed, I to be sure only of that which did be plain to mine -eyes. And mayhap there to be no mystery in the thing; but a score of -natural explainings, if that I did know, or had patience to think long -enough upon such. - -Now when that the eighteenth hour did be proper come, we to be anigh to -the great Hills, and there to seem nowise any danger of falling fire, so -that I sought about for a place for our slumber. - -And I found a cave in the side of a big rock; and the cave was dry and -comfortable, and had the mouth about a score feet above the earth. And -when that I had climbed and lookt well into the cave, I gave the Maid an -help, and had her safe into that place; and she then to prepare the -tablets and the water, the while that I brought up a boulder from below, -to set very light balanced in the mouth of the cave. And this I meant -for a signal to fall, if that any creature should climb upward into the -cave, while that we did sleep. And surely, you to know this plan; for I -did it before, as you to have learned. - -And the Maid sat near to me, and eat her tablets very quiet and with a -demure naughtiness; but yet to be also in wonder, and to gaze outward at -the Great Fire-Hills, and to be in awe, as I did know. - -And I put my half-anger and my play from me, and told her of mine -outward journeying, and how I did go by these same mighty Fire-Hills, -that did seem as mighty torches to light me in my search, and to have -held a new strangeness and wonder over my path. - -And she still to be silent, but yet to look at me twice or thrice with a -very dear and loving way; though she did hide her eyes in a moment, when -that she saw that I perceived her. - -And soon the Maid spread the cloak for our sleep; and while that she did -this, I lookt well about for any creature that might be anigh; and I had -an especial thought unto the Humpt Men; but, indeed, there was naught -living, unto my sight, and nowhere did I see anything to put me in fear -for our lives. - -And truly I had a great viewing from that place; for we did be in an -upward rock that stood in a high part, and the cave to be twenty good -feet aloft, as I have told; so that all made to set us in a lofty place. - -And the cave to look toward the two Mountains that did rise upward no -more than twelve good miles off from us, as I do think; and the Country -between to be somewise as a mighty park; for it was spread much about -the feet of the Great Fire-Hills, and did be bare in this place and -that, as that rock did make the earth naked there, or the falling of -some later fire to have wrought thus. And between the bare parts, there -went strange and romantic woods, seen mistily, and in parts the gleaming -of waters, as that hot lakes did be half shown among the broken forests. - -And presently the Land did go upward with a monstrous sweep, and was -then in great terraces in the height, and trees to grow very plentiful -upon the mountains, in sundry parts; and so those two Mighty Hills to go -upward to meet the everlasting night; and presently to show strange -uplands that did be seen very wondrous and queer in the light that did -glow from the vast glowing of the fire that did be a crown upon the -hills, that did seem in verity to be that they burned halfway between -that known world, and the lost olden world, that was mayhap two hundred -great miles above in the everlasting night and eternity of darkness. - -And I lookt upward for awhile, and was much held by the mighty uplands -that did be on high; yet did lie utter far below the burning crests of -the Mountains, and showed vague and sombre and dreadful seeming, because -that they did be so lost upward, and to have the mystery of the red -shining and of the shadows upon them, and to seem to slope far under the -great fires, but yet to be a place where no life should ever come, -because that they did be so monstrous a way upward beyond the great -shoulders of the Hills, the which did be themselves a huge way up. And -truly, I should give you somewhat of the affecting of those grim and -unknown Uplands, if that I said they did seem to my fancy to be a place -where a sorrowful thing might wander lost forever. But why I to think -this thing, how shall I say; and do tell it to you, only because that it -doth seem to hold in the thought the grimness and utter desolation of -those high and lonesome lands. - -And by this, I was done looking, and turned me about, and so did find -that Mine Own did stand silent, and waited that I come to my slumber. -And surely, I lookt at her; but she did have her lids something -downward, when that she saw me turn; and so in the end, I said naught, -but went to my sleep, and had the Diskos very handy, as ever, beside me. - -And I then to know that Mine Own did lie down beside me, to my back, as -alway, and this to gladden me, as you shall think; for I perceived -afresh how thin did be the crust of her naughtiness; and I to be alway -stirred and touched in the heart by her loving naturalness, that did -need alway that she be near to me, save when she did play this -naughtiness upon me along the way. - -And I saw that she had no mind to be perverse whilst that I did slumber; -but must now be nigh unto me, and quietly loving; though nowise truly -ceased from her naughty acting that I did be as an hard slave master, -because that I had whipt her; yet she to have somewhat a truce with me, -as my heart did know. But, indeed, she not to kiss me good-night upon -the mouth, in her dear usual and sober fashion. - -And surely I did lie awhile, and pondered upon the Maid and upon all her -ways; and I perceived that she kist me not, only because that she did -not be able to break utter from her perverseness, that did come from the -stirring of her nature. And truly, I did love her, and was half minded -that I turn about to her, and take her a moment into mine arms; but yet -to abide from this, because that I was set that I wait awhile, and to -bring her to me thiswise, mayhaps. - -And presently, I knew that the Maid kist mine armour, very quiet and -shy, because that she must kiss me; yet to be intent that I have no -knowledge of this pretty act. But, indeed, I did know in all my being, -and did be newly tender unto her; yet to say naught, and to wait. - -And thus I knew presently that her breathing did go easy, so that I -perceived that she was all content and gone over unto slumber, somewise -as a little child that doth be weary, and doth sleep without care, and -with happy assurance. - -And, in verity, did a man ever to have so sweet and gentle a maid, that -did be in the same time so troublous and perverse. - -And I to lie yet awhile, and to note the constant tremble and shake of -the rock that did be under us; and this to be alway thus as I did lie, -and to be the more plain, because that I did be quiet in thought. And -this, as I conceived, did come from the earth-shaking that was made by -the inward fire of the world, the which did make a vague trouble in all -that part of the Land. - -And then in a little, I was gone over into sleep, and waked not for -seven good hours; and then to hear the fizzing of the water, very brisk -and cheerful, and so to have mine eyes open in a moment, and to know by -my time-keeper or dial, that was somewhat like to a watch of this age, -that I had slumbered through seven good hours. But this to be learned -after that I had lookt to see whether Mine Own did be well, and whether -that the boulder did balance in the mouth-part of the cave. - -And surely, there did be nothing in harm; for the boulder was there, as -I did put it; and the Maid a little off from me, and did make ready the -water and the tablets, that we eat before our journeying. - -And I rose then, and in the same moment I did know that my mouth had -been kist whilst that I slept; and the knowing to come to me vague, as -that I had been kist in my dreams. - -And I lookt over toward the Maid; but she to have her lids something -down upon her eyes, and to seem very demure; so that I saw her -naughtiness was come again upon her. Yet, truly, I could not bear that I -not to have her into mine arms; for, indeed, her perverseness did seem -as that she did the more tempt me unto her. And thus I came to her in a -moment; but she neither to resist me, nor to give herself unto me; but -only to be still in mine arms, and to do no more than submit very quiet. - -And because of this, I loost her unkist, and was silent, and a little to -be angered, even whilst that my heart perceived the way of the working -of her heart. Yet truly I ached now that she come back to her dear -natural fashion. - -And I eat my tablets and drank some of the water; and the Maid to do -likewise. - -And afterward, I lookt well from the mouth of the cave; but did nowhere -see aught to put me in trouble for our safety, though, truly, as -presently I saw, there went an herd of strange creatures afar off in the -Northwestward part, which did be that way of the Country, beyond the -feet of the mountains, toward the In-Land. - -Now, when that I was something assured of the safeness of the way, I gat -the Diskos to my hip, and the Maid to have the scrip and the pouch ready -to my back, and her bundle to her hand; and so all to be ready. - -And I went downward from the cave, when that I was girt, and gave aid to -Mine Own; and so to be soon upon the journey. - -And surely, as we went onward, and I to look about me with -different-seeing eyes from my looking on mine outward way, I to see how -wondrous this part of the Land did be; and how that it did be truly like -a great and wondrous park, that did be made of the skill and labour of -godlike things; and truly this to show my feeling, as I lookt all-ways. -And all that part did be bred of the inward forces of the world, and did -be burned clear in this place, and upheaved in that, and made to an hot -lake in another part; and odd whiles there to go a great steam fountain, -that did whistle a lonely song forever. And anon there to be a small -wood, and again a wood; and oft the quietness of great and strange -trees, that did stand alone. And here, and in that part, a little -fire-hill, that did be surely no greater than an house, and we to pass -seven of these in but three hours. And two to glow very steadfast, and -to make no vigour of burning; but the five others did burn very strong, -and sent out a smoke and ash, and made a small desolation all about -them; and of these five, there did be one that cast stones oft and -again, so that they went upward with a strange loud noise, and fell in -this place and that, all about, so that we came downward more nigh to -the shore, that we be a good way off. - -And here, as I do mind, there was a strangeness, in that there did be -many trees that had stones set in the branches; and this to be plainly -the work of the little fire-hill; and I to think it but something new -come, else surely there had been no trees within all that space that it -did throw; but yet, mayhap, I am wrong in this; for all things did seem -that they grew very easy in that Country; and indeed this to be for -surprise to me, only that I saw it with mine own eyes, as we do say. - -And alway as we did go, there were signs of inward life and forces; so -that we but to stand quiet to feel that the earth did tremble gently in -many parts. - -And presently there sounded for a great while a low and dull booming -sound; and this we found to be from a place amid certain great rocks -toward the mountains; for there came thence a mighty up-spouting of -boiling water, that went so high as an hundred feet, and oft to be -thrice so high, and belched a great steam; and there went up in the jet -of the water, a great rock, that was so big as an house, and did dance -and play in the might of the water, as that it had been no more than a -thing very light and easy. And when that the water fell, as it did oft, -the rock to go downward with the dull booming that we did hear. - -And I minded how that I had heard the booming upon mine outward way; but -had been then something more to the shore, so that it had been less -plain to mine ears, as you shall suppose; neither had it been then to my -sight, as now it did be to us because that we were come mayhap the half -of a mile more toward the In-Land of the Country. - -And truly, we lookt awhile at this huge great fountain and up-boiling, -and came nearer unto it; but yet to be a large space off, because of -the way that it did throw out a spattering of small stones odd whiles. -And surely the thing did cough and roar in the deep earth, and anon to -gruntle gently and to sob and gurgle; and lo! to come forth in a moment -with a bellow, very hollow and strange, and the great rock to go -spinning upward, and all a-shine in the light from the volcanoes, and -was so round as a monstrous ball, and polished by the fret of the -waters, so that I saw it had surely danced in the great jet through a -weary time. - -And anon the jet to cease and to go downward with a great soughing and -thundering of waters, and the dancing rock to fall downward from that -height which did show very huge, now that we did be come so near. And -the rock surely to fall backward into some deep pit, whence came the -waters, and as it fell, there was again the dull booming. But why the -rock brake not, I could not perceive, save that it did alway fall into a -boiling up of waters, and had no hurt from the rock of the place whence -it was come. - -And the Maid and I both to have stood a while, that we stare at this -thing; for it did be more strange than I have made you to know; but now -I did make to our journey again, and did think the Maid followed; but -lo! in a moment, when that I lookt, she was to my back, and went toward -the great boiling fountain. Then I stopt very swift, and called to her; -but she did take no heed of me, and went onward very naughty, unto the -danger of the great boil of the Jet, and the constant flying out of the -stones, that you do know. - -Now, even as I stood and lookt, the Maid drew nigh to the place where -the water did thunder; and the Jet in that moment to bellow, so that I -knew it came upward again. And I ran then after the Maid, and she to see -me, and began likewise to run from me toward the monstrous fountain; and -surely I did think that I had done well if that I had whipt or beat her -proper before this time; for truly it did be as that her naughtiness had -gone nigh unto somewhat that did be near to a wayward madness, so that -as I did perceive all her nature did surely work in her toward some deed -that should be for regret; and this to come, because that she did be -something pusht from her dear balance by her loving, and by the acting -of my manhood upon her, so that her nature both to be in rebellion -against me and to need me, and all in the same time. And this-way, she -to be in an inward turmoil, and to be ready foolishly that she put in -danger her beloved life, if only thereby she to make me something -adrift, and in the same moment to have some ease of her perverseness. -And, in verity, you to know all this, because that I have shown the -working of her heart to you before this time. - -Now, I caught the Maid among the great rocks, which did stand all about; -and before her there did be a monstrous pit whence came the upbursting -of the water; and the water to go upward before our faces in a mighty -column, so that it did be as that a sea shot up on end, into a pillar of -living water, and went upward forever, as it did seem in that moment. -And how we should be saved, I knew not, for the water did be as that it -overhung us, and should come down upon us and smother us in one moment, -forever. And the roar was in our ears and shook all the air of that -place with sound, as of an harsh and dreadful thunder; and there was a -scalding of beaten water, as fine as an haze, all about us. - -And I had the Maid in one instant into mine arms, and I ran very swift, -with a fierce running, that I have her away speedy, and so made forlorn -trial that I save her life. And lo! as I went from under that huge and -dreadful overhang of the great waters, there came downward from the -height a great stone that had been cast by the Jet, and it burst upon -the rock to my back, and certain of the flinders did strike and ring -upon mine armour, and made me to stagger as I ran. But I held the Maid -crowded safe against my breast, and she did not be hurt; and truly I was -yet able to run, and did save Mine Own, and brought her out from under -that grim Spouting. - -And I put the Maid down then to her feet; and she not to know how near -that she had given us to death, neither of the way that the fragments -did strike me; for she laughed very naughty and gleeful. But truly I -laughed not; for my heart had been nigh husht with terror for her; so -that I did be yet sick in my spirit, and mayhap also something shaken by -the blows that I gat from the broken stone. - -And, in verity, I to have meant that I flog her, very sharp, if that -there be no other way that I might bring her to reason; for, in surety, -as you to see, she to be acting so wild as a child, and so unreasoning -as only a Maid-in-love; and I to know that she did have to be brought -back from this way of spirit, even though I have to hurt her pretty -body, that I bring her again to her dear natural wiseness. - -Yet, indeed, I could not whip her then, because that she did laugh so -joyous, though with a naughty heart, and did look so wondrous dainty, so -that even her defyings did but seem that which my heart desired. And -you, mayhap, to have been something likewise in the love-days. Yet I -pled and reasoned with her to be a wise maid; but, indeed, she only to -make a gleeful mock of all that I did say. - -Now I went forward again, for I was not harmed by the stone, only that I -did be shaked, as you shall think. And the Maid to go offward from me, -and to sing, and did oft dance naughtily as she went. But truly, I did -be silent with her, for I was but human, and did lack that she come to -mine arms, and love me, because that I had pluckt her safe from that -place. And, indeed, this to be but a natural desiring; and you to have -understanding with me, and to know that you also to have this lack and -need, if that you to have done aught for love of your maid, and she to -deny you a word of loving tenderness. - -Yet, in verity, I to be even then able to perceive with mine inward -senses, how that the Maid did have a wondrous up-pouring of love for me, -but yet did be so perverse, and the more so, mayhap, because that her -love did so urge her unto loving admittings that I did be her Man. And -she, maybe, to have meant that she be the more humble presently, but yet -to go naughtily awhile more, and not, indeed, to have had the power -within her at that time, to have come unto me, and cast off her -waywardness, and askt that she be in mine arms, as all my heart did -desire. - -And so, as I have told, I went silently, and mayhap with a little -dullness, that did be part of anger and part of hurt and part of that -same strange love-foolishness from which the Maid did suffer. And truly, -this doth be very contrary-seeming, only that you have seen my heart; -and all indeed the more human, that it doth be so contrariwise to the -brain-reason; and all to be desired, else did a man be no better than an -ant or a weariful machine. - -And this to be truth and wholesomeness as you shall perceive, if that -you look deep enough, and do modify Reason with heart-understanding; -for, in verity, how shall that which we call Reason, bring any to the -full and the great knowledge. And this doth be a power of holy things, -and doth be a child that is born of Love and Reason, and in the one to -hold the two, and to know all things is the gift of this power; so that -no man may walk truly that hath only the first, neither any man do utter -wise that hath only the second. - -And surely, I to cease from these thoughts, and to my tellings; and you -to your harkings and dear sympathy. - -Now, when the sixth hour did be come, we made a halt and eat and drank, -and afterward went onward again, and so came presently clear of the two -monstrous fire-hills; and their great noise to be presently to our rear, -and likewise that quiet country that did be round their feet, and did -seem so utter husht and strange and doubly so, because of the upward -noise of the mountains, and because of the slow and subtle earth-shaking -that did be so constant, and because of all those things that I have -told. - -Now, when we had made halt, the Maid had done her hair very uncomely -upon her head, and had lookt slyly to see whether I did note; but truly, -I took no heed; so that in the end she had it again in a pretty fashion, -and did sing naughtily and with an heart of mischief, as she did shape -it loose and wondrous nice about her head. - -And I still to have no word for her; neither to show that I did watch -her with love and somewise a quaint pleasure of her perverseness, even -whilst that I did strive by silence and an aloofness that I bring her to -my side, as she did be in the first days; for truly I did ache that she -be near unto me, and to cease from her waywardness that did put a -distance of spirit between us, as you to perceive. - -And so we did go forward again, as I have told, and the Maid did strive -that she make me to give attention to her naughtiness, for she did walk -alway offward from me, and did sing aloud, and truly they did be songs -strange unto me, but yet to be of love, and much as the songs of this -Age; for, truly, there doth be but one song upon all the earth, and she -but to sing it in diverse ways. - -And she did oft to make little glancing toward me, and did pout very -pretty; and in a moment come something toward me, as that she did be -humble, and would be forgiven; but all to be in a naughty mockery; so -that, in verity, I lookt not at her, save odd whiles; but did go forward -alway, and made as that I had no heed of her doings. - -And surely this did presently to stir her to a new defying and to a -pretty anger; for she did sing other songs of impudence, that she did -fit very clever about me; and this way to have a constant impertinence. - -And so we did go, and I never to speak with the Maid, but to wonder when -that she cease, or how long it should be ere that I did run swift to her -and have her into mine arms, that I shake her and kiss her, all as my -heart did desire. - -And when that the twelfth hour did be come, we made halt again and eat -and drank; and the Maid to serve me very intent, and hand me the water, -the while that she went down upon her knee, as a slave; but when I would -have laughed gently at her mockings, and taken her into mine arms, she -went from me very sudden and cold, and was afterward silent and did sit -apart from me. - -Now I also did be silent, and in the first because that I was a little -pained, and also because that I did be new touched with the -love-foolishness that did trouble Mine Own. - -But afterward, I ceased from these feelings, and did be intent to -another matter; for it did seem to my spirit that there was some danger -anigh to us; and I had a thought of the Humpt Men, and lookt well about, -and did beckon the Maid to come nigh, because that the trees did be -plentiful thereabout, to hide any creature. - -But Mine Own came not over to me, so that I loosed the Diskos from mine -hip, and went that I be nigh to her. And she made that she saw me not; -but did set the gear together, and had it presently a-ready for the -journey, the while that I did look all-ways among the trees; but indeed -I saw naught. - -And when that I had the gear upon me, and the Maid her bundle, we went -forward again; and I to be very wary, and bid the Maid keep close to my -side; but indeed, she would not obey, and went offward among the trees, -so that I was all an-haunted with dread for her, and ran and caught her, -and talkt wisely with her; but indeed she did not hark to me; but did -run off in the moment that I loost her. - -And I caught her again, and I took one of the straps from around the -Scrip and the Pouch, and set it about her pretty waist, and the end I -held in my hand, and so had her to obey me in this thing which did be -needful to her safety. - -And the Maid to go with me very husht for two great hours, and I alway -to look well about. And in the end of that time, the Maid did begin to -sing impudently, and I did ask her that she be a quiet maid, lest that -she bring danger upon us; but she to be the more impudent. - -And lo! as I did strive that I look all-ways, lest any harm did come -upon us, and in the same moment to reason Mine Own from her pretty -folly, she did grow very husht, so that I lookt round upon her in an -instant. And truly, she had cut the strap with her belt-knife, and did -run away very swift among the trees. And surely my heart did slow a -little in my breast, because that there did seem something a-move in the -dark of the shadows, where the trees did grow thick, and the Maid did -run that way in her foolishness and waywardness. - -And I ran hard after the Maid, and did call her, not over-loud, lest I -bring somewhat upon her; but she to have no heed, and to run very light -and swift, so that I caught her not for the half of a minute, as it -might be; for she was gone ahead, and I did be a little cumbered with -mine armour. - -And lo! when I caught her, I shook her, and pointed inward among the -trees, for it did seem even then to me that something moved there; but -she to struggle in my hand a moment, and afterward to be still, and to -ask with an insolence and a defiance whether that I did mean to flog my -chattel, the which she did call herself in her naughtiness. - -And, in verity, ere I did know, she had twist from me, and did run with -a true wickedness straight toward that place where somewhat had seemed -to be a-move. And I ran then with all my strength, and with a fearful -and an anxious heart. And because I put all my strength to the matter, I -caught the Maid in a moment, ere she did be gone any way; and she again -to fight to be gone from me. But I took her into mine arms, very strong, -and I ran outward from that place where the trees made a darkness. - -And surely, when I was come again to where the trees did be more spare, -I saw that I was come nigh to that river which I crost on the raft, as -you shall mind; and truly I did be glad, and to feel safe in a moment. -Yet I was firm now to my purpose; for I set the Maid to the earth upon -her feet, and kept my hold very sure upon her; for I did mean that I -whip her, before that her love-foolishness bring her needless unto -death. - -And I took the belt from her pretty waist, for it did be but a light -strap, and I whipt her very sharp over her shoulders with the belt. And, -truly, she did make to nestle unto me in a moment, as that other time -when that I whipt her; but I stayed her from this, and I set the belt -thrice more across her shoulders, very sharp, so that she to learn -wisdom at once, and I to be free for ever of this need to pain her, -which did hurt me very strange. - -And the Maid to stand very quiet, now that I did keep her from coming -unto me; and her head did be something bent, so that I knew not whether -I did mayhap have flogged her over-hard; for I did be something lacking -in knowledge whether that a maid be very easy hurt. - -And I stooped and lookt into her face; and lo! she did be smiling -naughtily, and kist me in a moment very saucy upon the mouth, ere I did -be aware; and afterward, she laughed and made try to make a bitter mock -upon me, and askt when that I should be pleased to cease from whipping -my chattel; for that then she should run away immediately into the wood, -and to trust the Humpt Men that they protect her from me. - -And surely, I lookt at her very grave; for I perceived that she did not -truly jest, but made to anger me, and did be half in a strange anger -herself, and something adrift; for she had not been whipt enough, but -only to stir her rebellion utterly. And I saw that if she be not set -right then, ere she leave my hand, she to be like to have some new -foolishness that should take her unto her death, even as she had come -overnear already, as you to know. And this to be because that her nature -did be stirred so that her natural wiseness was all overset, and she to -be that she do aught of unwisdom that should come to her, because of her -pretty love-foolishness, which did now be made the more strong, by -reason of the half-rising of her anger. - -And this way, as I have known, I perceived that, for her dear sake, I -should not let my lovingness weaken me in that moment. And, in verity, I -shifted my hand and loosed the fastenings of her garment, so that her -pretty shoulders did be bared. And her face to change sudden, and she -lookt up at me an instant, with a little gasp; so that I knew she did be -all unbroken, as was mine intent; but she did not yet have learned -deeply in her heart, all that I was minded that she to learn; for even -in that moment, she made a sound that showed she did try to mock me; but -truly, she did not know in that instant whether to mock or to weep; -though she did try to suppose that she had yet an heart for mockery. - -And I set the belt thrice across her pretty shoulders, where they did be -bared; and surely the blows did be very stern and sharp. And lo! in one -moment Mine Own broke into an utter weeping, so that I took her instant -into mine arms, and did hold her strong and gentle against mine armour. -And she to be as a child in mine arms, and did sob very strange and -bitter, as that she did be all undone in the heart. - -And presently she did be quiet in mine arms; though I to feel how she -did yet tremble; and she did cling tight unto me, and her face to be -against mine armour. - -And afterward, when that she had ceased to tremble, I kist her, and -surely her mouth did be very humble, and her lids to be downward, and -she to be something pale. And she then to be awhile more in mine arms, -very quiet; and so to come unto her dear self. And lo! presently, she to -want to kiss me of her own accord; and she put up her lips, very sweet -and as a loving maid, that I kiss her. And surely I kist her, with an -humble and a masterful love; and a strange pain to be about my heart, as -you shall suppose; but yet my heart and my reason both to approve mine -action; and the Maid to be but the more mine own, and to have come again -to her dear natural wisdom. - -Yet, as you shall know, there to be for a long while a strange and mixed -pain, in my bosom, both dreadful and tender, because that I had been so -stern with Mine Own Maid; so that even while that my heart and my reason -did approve me, my heart to make somewhat of reproach. And this to have -been someways of foolishness; but yet human of our Nature, and an -wholesome trouble to the spirit, if that this troubling be not allowed -to shape our actions to any harmful weakness. - -Now, in a while, the Maid did come to composedness, and to be very -gentle and sweetly natural. And she made presently that she would have -me to loose her; and afterward, she turned her back to me, even as a -dear child, that I fasten her garment again upon the shoulders. And she -did be both shy and glad, and humble, and in dainty pride of submission, -and utter Mine Own. And surely, as I did this thing for her, I perceived -that she lookt with a great shyness at the belt which did be yet in my -hand. And when that I had made an end of fastening her garment, she did -nestle unto me for a while, and afterward stood away and made shyly to -show me that I put her belt again about her pretty waist. And I saw that -she did be somewhat a-lack yet that she touch the belt, because that I -had whipt her with it. - -And truly you to perceive how her heart did be in this matter; but if -you not to know, then how shall I to tell you; and do but bid you ask -your own maid; though, in verity, she to be like that she but laugh at -you, and leave you so wise as you be now; for the way of the heart of a -maid doth be most hid to the maid, and she but to know the desire, and -to lack the ending. But truly she doth know when that a man shall set -the truth of her heart before her. - -Now, when I had buckled the belt very nice again about Mine Own, we went -backward a space, until that we found the bundle, which she had dropt, -when that she ran off from me. And I saw also the portion of the strap, -which she cut; and so all to be found. - -And we went then at a good speed toward the river; for I was still -minded regarding the seeming of movement which there had been among the -trees; and very wishful that we have a raft made with haste, so that we -might come to the little island, where I did sleep before, upon the -outward way, as you shall remember. And I thought to have our slumber -again in that place, and to make that day's journeying something short, -because that the island was near, and a good and safe place for our -sleeping. - -And I told the Maid concerning the island; and she to be in great -delight and interest, because that it did be one of those halts of mine -outward going, and did be all eager as a child, when that I said we -should truly have need of a raft to come to the island. - -And we came downward to the shore of the river, and, indeed, there did -be those two same trees, that had been my raft, there upon the shore of -that place. And I showed these to Mine Own, and truly she did nigh to -weep upon them, because of her dear emotions and love, and did cut a -small branch therefrom, with her belt-knife, and put the branch where -she did put the piece of bark; and this to be for a remembrance and an -after-delight and pondering. - -Now we lookt well in all parts, that we find some other small tree that -should be fallen; and the Maid did climb a rock that did be near, with a -flat top, so that she might search out around. - -And presently she cried out to me that there did be a tree to our -purpose, and but an hundred paces away; and she to go with me to show -me, and to aid, if need be; but, indeed I carried the tree very easy, -and had it with the others; and afterward, we went about again for -branches, and these I cut from live trees, using the Diskos with care -and wiseness. - -And with these branches to be for cross-pieces, and our belts and the -straps for binders, I set the trees together into a raft, and made it -pretty good for our need, and so that no monstrous thing in the river -should have chance to snap upward between the trees at my dear One. - -And when the raft was done, I gat it to the water, and the Maid did lend -her strength; for the thing was heavy, as you shall think. And when this -was done, I pushed a sharp branch downward into the shore, and I hookt a -branch of the raft about this mooring, and so did be nigh ready for the -voyage. - -But first I did need a pole to push the raft, and did wonder now where -the other did be gone, that I cut upon the outward way; for I had set -the pole with the two trees, as I did mind, having some vague thought -that mayhap I should live to come that way again. - -And I had a little strange unease that the pole did be gone; but scarce -to know that I did be troubled, yet to set me to a new haste. And I bid -the Maid put the scrip and the pouch and her bundle secure upon the -raft; and in that time I lookt well about for a sapling tree that should -do my purpose. And I saw that there grew an odd one a little to the side -of the flat-topt rock that the Maid had lookt from; and whilst that I -cut it, the Maid did come to watch, and made pretty chatter in the time -that I trimmed the branches away. - -And lo! whilst that I did be part divided in mine attention between her -dear talk and my work and an haste that did be born of that little -unease that was come upon me, my spirit to seem to be aware that there -came a danger anigh to us; and the Maid to have this same knowing; for -she ceased her speech, and lookt at me with somewhat of trouble. And lo! -in that moment, as I balanced the pole in my hands, there came the noise -of a sudden bounding to our backward part, where the trees did grow -something anigh. - -And I turned, instant, and lookt; and behold! there did be upon us an -Humpt Man, very lumpish and mighty; and he stretched out his hands, and -ran at me. And I had no time to the Diskos, which did be upon the earth -to my feet; and I smote the Humpt Man with the point of the pole that -did be in my hands, and the point took him very strong and horrid in the -breast, and entered in, so that the Humpt Man gave out a strange -howling, that did be half seeming of an animal and half of an human. And -he clutched at the pole that did so hurt him, and I stoopt very swift -for the Diskos, and had it in a moment. And the Humpt Man tore the pole -out of his breast, and in the same instant I ript him from the head -downward, so that he did be nigh in two halves; for I had no mercy in -mine act, even though my heart did be something sorry. - -Now, even as the man died, there did be a sound of running in the wood -before me; and lo! I turned very speedy to the Maid, and she was there -to my back, and had her belt-knife drawn in her hand; for she had it in -her bosom, where she had put it when that I took her belt for the raft. - -And I caught the Maid about the waist with my left arm, and was come -with her to the top of the rock in two great houndings. And I set her -there upon the rock, and turned again to the way I came and swung the -Diskos free; for indeed, I had seen that there did come a number of the -Humpt Men among the trees. - -And there came running from the wood, mayhaps a great score of the Humpt -Men; so that it did seem to me that we did be going to die; for how -should one stand against so many, and they so quick and strong, as you -shall mind. - -Yet, in verity, I had no despair; but did be mixt in the heart with a -great fear for Mine Own, and a strange and exulting gladness that I -should do that day some deed for Mine Own Maid; and truly this to be the -pomp of love and the heart-cry of the barbarian, as you shall say. And -this maybe; but truly I did be proper human, and to make no excuse -because that I was natural; neither have I hid anywheres aught that I -did think and feel. - -And whether that you approve or not, if that you condemn me, you to -condemn all Humanity, and to have vain words and vain regrettings; for -these things that be named for faults, do but be the complement of our -virtues, and if that you slay the first, you may chance to wither the -last; for now I speak of things as they be now, and as they did be then; -and nowise of lovely ideals that do live chief in the mind, and so much -in mine as any, as you to know, if that you have gone with me all along -my way. - -And surely, I must cease from my thinkings, and go forward with my -telling; for the Humpt Men did come forward at a wondrous quick run, and -did swarm upward on to the rock, as that they did be panthers; and they -made no outcry; but came silent to the killing; and I saw that they did -be something smaller than he that I had but then slain. And, in verity, -I did be all knit in that moment with speed and cleverness; for I split -the heads of three, with but quick turns of my wrist, as I did wield the -Diskos. And I kicked the face of another, in the same time, with my -metal boot, so that he died; for there did be all my strength and all my -skill working then for our salvation. - -Now all this to have been done in but a few beats of the heart, as I -might say; and these men to have been in the front of the attacking. Yet -there did be no space to have breath; for there leaped three more of the -Men upon the rock; and one smote me with a great piece of rock that he -carried, so that mine armour did seem as that it crackt, and I to be -driven backward upon the Maid; yet had slain one of the Humpt Men, even -in that moment. - -And surely, my dear One caught me in her arms, behind, and steadied me, -so that I fell not; and I slew the Humpt Man with the rock, even in that -moment whilst Mine Own held me, as he came again to strike me. And I -then to be firm again upon my feet, and did spring at the third of the -Humpt Men; and surely there was no room that he should be able to avoid -me, even did that be his intent; and he came at me with a great leap. -And I stood strong, looking clearly to my work; and I swung the Diskos -with both my hands, and the blow took the Humpt Man in the middle part, -and split him, whilst that he did be yet leaping. And in that instant -there reached over the edge of the rock, two of the Humpt Men, and gat -me by the feet; so that I was pulled sudden to my back very hard and -bitter; and this to be done, even whilst that the body of the Humpt Man -did be yet in the air. And the body came forward over me, and did be -utter dead already, and fell down upon the rock beyond me, and rolled -horridly and went over the edge of the rock. - -And I did be all shaken and something bemused by the hardness of my -fall; and the hands of the two Humpt Men pluckt me sharp to the edge of -the rock, the while that I did strike vaguely to wound them; but did -only chip the rock, and fortunate that I harmed not the weapon. - -And lo! in the moment that they had been like to have me downward to -the earth into their midst, I to make a good stroke, for I cut the -shoulder of one very dreadful, so that he loosed me; and immediately, I -kicked very fierce with my freed foot, and surely I nigh crushed the -hand of that other with my metal boot; and he likewise to cease from -dragging upon me. - -And immediately, I knew that Mine Own did be helping me that I get -instant to my feet again; for I was yet something dazed. - -And there came then a rush of the Humpt Men up the rock; and truly it -did be a glad thing for our lives that they might come up only upon but -one side; for the other sides did be utter steep and smooth worn; and -this to have been unto our saving, as you shall think. - -And I stood up to the rush of the Humpt Men, and did smite hard at them, -with a quick circling of the Diskos, so that the great weapon did glow -and roar. And they gave back from the blaze and the sound of the Diskos; -and surely then I ran in upon them, whilst that they did be something -bewildered; and I gat the foremost man full upon the head, so that he -did be dead before he did know what thing happened. Yet, in verity, this -did be a dread moment to me; for the Humpt Men leaped in at me upon -every side in an instant of time; and I did be struck upon my head-piece -and upon my back and breast with the stones that certain of them did -carry, so that I rockt as I stood, and did near to swoon, and mine -armour to be all dint and bent upon me, and I truly to seem that I had -come to the time of my dying. - -And lo! in that moment of time, there did come to my dazed sense a low -and bitter cry of anguish from the Maid; and this to set all my life -aglow in me. And, in verity, there went a strange greyness of fury -before mine eyes, and I then to fight as I did never fight before; and I -did smite as it did seem forever. And the greyness did ease from mine -eyes, and the Maid did have her arms about me as I stood, and the dead -Men to lie heapt upon the rock, and Mine Own to steady me, for I did be -near slain and the blood did go from me, and mine armour was all broke -upon me by the smitings of the sharp stones. - -And I lookt something slowly upon Mine Own; and she to know that I would -ask whether that she did be harmed anywise; and she to be very brave -with me, and to tell me that she did be well; and she to be all slain in -the heart, because that I did be so hurt; but truly I had fought a good -fight, and did lack only to know that she come to no harm. Now my wits -did come back into me very soon; but I did be utter weak, and scarce to -stand; so that I did mind only that I get Mine Own safe unto the raft, -and to put off then from the shore. - -And I walkt slow to the edge of the rock, and lookt well about, that I -learn whether the Humpt Men did be all gone away; and the Maid did -steady me. - -And lo! there came up in that instant the last of the Humpt Men, and -they were five and did creep very stealthy, that they have me in -surprise. And I loost from the Maid, for I saw that I must come upon -them whilst that I had any strength left in my body; and they now to -leap upward unto me, so that I gat the first upon the head, and he to go -backward dead; but truly I did be more weak than I knew; for I swayed -upon the edge of the rock, and sudden I went downward to the earth; and -did be there upon my knees, and my back to the rock. - -And, in verity, the Humpt Men did come in upon me very swift; yet did -they give back from the Diskos, which I swung to and fro, so speedy as I -might, for my weakness, which did be so utter that I could nowise come -to my feet to stand. - -And Mine Own came down swiftly from the rock, and ran past the Humpt -Men, and I to make that I shout to her to go to the raft; but truly I -had no voice in my body, and did be dumb and weak, and did know that I -should be gone forever from Mine Own in a little moment, and she to have -none to protect her, neither to know the way of our journey, save by -reason. - -And behold! Mine Own did shout to the Humpt Men, and I perceived that -she made to draw them after her; for she ran to and fore and did shout -continually. But, indeed, the Humpt Men had no heed of her; but did make -alway to come at me; and surely, in that moment, one of the Humpt Men -reached me, and smote me so shrewd that sure he nigh crackt his -monstrous hand upon mine armour, and did drive me backward upon the -rock, and to make me bleed afresh, so that I was all in a daze and near -swooned away. And the Humpt Man caught at the Diskos; yet, in verity, he -loost it on the instant, for it did burn and shake him very sore; and -immediately, he smote me again, and so made to end me. - -And lo! in that moment, the Maid ran right in among the Humpt Men, and -she struck the man that strove with me, and drove her belt-knife once -and again through his arm, very savage and determined. And surely, the -man turned upon her, and he caught her by her garments, and he ript her -two garments utter from her, so that they came away and she did be free. -And behold, mine utter despair for her did give me a new strength, so -that I shouted to her that she run instant to the raft; and I cut the -Humpt Man in twain, and did fall back then into a part swoon against the -rock. And lo! the Maid ran out from the Humpt Men; but they neither to -know whether that they follow her or that they come in upon me; and as -they did pause, she to call to them, and to try that she tempt them from -me toward the wood; for she had no thought of her life, but only that -she free me and save me; and I too weak even to have power to command -her to the raft; and she, truly, to have no heed to such command, even -did I thus to call again. And there I did be, half-gone out from this -life, and lookt at her with eyes that did scarce wot, save as in a -dream. - -And lo! the Humpt Men ceased sudden that they heed her; and the three -that did be left came very sly unto me, and with slowness and cunning; -for they wotted not whether I did be dead, or but a-wait for them. And -the Maid perceived that they came not after her; and she let out a great -cry that did be distant-seeming in my dulled ears, and came back, naked, -and running very swift. And she ran by me as death should run, white and -silent and her face set unto despair, and her eyes utter intent. And she -struck her belt-knife into the shoulder of the near Humpt Man; and the -Man howled and turned, and she did leap to the side, and the Humpt Man -ran at her. But lo! she leaped again this way and that, and utter -silent, and so quick as a light doth seem to dance all ways in a moment. -And the two other Men did join with the first, that they catch her; and -behold! she went about, and did run right away among the trees, and the -three Men did come after her, running very lumbersome, yet with a great -speed. - -And the Maid had the knife in her hand, and I knew that she did mean to -slay herself presently, when that she could run no more; and in that -moment it seemed that my heart burst; for that I should never more see -Mine Own Maid forever. And there came some power of movement into me, -and I came forward from the rock and fell over upon my face. And I gat -again to my knees, and began that I creep after the Maid, and I did -shout in whispers, for my voice had no more power to call. And the Maid -went from my sight among the trees, as a far white figure, that did run -very swift, and was presently lost utter to my sight; and the Humpt Men -did go after; yet even in my weakness, I perceived that two did go -something clumsy, as that they had been hurt in the fight; and they to -be the rearward of the chasing; but he that the Maid did cut with the -knife was to the fore, and did run very strong; and surely they were all -gone inward of the trees with a dreadful speed, and were lost from me. -And the world did become sudden an Emptyness and a great Horror, and -there was no sound in all the Earth, as it did seem. And I knew that I -was come to my feet, and did run toward the trees, and the Diskos did -trail from mine arm by the hold-buckle; and the ground did be as that it -moved and shifted under me, and I not to feel where I trod, but did only -peer desperate and lost among the trees; and, as I to know now, I heard -my voice calling strangely; and afterward there was a thundering in mine -ears, and I came downward upon my face. - -And I did know presently that I was alive, and there to be some dreadful -terror at my heart; and surely I did remember and sickened and gat my -head from the ground. And I lookt among the trees; but there did be -nothing, and everywhere there did be a strange silence and a dimness of -unreal seemings. And I knew that Mine Own was gone from me, and had -surely died. And the earth did be all stained about me with my blood, -and I did be utter glad; for I to need death. - -And I swooned again and was lost to my pain; but did live presently to -know. - -And there was a little strength come into me, and I gat my head up -somewhat from the ground, and did peer among the trees; and my head did -be too heavy, and my face came against the earth once more. And because -that I could not hold up my head, I rolled my head a little, until that -my cheek did be to the ground, and I to look thiswise, so well as I -might; but there did be nothing; and afterward, I rolled my head again -to the other cheek, and so to stare very weak and desperate, and not -abled to look proper to my front. And lo! there went something among the -trees, and did show white in the gloom of the wood; and did come through -the trees. And I not to believe in the first that I did truly see aught; -and sudden I to know that I saw somewhat. And behold! my heart did bound -in me, so that all my body did waken; for I knew that Mine Own Maid did -run slow and staggering toward me, through the wood. And I did be now -upon my knees and upon my hands, and did begin again to creep and to -bleed; and did make little callings to Mine Own, that had no sounding. - -And Mine Own drew nigh, and did rock and stagger, and did strike anon -against the trunks of the trees, as that she did be gone near blind with -her running. And in a moment she saw me, and that I did yet live and did -come unto her; and she made a strange and loving crying unto me, with a -great gladness and with an utter weakness. - -And she came running, and was lost with faintness, and did sway this way -and that, stumbling; and she went sudden to the earth, and did be still. - -And I crept onward so speedy as I might, and the earth to seem alway as -that it moved from my hands, and to slide; and this-seeming to be of my -weakness; for my hands and my knees went everyway, and my head to be -that it kept nodding forward very stupid to the earth. - -And lo! as I came anigh unto the Maid, where she did lie so quiet, I saw -that something moved in the wood, and was running. And truly it did be -an Humpt Man, and came forward very silent and with a quick slyness, as -that he did track the Maid secretly; for he lookt alway to the earth. -And I perceived that he was that one of the Humpt Men which the Maid had -cut with the knife; for the blood did show upon the shoulder and the -breast; and this bleeding mayhap to have slowed the Man; so that Mine -Own did be like to have supposed she had come utter free; yet he to have -found her, by tracking, as I perceived. - -And I strave to my feet, that I should come to the Maid, before the -Humpt Man; and surely I gat upright, and went with a strange running, -and did roll, and lo! I fell immediate, ere I was come to her. And the -Humpt Man to run also; and surely it did be a dreadful race; for I went -creeping and did be weak and as that I was of lead. And the Humpt Man -came very swift and brutish; but I came the first to Mine Own Maid. And -I rose up at the Humpt Man, upon my knees, and I swung the Diskos, and -the great weapon did roar in my hands, as that it did know and did live. -And the Humpt Man ran in upon me; but I smote him truly with the Diskos, -and he ran past me, all blundering, and fell and died upon his face, a -little way off. - -And lo! my wounds had brake out into a great bleeding, and my head did -roll upon my shoulders. And I lookt down dull, yet with an utter great -love upon Mine Own; and there did be no proper wound upon her; but yet -was she all bruised and knockt and marked with the trees, and where she -did fall in her running. And she did be there, very still and dear, and -I to have brake my heart with love for her, but that I did be so dulled, -as I have told. - -And I fought that I should be strong a little while more against my -weakness; and I strove that I set mine ear gently upon her breast, that -I should listen for her heart. But my head did go downward something -clumsy and heavy upon her; and I then to hearken, and surely she did -live and her heart did beat; though, in verity, mine ears did have at -first a thundering; but afterward a quietness in them, that made the -sounding of her pulsing to seem an utter long way off; and very faint it -did be. And surely, in that moment, even as I harked, I was gone over -into a deadness, and had no more knowing; neither to have even a -knowledge that I did be slipt from my senses. And, behold, the Maid did -lie swooning; and I to be there in my broken armour, and my head upon -the breast of Mine Own, and likewise to know naught; and about us the -quietness of that Country, and the far noise of the great Fire-Hills -that did sound through Eternity. - - - - -XIV - -ON THE ISLAND - - -Now I came unto my senses, and did be in pain and a great forgetfulness -and bewilderment. And I strove that I rise; but did be held by a strange -force, that did be surely my weakness, as I to know afterward. - -And I was upon my back; and a little sound did be near me, as that -something did pant. And I turned my head, very slow, because that I did -so lack of strength. And lo! I saw that the Maid did be anigh to me, and -did be yet naked; and did pant, and pusht hard and desperate with a -great pole, which did be surely that one which I had cut when that the -Humpt Men came upon us. And therewith I remembered all, and perceived -that I did be upon the raft, and the Maid to push the raft along with -the pole. - -And, at that, I made a little sound with my mouth; but the Maid not to -hear me; for she did look backward, as I should think to the shore; and -her face did be very set and anxious; and there to be a far noise of -howling, that I knew to be the voices of the Humpt Men; and so to -perceive that the Maid had come unto her senses, and had gat me somewise -to the raft, whilst that I did yet be swoond. And thus to save me ere -the Humpt Men had come. But, in verity, how she did this thing, I never -to learn; neither she to know, but only that her love did give her a -great and desperate strength that she save me, that did be her man. - -And afterward, Mine Own Maid did tell me how that she had come into her -senses, and did be there upon the earth, and somewhat did be upon her -breast; and she saw that it was my head which did be heavy upon her, and -I to be surely gone out from this life; for I was so still. - -And she came from under me, and did ease me out upon the earth, and her -heart nigh brake, because that I was so be-bled, and my blood to have -stained all that did be near. But when she had gat me restful, she saw -that I did surely live; and a great hope to spring in her heart. And -oft, as she had eased me, she had lookt about, and there did be naught -to the sight, save the body of the Humpt Man anigh, and the others dead -about and upon the flat-topped rock, as you to mind. - -And she ran then very speedy to the raft, and brought water from the -river in my headpiece, and she dasht the water upon me; but I to have no -power to come unto my senses. And lo! in that moment, she to know by -some subtile telling of the spirit, that there came some danger anigh; -and she then to make that she save me, or that we die both of us -together. And she strave with me, and did carry and draw me that -weariful way unto the raft. And she gat me on to the raft; and she ran -then for the pole that did be beside the rock; and whilst that she took -the pole, she perceived her torn garments, that did be yet in the hands -of the Humpt Man, even as she had slipt them to escape him. And she -caught the garments very hasty from the hand of the Man, and ran then to -the raft; and she pusht the raft out from the shore, and leaped aboard; -and behold! as she made to use the pole, there came a sound out of the -wood. And there ran from the wood the two Humpt Men that did yet live; -and they to have trackt her, after that she did run from them; and they -ran downward to the shore, very silent and intent upon her; but she to -work with an utter despair, and to have the raft a good way out, ere -they did be come. And surely, they either to have no power of swimming, -or to know that there did be a Dread in the water; for they made not to -come after; but did stand and stare very stupid, and afterward to howl; -and this howling I did hear when that I was come unto myself upon the -raft, as you do know. And by this telling, you to be so wise as I; for -more I know not, save odd things that I did learn afterward, that did -but set my love more holy unto Mine Own Maid; and these to have been but -small matters of love-thoughts that we did have together; and scarce -clear unto my remembering. - -And lo! even as I harked unto the howling of the Humpt Men, the sound -did grow more faint and far off; for the Maid worked very desperate with -the pole. And I did feel that I would help her; but yet was so a-lack; -and surely, even as I did mean to rise, I was gone again utter from my -senses; and that dear naked One did pilot me safe and loving unto the -safe harbouring of the little island, that you do mind; and had no -thought unto herself; but only that she save me. And I to be there, -scarce offward from my death, and to have no knowing of aught, and no -more power to help or to be a shield unto Mine Own; but did be only an -helpless man, that had surely died, save for the care of My Beloved. - -Yet did I fight a good fight, and have alway a great joy in the -remembering. - -Now, I mind nothing very clear after this for a great time; but only of -pain and weariness, and of half wakings and times when I did know -naught, and others when that I did be awake, yet did have no realness, -either in myself or in any land or place; and all to come back strange -and vague; yet with a constant knowing that there went Love about me, -and a great and gentle watchfulness; so that I was eased when that the -black mists of my weakness did uprise about me to swamp me; and I was -made to know hope, when that unknown despairs did live stealthy within -me. - -And lo! there came a time when I waked, and did be freed of uncertain -burdenings and peculiar woes and that still haze through which great -achings did come constant upon me. And surely, I was laid very nice upon -somewhat that did be soft, and there went a sweet quietness about me, -and an healthful drowse did grow in my bones. - -And slowly I perceived that the Maid did kneel beside me, and did look -upon me with so great a love and gladness that it did be as that I drank -in health and a drowsy joy and peace. And surely, she stoopt and kiss me -with an utter gentle love, upon my mouth, and her tears to go sweet upon -my face; and truly I kist her again, with an utter content. - -And she took my head in the comfort of her arm, and gave me somewhat -that I drink; and when I had drunk, she kiss me once again, so light as -that a pretty wind did blow hushed upon my lips. And my head she made -easy; and lo! I was gone over unto sleep, even as she tended me. - -And thrice do I mind that this to happen; and at the third time, I knew -that my strength was come something into me again; and I moved my hand a -little, this way and that; and she to know that I did need her to hold -my hand; and she to do this, and I to go into sleep again, even while -that I look sleepy, yet with all my love, into her eyes. - -And when I waked for the fourth time, I did whisper that I loved her; -and surely she broke into a sudden weeping, and did hold my hand very -dear against her breast. - -And when I waked for the fifth time, I to know how things did be about -me, and that I did lie naked in the cloak, and did be all bandaged about -my body; and the bandages, as I did know afterward, did be from the torn -garments of the Maid. - -And I look at the Maid, and knew that she did be drest again, and did be -in the garments that I did give to her, as you to mind; which did be -that one, and the inner, that the Humpt Man tore from her, and which she -had slipt, that she escape from the Man. - -And afterward, I found that she had made a very cunning mend of the -garments, whilst that she did sit so utter long beside me to tend me; -for she had gotten threads from her torn garments, and had made needles -from thorns that did grow on the little bushes of the island; and the -thorns did brake oft, and she then to have another, and so to persist an -hundred times. And this way she did be drest very nice and dainty. - -And Mine Own Maid perceived how that I lookt with interest at her, and -did mind, very natural, how that I last to have seen her; and she then -to blush gently; and did kiss me, that she have her pretty face -something from mine eyes. And truly, I to wish the more that I be -strong, that I kneel in a glad reverence unto her; for this way did be -my love, and ever so; and you likewise, that have truly loved. - -Now I did begin that I grew very steady unto my strength, again, and -Mine Own Maid did tend me alway, and she gave me a broth of tablets and -the water at set times, by the telling of my timepiece. And oft she -washt me and did change the bandages, and did wash and dry the bandages, -that she use them over again; for we did be so lacking for such matters, -as you to know. - -And on the fifth day, I was come utter to ease; and did be wondrous -happy, and Mine Own to make pretty talk unto me; but had me to be alway -quiet, because that I did be yet so weak. - -And on the sixth day, I to be let answer Mine Own, and to say how great -I did love her, the which mine eyes had said alway, while that I did lie -in silence. And I to be assured by the Maid that she did be in health, -and recovered; but indeed, I saw that she was gone very thin, and that -her eyes did be weary, even while that they had so great a love and a -gladness to me. - -And I made Mine Own to bring her tablets by me, as she did alway, and -when that I had kist them, and she to have eat and drunk, I bade her to -make me the broth ready; and when she had made the broth, I askt that -the Diskos be set anigh to me. And afterward, I bid her to my side, and -had her to lie by me; and I took her pretty head upon mine arm, and told -her that she to lie thus and to sleep, and to have no fear that she -weary me; for that I to be but the more rested to have her so, beside -me. - -And she in the first to trouble that she be too heavy for mine arm; but -truly, I showed that my strength was something come back to me; for I -prest her gentle unto me, and she then to nestle content, and to be gone -into an utter sleep, and to have been in a sore need of the same. - -And Mine Own did sleep for twelve great hours, and had scarce any life -in all that time, save when once she did make a little and gentle -moaning, and did afterward set her pretty face more nigh to me in her -sleep. And surely, I had neither weariness nor lonesomeness; but did lie -with an utter content; and did look downward upon the Maid, where she -did sleep in the hollow of mine arm; and truly she did be most wondrous -lovely and dainty; and the goodness of her face did seem as that it made -an holiness about my heart, so that my spirit was uplift in a quiet and -constant glory of love. - -And I drank a part of the broth at the third hour, and at the sixth -hour, and at the ninth hour, when that I finished it; and my right arm -did be free to this purpose and to the Diskos; and surely I did twice -and thrice set my hand upon that great weapon, as to a true comrade; -and, in verity, I could think the weapon did know and did love me. And -this thinking to be because I did be so uplift, as I have told; yet -truly, the Diskos did be a strange and wondrous thing, and did be alway -thought to have an oneness with the man that did use it. - -And in the twelfth hour, the Maid awoke sudden, and came upward out of -mine arm, all in a sweet haste, that she know that I did be well; and -she did be eased wondrous, when that she saw how I laughed with a quiet -joy but to see her dear eyes, and her pretty trouble. Yet did she be in -reproach to herself, when that she lookt to find how the hours had past. -But, indeed, I did make a mocking sternness with her; and forbad that -she even to say one little word more upon this matter; but to be glad -that I did be so utter happy, and she likewise. - -And truly, when I had said this, that impudent Maid did set her little -fist against my nose, and to threaten me. And, in verity, I laught so -hearty that the Maid did be in fear I should set my wounds again to -bleed, and did reproach herself again; but, in truth, I came to no harm. - -And when that I could speak, I askt the Maid whether that there had been -brothers to her, because that she did play so natural. And this I askt, -not thinking; and lo! in a moment I perceived my thoughtlessness; but -said naught, save to take the hand of Mine Own, that she know utter that -I did not be heartless. And she to nod very quiet, and afterward kist my -hand, and slipt from me. And I knew that she was gone a little way off, -lest she weep; and I did be in trouble for her and for mine a-lackness; -but truly I could do naught, only that I called very gentle unto her. - -And she to return soon, and did smile loving and cheerful upon me; but, -indeed, I saw that she covered her weeping, whilst that she had made me -new broth. Yet, before I would take the broth, I would have her to mine -arms; and she to submit very glad and happy, but to keep her pretty -weight from me, lest she hurt my woundings. - -And afterward, we both to eat, and be happy in glad talk. - -And presently, I did sleep; but would have her to be nigh to me, even -though she did be wakeful; and so we to be utter content together. - -Now, the seventh day, as it might be called, was a wondrous happy time; -and when I waked, the Maid did be sleeping as a child to my side, and -her face nestled against me. And she to waken in a moment; for thus had -she drowsed and watched through all the hours whilst that I had slept. - -And we then to eat and to drink together, after that Mine Own had made -me easy with a gentle washing and care. And I now to be allowed that I -have my tablets whole, and the water afterward, as when that I did be -well; and this to please me, as you shall think; for I did ache that I -be strong very speedy, that I have power to guard Mine Own Maid again, -and to go forward with our journeying, that I have the Maid unto the -safeness of the Mighty Pyramid; and surely, now that I had my tablets -whole, I to feel that I did grow near unto fitness again; and moreover, -they did satisfy my hunger the better than the broth. - -And the Maid to give me my tablets oft, so that I eat a great many; and -I did make her to count; and surely there did be sufficient, if that I -get strong pretty quick. And so I made no refusing of the tablets; for I -did need them, that I make blood again within me, else should I be -lacking, when that there came any need anigh. - -And we kist each the tablets of the other, and did drink from the same -cup, and did be utter happy; and did be part like children, but also to -be man and maid. - -And presently, the Maid did shift my bandages, as alway, and washt me -proper, and had me into comfort. But she did keep me alway very -low-lying; and truly I scarce to mind; for I was not gotten enough of my -strength, to give me to feel irked. And further, as you shall think, -there did be that lovely One with me alway; and did make sweet quips -unto me, and talkt and did laugh, and oft did come into singing; for she -did be so sweetly joyed that I was in life and did mend so proper. - -And afterward, she went off from me a little, to her toilet; but I to -ask that she be so swift as might be, and she to promise very merry; and -she came back in a little while, and her hair to be in a lovely cloud -about her shoulders, and her pretty feet yet to be bared from her bath, -which she had in a pool beyond some bushes; and she to say that I did be -so impatient a man, that she to be forced that she do the half of her -dressing with me; but truly, she came thiswise only because she to know -how I did delight in her thus, and to watch the way that she set up her -abundance of hair; and she to be hungry also that she be with me, and to -love me that I watch her, even while that there did be oft a little and -quaint stirring of shyness in her dear heart. - -And I had her to come beside me, and to sit anigh to my hand; and I made -presently that I did scold her, because that she had no proper care to -her pretty feet; and I bid her to set her feet toward me, that I look -the more close at them. And she to be a pretty rogue, and did think I to -mean to kiss them--and truly not to think alway wrong--but I then to -have another planning; for I had pluckt a hair very sly from her head, -and she but to have said an Oh! to me, and to have thought no more. But, -indeed, when that she gave her feet to me, I held them so strong as I -might, and I bound her pretty toes together with the hair; and surely -she did be a captive unto me, and we to laugh, as that we to be both -children. And afterward she stole back her feet from me; but, in verity, -I knew that she had a wondrous heed that she brake not the hair that -bound her; but did sit beside me bound in that pretty way; but yet to -hide from me that she did not brake the hair. - -And she then to do her hair upon her head, very lovely; and afterward, -I put up my hands, and took it down again; and she then to kiss me and -to ask how that she should ever have it proper upon her head, if that I -did alway so tease her. - -And she then to take her hair, and did set the abundance of it upon both -sides of my face, and then to kiss me, as I did look up at her, from out -of so much beauty. - -And afterward she cut a lock of my hair, and a lock from her own dear -head; and she did plait the two locks together, so that our hair did -blend and be together; and afterward she hid it in her bosom. But I did -be then out of content, and would have done likewise, only that it did -so weary me to uphold my hands; and she to cut a second lock from my -head, and a second tress of her own most lovely hair; and she made me to -kiss the hair that did be from her, and she then to kiss the hair that -did be from me; and afterward, she did plait them together, and gave -them to me. And I set the hair, for that time, under the great bandage -that went over my heart; and truly, she did be then the one that lackt -content; for she to say that the second plaiting did be kist, and the -first to lack; but I to refuse to exchange; so that we made up a -quarrelling, and did presently have to be kist, unto forgiveness. And, -truly, have you not likewise known such glad foolishness, when that you -were in the love-days. - -And she then to make me to be quiet, and to keep my hands downward from -her hair, because that the uplifting did prove overmuch to me; and she -took my great hands then, and did threaten how dreadful she use me, if -that I be not humble. And truly, I said that I did be an humble man; and -she then to hold my hands with but one small one; and surely, her hand -did be so small that she not able to hold me, save by the thumbs. And -she then with her free hand to cover mine eyes, so that I might not see; -and whilst that she did hold me thus so utter helpless, she to kiss me -very dainty and impudent upon the mouth; and afterward she loost me, and -did be demure. - -And we did be then silent a space; and presently, I put forth my hand, -that did be very great, yet to be gone white and to tremble, because -that I did lack so utter of blood. And the Maid to know what I did mean, -and she clenched her hands into two fists, and set them both into my one -hand, and surely they did be little fists; and I then to be happy; for -this did be a wondrous pleasure alway unto me; and she to have her lids -a little downward upon her eyes, and to be quietly happy. And, truly, -how I mind it all so plain. - -And afterward, I did plague her very gentle that she to be all a-lack, -if that she did try to use her hands to aught, because that they did be -so small. And she in a moment to have her two arms very dear about my -neck, and did kiss me with an utter love and tenderness upon the mouth, -and afterward went from me, lest that she have me to overset myself. - -And I did then to make her to sit by me, and I did tell her a tale how -that a young man did once live in the olden days, and did meet with the -One Maid Upon All The Earth. And how that they loved and did be married, -and she to die, and of the utter and desperate madness of grief that -nigh destroyed the man; and how that he sudden to wake into the future -of the world, in a New Time, and did come to learn that His Own did also -to live in that Time. And he then to make that he find her; and did -truly come unto her. And how she did be different in her beauty; but yet -to be utter lovely. And the man did hold an utter reverence to the Maid, -that had been his wife in the olden dream-days, so that his reverence of -love did live in him like a constant pain and anguish of sweetness and -trouble, and of holy thoughts that did be bred of her lovely -companionship, and of his memories.... But, in truth, I gat not further -in the tale than this; for Mine Own did have come sudden into weeping, -and had gotten to her knees, and did hold my hand against her breast, -and did put her hand gentle upon my lips. And, in a moment, she to -whisper somewhat through her tears; and there to be dear Motherhood -within her face; and a sudden shining of Memory in her eyes, that had -been near dreadful, only that it did seem to be to her as that she were -part dreaming. And the strange and solemn pain did come also unto me -through the part-open gateways of my Memory. And I to remember very -clear and with an anguish in that moment. And I told Mine Own how that -the babe had gone onward, after that the Beloved had died. And there did -be then an utter quiet upon us. - -And lo! sudden the Maid did bend unto me, and I to take her into mine -arms, out of the vague dreamings of her Memory-dreams. But, ere she did -be come outward entire from the haze of the Past, she to try to set -somewhat into words concerning this memory-vision of the babe; but -someways to be strangely dumb. And I did be silent likewise, because of -all those things that did be between us forever and forever. - -And presently, she kist me, and was herself again; and she went from me -to attend unto our food. - -Now, that did be truly a lovely day; for I to have gat sufficient of -strength that I did be able to have interest, and talk with Mine Own -Maid; and she now to be well rest, and to have ease in her dear heart -concerning me. - -And surely we oft to laugh, and did make jests utter glad and foolish. -And indeed, I do mind how that I askt Mine Own an olden puzzle, that did -come out of the vagueness of my Memory-dreams. And she to be like a -person that doth hear a strange familiar thing; and lo! sudden she to -say, as that she gat knowledge from beyond Eternity, that it did be when -that he was a little hoarse. And you to know the jest, and to have -troubled it oft at school; but, in verity, it did be a strange thing to -have from our Memories out of all the deep of Time. And we, in truth, -never in that Age to have seen or to have known that ever there did be -an Horse, or to mind the likeness of one. And this to be but a little -matter; yet of strange and peculiar interest, as you to agree. And, -indeed, we did both to look one at the other, when that we had ended, -and did wonder what an horse did be; yet in the same time did have a -vague inward knowing. - -And so we to look ever backward through dim Ages; and surely we gat -presently from jests, unto solemnness; and the Maid to be nigh again -unto tears. And, in truth, I then to bring our thoughts and our speech -forward from the Abyss of the Years, and did cease from Memory-dreaming -for that time; and so to have the Maid again in joy; yet mayhap -something wistful odd whiles. - -And presently, I to tell the Maid an hundred thousand things concerning -the Mighty Pyramid, of which I had so oft said somewhat; but never to -have gat so great a chance as this unto a plenty of time and so nice an -oneness in the way that our minds did go. - -And surely, the Maid did be eager in a moment, and did be husht; and -again to ask constant concerning all matters. - -And, in verity, there went a great while this way; and the Maid to have -an utter wonder and excitement of all that I to tell; for truly, it did -be as that a man of this age should come downward from a great star in -the heavens, and to tell of wonders and new things; and you to -understand how she did feel. - -And of all things that did most have a happiness unto the Maid, I to -perceive that the great Life and Humanness of the Millions to dwell -within her imaginings as a cloud of warmth and quiet joy; for I did show -this thing to her, so well as I was able; and, in truth, you shall tell -me in honesty whether that I have made the same likewise clear-seen unto -you? - -And she, as you shall mind, did be a maid that had grown all her life in -a Refuge that did be shaken with hauntings, because that it lackt the -power of the Earth-Current to protect; and with a People that did be -weak-conceived through great thousands of years; and where love did -bloom something faded, even in youth; and youth to have lack of the -life-blood of an utter joy, such as did be ours and likewise to many -that did be of the Mighty Pyramid. - -Though, truly, there did go millions then, as now, that did never to -know love; though the name did be in their mouths, and they to have -belief that the sweet kernel did be in their hearts; but, in verity, -THIS to be love, that your life shall bound in you with abundance, and -joy dwell round you, and your spirit to live in a natural holiness with -the Beloved, and your bodies to be a sweet and natural delight that -shall never be lost of a lovely mystery that doth hold a perfect peace -each unto the need of the other; and all to be that there go round -about you a wonder and a splendour all the days and the nights that you -shall be--the Man with the Woman, the Woman with the Man. And Shame to -be unborn, and all things to go natural and wholesome, out of an utter -greatness of understanding; and the Man to be an Hero and a Child before -the Woman; and the Woman to be an Holy Light of the Spirit and an utter -Companion and in the same time a glad Possession unto the Man. And lo! -if one to die, then the soul of the other shall fail; and that one never -to have full life again, in that bitter parting. And this doth be the -true Human Love; and all else that be not like to this with the Man and -with the Woman, doth be but a borrowing of the name of Love for that -quiet desiring, which is but an Endurance beside Love, which doth be -between they that be not mated both in their souls and in their bodies. -And this telling to take no heed to those base joinings that be made for -purposes of wealth or Desire or other piteous ends; for, in verity, -these to have no more dealings with the thing that I do tell upon, than -hath the merchanting of goods, or the _need_ of a glutton. But the thing -that I do have upon my heart doth be that dear and uplifting Power of -Love, which I to set forth in this mine own story; for, in truth, I to -have known love, and to need death when that I be parted from Mine Own. - -Now, surely, Mine Own did come twice and thrice unto weeping, as I did -tell of this thing and that, which did set her memory backward unto the -ways of the Lesser Redoubt. And presently, I did cease from my tellings, -because that she did so be gone into pain of her memories. But, indeed, -she then to beg me that I go forward again; for, truly, she to need in -the heart that she know, and to strive to be no more in grief for the -telling. - -And I then to say on, and did tell upon the Might and Wonder and great -Olden Delight of the Underground Fields, that were below the Great -Redoubt, as you do know. And I told how that they went downward an -hundred strange miles, that did be dug of the labour of Millions and of -the years of Eternity. - -And I set out unto Mine Own concerning that there did be wondrous -villages spread through that great and hidden Country that did be in the -underground; and how that great millions of the Peoples did live there, -and made a constant labour in those deep Lands and Countries, that did -be truly so monstrous in all as an huge Continent. - -And I showed Mine Own how that there did be wondrous processes that did -be learned in the Ages; and how that water did be made in chemistry; and -truly she to nod to this, because that she did mind upon the powder that -we did use; but truly the powder to have to be made in the first, as you -shall think; and we but to advantage ourselves of that which did result, -and I to speak to her of the making of the powder, rather than of the -way that it afterward to make chemistry with the air, unto water. - -And I told the Maid how that there did be mighty underground pipes that -went across the Night Land, and did be, mayhap, oft so much as twenty -great miles deep in the world, and did come upward into the seas of the -Land; and all to have been made secret and hid from the monsters of the -Land, as I to know from much readings of the Histories. - -And Mine Own then to tell me that they did lack to have any such great -wonders below the Lesser Redoubt; but that there did be utter monstrous -caverns, where that there had been alway a strange and uncouth Country -of Husbandry, and lit from the Earth-Current; and they also there to -bury their Dead. And all had been a-lack through great thousands of -years, as she did know of their Records, and had grown dim-lit and -lonesome, and a Land of deepness to starve the spirit with an utter -strangeness and discomfort, where that the men went quietly as ghosts, -through many ages; and all a place in dire want of sound and laughter. - -Yet this all to have been surely different a monstrous Age gone, when -that the Earth-Current did be a power in the Lesser Redoubt, and the -Humans to be in plenty, and of good and natural health and courage of -life. And, truly, to mind upon that Place, doth alway to set a fresh -wonder in me, that Mine Own did be so lovely and wholesome of spirit and -wise and in knowledge and good force of her being. But so it did be with -her; and she to have been surely alway That One that did be Mine Own. - -And I then to tell Mine Own Maid concerning the lowest Field, which did -be the Country of Silence, and was the Place of Memory unto all the -great Millions, where did linger and bide the ghosts of an hundred -billion griefs and the drifted thoughts of sorrowful hearts; and there -to live a great hallowedness and a mystery of silence and an holiness -and a Greatness, as that it did be the Expressing of all that doth be -Noble and Everlasting that ever did come out of the heart of Man and all -the lost Dead of Eternity; so that the spirit of a man did seem to go on -great wings, unto lovely and splendid resolvings, if that he but to walk -lonely awhile in that Country, that surely did be never lonesome unto -the spirit. - -And lo! the Maid did be all husht, as I did speak, and did look downward -unto me with her eyes very bright, and lovely with the thinkings and -tears that did stir within her. - -And sudden she to ask whether that I did make my resolve to my journey, -whilst that I walkt in that place; and she to look very intent and -beautiful upon me, as she did question. And, indeed, I saw that she to -mean a lovely praise unto me, as you to perceive; and truly, I did feel -a little strange, as that I did be both glad and shy in the same moment. -And she then to ease me of any answer; for she gat upward upon her -knees, and she put her two hands to the sides of my face, and bid me to -look into her eyes and to know that she loved me with her soul and with -all that did make her to be. - -And afterward, she kist me very gentle upon the forehead, and did be -then husht awhile, as that she to be in thought; yet oft she did look -downward at me, and did have a beauty of love and honour within her -eyes, so that they alway to shine, as she did look at me. - -And presently, the Maid did sit again beside me, and slipt her two hands -into the one of mine, as did be ever my desire, and she to love that she -give me this delight, and likewise, she to have joy to herself in this -lovingness. - -And we then again to have talk; and I did tell Mine Own somewhat of the -History of the Olden World! and she did have dim memories, as in dreams, -of the days of light; yet scarce that she could believe it of truth. But -she to have knowledge of the Olden Love Days within her spirit, and to -mind that there did be alway, as it did be, a lovely and golden light -upon the world; but she not to know truly whether this to be but the -holy glamour-light that Memory doth set about a past loveliness; and to -have no remembering of the Sun; but yet to be made ready by her memories -unto believing. And I to know of certainty; but yet even I that do tell -this My Tale, did but perceive the Days of the Light, as in a far and -vague dream; and to remember it but in the chief by the glory of lost -sunsets that had cast an holiness upon my heart, and of the hush of -Dawns that had made ready my spirit in the Gone Ages to look quietly -unto my death. - -And surely you to go with me in all this thing, and to have felt within -your own spirit that uplifted wonder that doth shake the soul with the -lost Beginning and with the unknown End, when that you have lookt -through the sorrow of the Sunset, and stood silent before the Quiet -Voice that doth make promise in the Dawn. - -But, in verity, we that had near lost our Memory of the surety of these -great wonders, did have memory of Love; and this to be most beautiful -unto my heart; for it but to show the more how that love doth live -forever, and doth make an holiness in all places; and doth give -Companionship and Satisfying; so that to have love, is to have all, and -to have escaped this Wonder is to have missed to have Lived. - -And I to find then that Mine Own did have no knowledge of the way that -the World did be in that Future Age; and did lack to know that there -abode mightily above us in the everlasting night, the dead starkness of -the world, where did be--mayhap two hundred great miles above us--snow -and the eternal desolation of a lost world, that did be once the lovely -world of the olden days, which did be now given over unto Night and -Silence. - -And mayhap there did wander upward there Memory, and did go companioned -by Grief. But, indeed, I to delight to think that Hope and Love did -build houses of joy about the Dead; and there to be no true death; but -only the dying of days. Yet, surely, this doth be sorrow enough unto the -heart and the soul, if that they did be days when love did make a -mystery of light about the spirit, and the Beloved to have been anigh to -make ever a sweet wonder unto the heart. - -But I to cease from these thoughts; for we to face our life brave and -wise, and to take both the sorrow and the joy unto our developing, and -to hold up the face with courage when that Grief doth come anigh; and to -see that we grow not to bitterness, but unto sweet wholesomeness. And -there to be Joy again, and we then the better abled to have that delight -into our hearts; for how shall Joy ever to come truly again to that -heart which bitterness hath made a place for the abode of sorrow. - -And truly, I to cease from these thinkings also; for my story to wait -upon me, and these things that I do say do be plain unto you, and to -have no need to the telling. - -And so did I tell Mine Own Maid of the things that I did learn from the -little metal book; and she to be in a constant wonder and delight and -with an awe and newness upon her. And sudden, there did some olden -memory stir within her; for she askt me, in one instant, whether that I -did remember when that the Cities did move alway unto the Westward. - -But truly I had no remembering of this thing, and did look at her -awhile, with somewhat of a trouble upon me; for, that there should be -aught lacking in my memory of those times that we did be together upon -this world, was a fear unto me, and a vague sorrow alway, if that I did -but to let my thought go that way; though, indeed, I did ever strive to -wiseness, and did have knowledge that there doth be an heart-wearing and -despair and needless trouble in vain regrets; but yet these to be -natural unto the spirit, if that you to know love; and do be but the -complement of the love-joy, and mayhap to have a use unto the sweetening -of the spirit, if that they be not let to over-ride the reason. - -And whilst that I did look unto Mine Own, that she help me to remember, -she did strive with her Memory. But in the end, did fail to come unto -aught of clearness, save that she did see, as in a far dream, yet very -plain, a great metal roadway, set in two lines that went forever unto -the setting Sun; and she then sudden to say that she did see in her -memory the Sun, and she to have a strange and troubled amazement upon -her. And there did be Cities upon the great road; and the houses did be -strange-seeming, and did move forward eternally and at a constant speed; -and behind them the Night did march forever; and they to have an even -pace with the sun, that they live ever in the light, and so to escape -the night which pursued forever, as she did tell, and a dread and -terrible chill that did live in the night. And there did be cities far -forward in the morning Sunshine, that did have gone before at speed, and -set the husbandry of the world, and to be finished and gone forward -again ere that certain of the latter cities did come to that place to -the reaping; and the night to come presently to that place; but this not -to be for some part of a year after that the crops were taken. But how -long this might be, she not to remember. - -And all this the Maid did say to me, as out of a strange dream, and I to -have set it down, and to have made it so clear to you as she to have -told it; and surely it doth be plain then that she to speak of a time -when that the day did be grown to a monstrous length, because that the -world did turn but slow and weary. - -And it to be a sureness, as you shall perceive, that but to stand still -in that age of which Naani told, was to be left presently in an utter -night and chill, that should last mayhap a great and weary year. And, in -verity, it doth seem that all Humanity did travel forever in that -strange age, when that to stay was to die unprepared in the bitter -night, and to go forward, was to be forever in the sun. And truly, this -doth be so strange seeming to me, as to you. - -And much I questioned the Maid, and did have an hurt within my heart, -and a pain of jealousy and sadness to grow in me; for surely she did -speak of some life that she did live, when that I did be elsewhere, -either in Life or Unknowing. And, in verity, what man then should have -taught Mine Own to love him? And she then mayhap to have had no -remembering of me. - -And truly I questioned very desperate, and the more so because that I -was yet weak, and lacking my strength to be composed. But she neither to -remember me nor any other man of that time; and to have no memories, -save these bare things that she to have spoken out so strange, and which -did come sudden unto her out of all the deepness of the years and the -lost sorrows and joys and wonders of that which doth make a World of -Humans. - -And surely my questionings brought a distress upon Mine Own, both -because that she did be troubled by the way that my love did bring me to -this strange anguish, and because that she also to have pain, and a -sudden fear that there did be ever a time when she not to have known me, -or to have permitted the arms of another. - -And she did then strive that she be both wise and strong, and to give -help unto me, and to take reason unto her own easing. And truly she to -show how that she did be all unknowing of any love in that far backward -time; but it to be possible in reason that she to have gone to another, -in natural course, the while that her heart did yearn alway in vague -trouble unto Her Own, that her spirit did mayhap never to have -forgotten. And, truly, this doth be the way of Life, and a bitter thing -and a sorrow to Joyous Love to think upon; yet I here to be set to the -tellings of Truth, and to have heed to all that reason doth show to be. - -But Mine Own did also have us both to remember that there did be equal -right to think that she had died Mine Own Maid in that life; for that it -did be not out of reason to think that she had been void-hearted unto -all men, because that she had known in her spirit that she did once to -meet Her Own, and did be thereafter untuned unto all other men that ever -did live. And this all to be in a mist, and we to go vainly. And of her -will, she did think that no man did ever to have possessed her, save I; -yet this to be mayhaps only the prompting of her love; and she then to -kiss me, and to say that there did be no surety in aught, but only that -we did have been together before, and have borne a love so great that it -did live through Eternity; and we to be now together, and maybe all else -to be but dreams. - -And truly I did have a fierce hope that this be so; and the Maid -likewise so to hope, yet to be less bitter with rebellion than I, though -in pain upon the thought; for she did be so utter and dreadful glad and -in happy thankfulness that we did be now come together again in the end; -and did mean that she conquer all that should be like to set a greyness -upon our joy, and to be steadfast unto this end. - -And I afterward to be likewise in wisdom, when that I was come the more -to strength, and to mind that I suffer vainly for that which did have no -surety, as I have shown; and moreover I did have no power upon the past, -either to learn aught or to mend aught; so that I did go the way of an -Human, and did shake free from these broodings, and strove unto -forgetfulness; which, in truth, doth be both a Terror and a -Mercifulness, as doth chance. And I kist Mine Own Maid, with somewhat -more of the years within my love; and she to kiss me very sober and -dear; and to desire only for my happiness, and to be utter mine own. - -Now, we then to eat and to drink, and the Maid to see me unto comfort in -all things, and my bandages all right; and she then to make that she -have on her footgear and her hair to be bound; but indeed I bid her that -she to dare do this thing, when that she to know how I did delight that -her little feet be bare to mine eyes, and her hair most lovely upon her -shoulders; and she to be very happy that I so to have an utter pleasure -in her dear beauties, and did sit beside me again, and set her feet very -sly where they did be anigh to my hand; for she to know that she did be -Mine Own, and I to be her Master, and she to have joy that she to have -to render her beauty unto me; for she did be that true complement unto -me that the heart of a man doth ache for eternally. - -And so, presently, did end that lovely day of quiet speech and -togetherness; and the Maid did prepare me for my slumber, and she then -to lie anigh to me, and her head to rest gentle beside me, so that her -pretty face did be near unto my breast upon the right side; and she to -give me at the first a loving and sober kiss that did be somewise to set -a guard upon her tenderness, and afterward did sleep content and gentle, -as that she did be in the same moment a child and a woman. - -And I also to come unto slumbering; yet did know vaguely how that Mine -Own did rise a little upon her elbow, this time and that, and look very -loving into my face, that she have assurance of my comfort and -well-being; and once I did waken, proper, and lookt at her, and she then -to kiss me gentle upon mine eyelids, and bid me to sleep; and so did -come herself unto her sweet slumber. Now when that I did come to my -proper wakening, I to hear the fizzing of the water, and to know that -the Maid did be risen a good while, and had made her toilets, as I -perceived in a moment, when that she came unto me; for her hair did be -in a lovely cloud upon her shoulders, all combed and made ready against -my waking; and she to have bathed, as I supposed, in some warm pool that -did be among the bushes upon the island; and she now to slip her -foot-gear, that her feet be bare unto me, as I did love, and to stand a -moment, and her eyes to twinkle gently. And I lookt at her with love and -honour in mine eyes, as you shall know, and she to have dancing of sweet -pleasure in her heart, that I so to look upon her with holiness and with -natural love, and surely the last doth be unnatural if that it do lack -the first; but my love did burn upward out of my being, so that the -flame of my spirit did light the fires of my heart, and my Reason to add -coals unto that fire that hath lived for ever, and doth be as that it -shall be never quenched. - -And Mine Own in a moment did kneel beside me, and, truly, someways in -her deep intenseness unto me; for our love did make all the world holy, -and she to be both uplifted and as that she must give all the humbleness -of her heart unto the greatness of my love; and this she to feel, and -her deep and utter love, to make it as that she did be all a passion of -humbleness unto me, so that in her soul I did rise in that moment upon -the wings of my love, and to seem that I did be all the world and all -time and all place and all that ever she did need unto her. - -And she put out her arms to me, and her eyes did shine with those tears -that do never be shed; and lo! in a moment, she did be upon my heart, -and we two to be husht together in content; for our need did be in the -other. And truly, where there do be two together with love, there doth -be neither lack nor need; but eternal fulfilment. - -And in verity this to be my Hope for that which doth come -Afterward--that all doth be leading unto so glad a joy as this, and that -all pain and grief and all that doth make the shaping of Life, doth be -but a process by which we be eternally perfected from living unto -living, unto each Fulfilment that doth be but the doorway unto greater -Fulfilment in the Beloved. - -And, presently, Mine Own Maid did loose herself gentle from me, and -washt me and tended me; and very husht and tender, and something -down-ridded of her dear and lovely eyes. - -And we then to eat and to drink together, and joy so great and quiet did -be upon us, that it did be as that we had gone into an eternity of peace -and an utter content. And surely, as the thought did stir in me, it did -be of beauty that we did be both of us true unto the other, in that -life, and I never to have kist a maid, until that I kist Mine Own, and -she to have been likewise, and to have fended all men from her, because -that they did be Strangers unto her inwardness, and so we two to be so -utter together, both in that our spirits did be knit, being each the -complement of the other, and because that we had no secret pains of -remembered things, to set any apartness between our hearts. - -And in verity, I to think back then upon my jealousies, that I have -told, and to know that Mine Own did never to have given herself lightly -to any, neither to have taken lightly; and her spirit to have been alway -mine through all the Everlasting; and mayhap this to be how all Peoples -shall come to be in the length of time, only that to us had come the -great wonder that we did early meet; though this also to bring that -utter pain, which doth seem to slay, when that once you have known the -Beloved, and to be parted. - -And so I to think, and did presently ponder with a great and strange -pity upon they that did not yet have met the Beloved, and they mayhap -not to have kept all for the Beloved; but to have been light with that -which doth be the Treasure, because that Love had not come to show them -that they did unknowingly squander the strange and holy glory which doth -be the possession of they that shall come to the Beloved and say, All -that is thine have I kept for thee. And the Beloved to know and to have -peace in the remembering. But what doth be the peculiar sorrow of they -that have gone over-lightly, when that they shall meet the Beloved; for -then shall there be a constant and inward regret, as a thorn in the -heart, that they not to have observed alway that holy care of all which -doth pertain unto love; and they nigh to moan in the spirit, _if they -had but known, if they had but known._ Yet, in the end, of their pain, -shall they grow unto all loveliness, if that now they have truly come -upon Love, and to live with Love; for this to be the especial glory of -love, that it doth make unto all Sweetness and Greatness, and doth be a -fire burning all Littleness, so that did all in this world to have met -The Beloved, then did Wantonness be dead, and there to grow Gladness and -Charity, dancing in the years. - -And there to be yet one thing upon which, mayhap, I not to have thought -sufficient; for it doth be this, that they who did err, as I have shown, -shall be the greater for their _Pain_; and let this be to cheer you, if -that you have done foolishly, and thought not upon that day when the -Beloved shall come; for Pain is but the voice of Development or -Destruction; and truly you to suffer the first, if that Love doth work -in you; but truly, the more that you have lacked, the greater shall be -your pain; for the more change there doth need be in you. - -And so would I have you now to think, and to know that the Beloved shall -come, and so shall you live in glad care of all your being, that you be -able to come unto the Beloved in that day, and to say with beauty and -human joy in your heart, even as I have said; and thus shall you miss -that bitter pain. But yet, truly, you to be like to heed not this, until -that Love doth come upon you; and I therefore to cease from this vain -setting of mine inward reasonings. - -But truly, when that day be come, as I have told, you to know how that -there went alway with me in this mine own story which I tell, the -simplicity of Truth; and how that I did be minded only that you to know, -and thereby that you have gentle wisdom that you lay not up pain for -that day. Yet, if you do lack to go with me, you to need that developing -which shall then come upon you. - -And so shall you perceive how my thoughts did go to and fro, as I did -eat with Mine Own; and so in the last I to find that I did think very -serious; and I then to cast from me this pondering, and to have that -utter joy which did be upon us, and to seem that it did fill all that -strange Country of Seas. - -And lo! after we did be done of eating and drinking, which did be but a -little time, as you shall think, the Maid did ease me to an upward -sitting, and had my back very nice to an olden stump which did be light, -and she to push unto me. - -And Mine Own did sit then beside me, so that mine arm did come most -natural about her; and she there to be nestled all gleeful and content, -so that my heart did be doubly tender unto her. And I took the abundance -of her hair, and set it about my neck, and upon my breast, so that it -did near to cover me in the upward part; and we both then to laugh as -that we did be two children, because that Love did make us so utter -young in the heart; and our hands to be hid under the beauty of the -Maid's hair, and I to have her then that she explain just how great she -did love me; and you that go with me, do know how that this doth be a -delight that is never done, neither to be set only into words. - -And all that day we did be wondrous happy, save once when we saw that -there were Humpt Men upon the shore, about the Flat-Topt rock where did -be the fight; but what they did there, we not to be able to see, only -that presently they went away; and indeed seemed to have no thought unto -us, neither any knowledge; and so did be gone again into the forests; -and we saw no more of them, after that time. And afterward we to be lost -utter in happiness. - -Now, upon the tenth day, I did be so come into health that I to walk a -little way to and fore upon the island; and Mine Own did go with me, and -so I to pace a good while, and afterward to rest again. - -And Mine Own then to bring mine armour to me, which she had scoured very -nice; but truly, the Armour did be sore broke and bent, and did be -jagged inward this place and that, with the monstrous strength of the -Humpt Men, when that they did strike me with the great sharp stones. - -And, in verity, how I should ever come again to wear this protection, I -to be in doubt. Yet, truly it had been a wondrous suit of strength that -had kept my life within me when that I had been so deadly beset; and I -to know that it to be yet like to save both our lives, if that we could -someway straighten it, and ease the broken jags from wounding me afresh. - -And I thought a time, and the Maid with me; and afterward we gat that -stump upon which I had leant, and had this to be for an anvil; and we -found then smooth stones of different sizes, and these to be for -hammers; and we wrought all that day, with restings, upon the armour; -and surely, we beat it into a very good shape, from the inward, and the -broken parts we beat smooth, so that they should not wound, and in the -end to have mine armour fit to go upon me. - -And I, by now, as you shall think, to be drest part in my garments; but -not all; for there did be yet some of the bandages upon my body, so that -for the main I did wear the cloak, that the bandages be easily come at. -And all that day did be utter happy, whilst that we workt; for we to be -together. - -And on the morrow, as we do say, which was the eleventh wakening upon -the island, the Maid and I to talk long and oft, whilst that we yet -worked upon the armour; and we to ponder the best way that we continue -to our journeying; for, indeed, I was not come to my strength; yet was I -very earnest that we go forward early; but in the same time, I did fear, -lest that we meet with aught of Danger, and I to be a-lack, because that -I was yet weak. - -And presently, the Maid and I both to think upon the same thing; for she -to cry out concerning the raft, and I to have the same word in my mouth. -And, in verity, this to be a great thought; for then should we be able -alway to be free of the Humpt Men, and to have frequent rest when that -we be weary, and to sleep with an ease in the mind; and, indeed, I to -hope that the labour of oars should be something less than to go upon -the feet. - -And surely, we talkt upon this a good while, and afterward we left the -armour, and went over to the raft, and so to learn whether we should -have power to make it something more stable, and that we have some way -that we should put a solid matter between our bodies and any monster -that should chance to swim under us. - -And we went then together over all the little island; for I did search -for some bush that should have a long tendril in plenty, and supple, and -so to suit for binding. But, truly, there did be no such bush in all the -island; and this to put me in trouble, as you shall suppose; yet was -there a sufficient plenty of small and upright trees, that did seem very -good for any purpose of structure. - -And when we had gone all about the island, and found naught that should -bind, the Maid to say with a pretty jesting that we should cut her hair, -and plait it to be for cords. And, surely, even as the words did come -from her, they to set me upon the thing that should supply our need; for -I stoopt sudden to the grass that did grow oft and plenty in this place -and that, and was so tall as my thigh, and to my head in the middle of -the dumpings where it did sprout. And lo! it was wondrous tough. - -And the Maid to have likewise perceived the thought, almost at that -moment; but I to have been the first this time, and so to tease her; for -truly, we had grown that we did nigh alway to discover all things in the -same instant, as you mayhap to have seen. But I did surely be first this -time, and must kiss her, as we do kiss little ones, that they be eased -in their dismays and disappointments; and she to see how I did mock her, -and she to pretend to weep; and surely how could she even to pretend, -when that she did not be able to keep her pretty mouth from searching -with laughter unto mine; but must be kissed full and plenty in our -constant joyfulness. - -And we cut then a good arm-load of the grasses, using the knife, and had -those to our camp; for we did be homely now unto that place, as you -shall think. And the Maid then to show me plaiting, and how that we -could work in the grass piece by piece, so that we should plait unto any -length that we to need. - -And all that day we workt, and did be very happy together; but when that -we came to the time of our slumber, the Maid had done twice and thrice -so much as I; and surely she came over to me, and kist me very grave, -that I should be not to fret, even as I did kiss her with gentle mocking -concerning the thought about the grass; and so did she make level with -me, by this impudence and quaint sweetness. - -And on the next day, which did be the twelfth, I took the Diskos, and on -that day I cut down six of the trees; and alway the Maid did bring her -plaiting, that she be near me; and when I had cut the six trees, she had -me to cease, lest that I risk to open any wound. And truly they to have -healed very wonderful. - -And afterward, we to plait all that day, and did also finish the armour; -and did be content and utter happy. - -And on the thirteenth day, I counted the tablets, and found that we yet -to have sufficient, if that we came unto the Mighty Pyramid within any -reasonable time. But I insist that I should eat no more now than did be -my usual way; and though Mine Own did beg and to coax me, and even to -try whether that a naughty and loving anger should do aught to shift me, -I not to alter from my deciding, which was based upon my reason and upon -my intention that Mine Own should never to go in hunger-danger, whilst -that there did be life in my body. And when that the Maid did show this -dear and pretty anger, I to take her into mine arms, and to tell her how -I did reverence and love her, and that she did be all beauty unto me, -and I but to love her the more, because that I did know the reason for -her dear shaping of anger unto me. - -And she then to kiss me, and yet to beg again that she have her way in -this thing; but presently I did show her that my reasoning was sound in -this matter; though I said not that my strongest thought did be unto her -own needs. And she to have to agree with me in her brain, even whilst -that her heart did ache to feed me. And truly, I to love her but the -more, as you shall think. - -And this way shall you ever to manage a dear and sensible woman that -doth both love you and hath reason in her; for the wise man and he that -hath an heart unto bigness, doth be never hasty to command. But, indeed, -I speak not now of the way that you shall go with a woman that hath the -love-foolishness upon her; for this to be a different matter, as you do -know; and a woman then to require a double wit and tenderness in the -governing; but also to need to be commanded, mayhap with sternness; yet -with the more love. - -Now, when that we wakened on our fourteenth day upon the Island, we gat -to work, so soon as we had washt and eat and drunk, and Mine Own to see -how my scars did go. - -And I cut seven more trees that day, which made thirteen in all; and -afterward I trimmed the trees very nice. And when this was done, I cut -twelve good sapling-trees, and two more very thin, that I did mean to be -for paddling the raft upon the water. And Mine Own Maid did sit near me -alway, and never to be ceased from her plaiting. - -And whilst that the Maid did plait, and make gentle and happy talk with -me, I presently to sit beside her, and had her belt-knife to my need; -and therewith, when I had cut bark from a tree, I made a foot-long -cross-piece of wood which I did fasten with pegs and some lashing unto -the end of one of the paddle-shafts. - -And I took then a piece of the bark, so big, mayhap, as would cover my -thigh, and shaped broad one end and thence to a point; and when I had -made holes in the piece of bark, I lasht the broad end to the -crosspiece, and the end that did be narrowed, I lasht secure to the -shaft, and likewise made holes down the length of the bark, and lasht it -also thereby to the shaft, and thiswise I had a pretty good paddle, -that did be about ten feet long in the clear shaft, and the head to be -somewise two feet more, mayhap. - -And when this was done, I shaped the handle so small as might come into -the grasp of the Maid, and did jest her very loving and gentle that she -give me so great a work, because that she have her hands so little. And -truly, she presently to stop me of my mocking; for she put her pretty -hands upon my mouth, and I then to have to mumble and to laugh, and so -she to go forward again with the plaiting. - -And when I had made the one paddle, I made also the other; but something -more rough and heavy, and suited unto my strength; and so did be very -well pleased; for they did be made more of my Reason than of memory; yet -had I used somewhat of the kind upon the quiet lakes which did be in the -Country of Silence. - -And we then to join in the plaiting, and thus with happy talk and our -times of eating, until that we did be come again to our slumber. - -And on the fifteenth day, when that we had gotten up and washt and eat -and drank, the Maid did look unto my bandages; and did consider that I -be healed very good, if but that I not to overstrain my body. And we -then to dance, half in play and half in victory, but gentle; and -afterward she to come with me that she give me aid that we get the trees -unto the water. - -And in six hours, we rolled the trees down to the shore, and did begin -then that I lash the saplings across the trees, and thiswise to hold -them secure into a raft. And the midmost tree I put something more -forward than the next; and so, until that which did be the front was -shaped somewise like to the bow of a ship. And the saplings to hold the -trees thiswise, when that I had set the lashings about every sapling and -every tree, where the saplings did go across. - -And all that day I worked pretty constant and steady, until that Mine -Own had me to cease awhile, lest that I bend overmuch, and so to put -strain upon my scars. And I to be reasonable; but yet to go forward -again with the work; only that I did rest now, this time and that; and -so did all to prosper. - -And on the morrow, which did be the sixteenth day upon the island, I -made an end of lashing the saplings across the raft; and I set up also, -two rests for the paddles, so that we might row if we stood upon the -raft; and afterward, being ready, we gat together our gear, and set all -upon the raft. - -And I put the pole that the Maid had used, also upon the raft, and -loosed the straps from that first raft, and had the straps for our -requirement, as heretofore. And mine armour we made safe on the raft; -but the Diskos I had to my hip, as ever; and so did we be ready to leave -that little island of refuge, where we had been so near to sorrow, but -yet had come utterly upon joy. - -And surely, Mine Own did take me by the arm, and she to stand a little, -and to look with me unto that bed of soft herbage where she had laid me, -when that I did be so nigh unto death; and she then to kiss me very -sweet and loving and gentle, and all a-tremble with the tears and love -that did stir in her; and I to set mine arms about her in love; and so -we to turn and to put off then in the Raft. - - - - -XV - -PAST THE HOUSE OF SILENCE - - -Now it was in the tenth hour of that day, that we put off in the raft; -and surely we found the paddles to go very easy and with somewhat of -balance in the rests which I had set up, as you do mind; and the raft to -go forward with not overmuch of labour; so that we stood, the Maid to -the fore paddle and I did be to the hinder one, and we pusht very steady -upon the paddles, and had the raft presently to a speed something less -than we should walk over the rough way of the Land. - -And about the twelfth hour we stopt and eat and drunk, and went on again -with our easy labouring; and truly, when that we gat set to the -movement, we scarce to wot that we did aught more than rock something -fore and back upon our feet; and so the hours to pass, and we to have a -constant gentle speech one with the other, and the Maid oft to look back -unto me with love, and to set her lips that she tempt me; but yet to -shake her head most dear, when that I would leave my paddle, that I go -forward unto her. - -And when that the eighteenth hour of that day was come, we to draw -inward our paddles, and the Maid set the cloak very nice to be our bed, -and afterward we eat and drank, and so presently to our slumber, and did -have sleep, very sound and happy, all in a moment, as it to seem. - -And eight good hours after, we did waken both of us, together; and lo! -we scarce to mind where we did be for a little moment; but afterward to -know and to perceive that we did be safe and naught to have come unto -us in our sleep. And surely we laught each in the face of the other; for -we did be so joyous to be wakened each unto the knowledge of the other. -And after that we had kist, we washt somewhat in the water of the sea, -and so to our food. And when we had eat and drunk, we made again to the -paddling; and went forward thus along the coast very peaceful and -content all that day. - -Now, in all, that voyaging did talk four good days of four-and-twenty -hours each, for we made no great haste or labour, but went easy, that I -have time to gather my strength. And naught to happen in all that time, -save that once we did see a great beast to come upward lumbersome out of -the sea on to the shore, and there did eat and browse upon the herbage -in that part; or so it did seem to us; though, truly, we did be over far -off to have surety. - -And this beast not to put us into any horror; but only to make us glad -that we be afar off from it; and by this saying, I to mean that it did -seem unto us a natural thing; and nowise to have an odour of aught -monstrous to trouble our spirits. And this way did be all the creatures -of that Country; and truly I do think the Early World did be somewise -like to it; and this to seem to make true that olden saying that extreme -things do meet, as doth be over-apparent; for thus doth it be somewise -to our knowings, as you shall perceive by your Reasonings Upon Olden -Days, and by the showings of this Mine Own Story, for that Deep World to -have put forth natural creatures that did be even as might be those that -did live in the Beginning; though I to make no point of this, but only -that it doth occur to my thought; and all to seem that it did be bred of -Circumstance and Condition; yet this to have no saying whether that -there to be a spiritual-force something deeper than the Circumstance; -for this to be outside of any surety, but not offensive unto my Reason. - -But this thinking also neither to offend me, that although much--and -mayhap all--doth be modified and shapen diverse ways by the Circumstance -and the Condition, yet doth there be an inward force that doth be -peculiar each unto each; though, mayhap, to be mixt and made monstrous -or diverse by foul or foolish breeding--as you to have knowledge of in -the bodies of those dread Monsters that did be both Man and Beast. Yet, -also, I here to say that maybe all diverse breeding not to be monstrous; -but this to be beside my point. For I to be now set to tell, as I have -told, that it not to offend me to suppose that there to be this inward -force peculiar to each shaping of all bodies that do hold that wondrous -quality of Life. And if that you ask me that I give example to make -clear my thought, I to say that it doth be reasonable to suppose that -the Force or Spirit of the Human doth be peculiar to the Human, whether -that it to be a Cause of Life, or the Result of that which hath been -evolved out of a Condition. And whether it to be the one way or the -other, you to know that where this Force or Spirit be found untainted, -there is man; and I to be not opposed to think that Man doth be constant -alway in matters of fundament, and neither to have been ever truly -different; though something modified in the body and surely, in the -first, all undeveloped in the lovely things of the spirit, because that -there to be no call to these. Yet, presently, they likewise to come, and -to act upon the flesh with refinings; and likewise, mayhap, there to be -some act of the flesh upon the spirit; and so to the state of this Age -of this our day, and to that far Age of which I do tell. But development -never to make the Human other than the Human; for the development to -have limits peculiar to the Human. And surely, it doth appeal to me, -that the development of Man doth lie between two points, that be not -wondrous wide apart; and Man to have power that he arrive very speedy -from one unto the other, and likewise that he go back so quick, or even -the more hasty. Yet, even did it be ever proved that Man once to be a -fish, I to have no cause to abate the first part of mine argument; but -to have the more need of the thought, that I gain power to accept the -Fact; for I still then to have no occasion that I think Man to have been -truly a Fish, or aught truly different from a Man; but only that he did -be once Modified physically to his need, and to be still possessed of -the Man-Spirit, though all lackt of development. Yet, truly, I to be -less offend in my Reason, if that it be shown that Man did be ever -somewise in his present shape, though mayhap so brutish as the Humpt -Men; but yet I do be ready to consider all matters, and do build no -Walls about my Reason. Yet, neither I to have an over-ready acceptance -of aught, but to need that my Reason shall approve. - -And you to perceive, surely, that I here not to speak of that which may -be Afterward, when that all This, our life, be done. For who shall say -how much or how little we then to go forward unto loveliness; and I at -this point to tell you that I do have a wondrous hope of beauteous -things, and of sweet and mighty Uplifting and Furtherance unto that Glad -World which we have beheld the shores of, when that we had stood in -holiness with the Beloved. - -And, in verity, I now once more to my story; and to be glad that I am -done at this small setting forth of a matter which did need words, -because that it did have root in this Mine Own Story, and to be grown of -it and from it. - -Now, there did be one other thing of note, beside the Sea Beast, whilst -that we did be upon the Seas; and this did be the strangeness of a great -Fire-Hill which did stand in the sea, and we to pass very nigh unto it. -And surely the sea did boil about it, yet not in all places; and there -did be a score great jets that did go upward a monstrous way, and did -roar very plain to us across the sea between; and there did come strange -gruntings from the sea about the base of the Fire-Hill, and these I to -conceive to be made by the upbursting of gases in this place and that; -and surely, it all to make us to know of the great energy that did be -wakeful in that deep Country; and we yet to stare backward upon that -Hill of Fire and Force, for a great while after that we had come past. - -Now, beyond this, there to be naught, except that we had a certain care -as we did come to that place where the Great Sea did be broke to smaller -seas; but all to be knit with passages of water, which let us through -upon our way. - -And surely, I did show Mine Own Maid those two places where I did sleep -when first I was come into that Country; and she to be sweet in -interest, and alway to have somewhat that she would learn of this and -that. - -And so, when that we did be four good days upon the water, as I have -told, we to come to the land, upon a flat place of the shore, where the -Country did slope upward unto the mouth of the First Gorge, of which you -do mind. And this to be in the tenth hour of that day; and we likewise -to have begun that voyage in the tenth hour, as you do remember; and -surely it to have been a sweet and peaceful water-journey; and I to have -been happy, if that all that did be yet before us, to hold so much of -pleasantness and safe goings. But, indeed, there to be much danger yet -to come, as you do know; and we to have our hearts set in courage, and -to go forward to conquer; for surely, if that we to conquer, and to come -safe into our Mighty Home, there to be then that we have all our lives -together in loveliness; and this to be truly a worthy prize and a glory -of the heart, to end and to repay our Stress. - -And surely, the Maid and I did presently strand the raft, so well as we -might, and did then to wonder whether any should evermore to behold it -through all Eternity. And we lookt a little, each at the other; and the -Maid then to cut free a small piece of the wood of the raft, to be for -an after remembrance. - -And so we to have our gear upon the shore; and the Maid then to give me -aid that I get once more into mine armour; and so I presently to have -the Scrip and the Pouch again to my back, and the Diskos in my hand, and -all in readiness, and the Maid with her bundle (that was now grown -small), and her belt about her body, that she have her knife unto her -hand. - -And surely, the Maid then to kneel and to kiss the raft; for memories -did gather upon her; and she there to have one more breaking from all -that did be the first part of her life; and you to give your -understanding, and so to have a quiet sympathy, and to perceive that her -heart did be like that it should stir with a strange trouble of -sorrowing in that moment. - -And surely I stoopt then, very gentle and loving, and had Mine Own to -her feet; and I led her from the raft, and she to need that she be near -me; and so we to go forward, and to make upward unto the dark mouth of -the Great Gorge. - -And there to be some miles unto our right, that grim and utter huge -Mountain, whereon afar upward in the monstrousness of the night did be -perched those four fire-hills of which I have told. And below them, -there to go upward the great hills of ash, that had been cast down -throughout Eternity. And this thing had the Maid lookt upon for a great -time, and did be never done of her wonder; neither I, nor any human that -ever should have sight of so great a wonder. - -And so we to have come presently upward into the high mouth of the -Gorge, and did go onward then into the gloom, a little space, until that -we were come to the place where the Gorge did bend sharp unto the left, -into darkness. - -And lo! we made pause here, and turned again unto the Country of Seas, -that we have a last outward look over all that Deep and living Land, -that did be hid so far downward in the everlasting night of the world. - -And, in verity, it did be a solemn thing to know that we, mayhap, to be -the last of the olden Humans that should ever to look upon that Country; -and I to wonder, in that moment, whether that the Humpt Men should ever -to develop, in some far eternity, unto the full sweetness of the spirit -of Humanity which I did think to be inward of them. And this to be both -an odd and a natural thought to have then, as I do see. But at that -time, I only to think it, and not to wot or to trouble whether that it -did be odd or otherwise. And I to think that Country did be somewise as -the Olden Time renewed; but truly we to look upon early things with new -eyes. - -And we yet to look awhile, and to be husht, and to hark in those last -moments unto the far mutter of the Great Fire-Mountains, and the -Fire-Hills, and the noise of life which did go over that Land; and we -even then to be but a few short pacings off from the silence of the -Great Gorge, which should lead us presently toward the Eternal -Strangeness which did be in the Night Land. And the Maid did hold mine -arm very close, as we lookt our last into the red light of that Deep and -Hid Country of the World, where, in verity, we had come so utter nigh to -our Death. - -And presently, I turned, and the Maid slipt her hand into mine, and the -tears did go silent down her face, because of all that did be prest upon -her heart; but yet not to be all of sorrow, for there to be both sorrow -and happiness, and also there did be somewhat of vague emotion that she -never more to look upon that dear island where she had nurst her man -again unto life and well-being; and she to be in mind of all those -places where she to know that in after-life her memory to wander; and -she to have oft-told tales, mayhap, unto her children, of that Country -that they never to see; but only to be for a wonder to them for ever. - -And we past then round the Mighty Corner-place of the Gorge, and went -forward, somewhat stumbling, into the gloom. - -Now we went sixteen hours very steady, and with naught save the great -darkness to trouble us; and we by this to have been twenty and six hours -since last that we had sleep; and surely this did be a foolishness, -because that I to need that I come into my full strength, ere we reach -the Night Land; and it to be a folly that I should over-tire myself; and -the Maid to have said so much. - -And, indeed, then, we came to a safe place for our slumber, and whilst -that we eat and drunk, we made count from my notings of the outward way, -and so did decide that we go no more than sixteen hours' journey each -day through the Gorge, and to sleep alway for eight good hours. And this -we to do, both then, and until that we did be come out of the Great -Gorge, which did take us in all, so much as five days thiswise. - -And surely, when that we were come into the light places of the Gorge, -we to be more cheered, as you shall suppose; yet oft did we be half -smothered with the horrid gases that came upward in this part and that, -as you do mind. - -And my strength did grow constant, as we journeyed; yet would the Maid -never suffer that I carry her; but went alway very light and clever, and -was grown, in truth, set unto this constant wander. - -And at this place and that, I to make pause that I show Mine Own those -places where I did slumber, and she alway to need that she come unto the -very part, and that she stand for a little moment where I did lie so -lonesome, as I went outward unto that despairful searching. And alway -she then to be utter tender with me, and to be something lacking of -speech, because of the calling of her heart. - -And surely, Mine Own did be alway now to ask me when that we should be -come unto the Night Land; and to require how far it should be, and to be -taken with a growing of excitement, very dear and natural; and, in -verity, I to be almost so much so as she; and to wonder what she to -think of the Mighty Redoubt, and of all that strange and monstrous Land. -And, above all these, I to be shaken unto my very heart, that I have the -Maid speedy unto safety; lest, after all, even though we to have come so -far, there somewhat to happen of woe. And all this did make it a hard -thing that we not to begin to race, and to exceed the hours that we did -set; but truly we had wisdom in this matter, and slumbered alway after -the sixteenth hour. - -And we never to see aught of life in all that great and desolate Gorge; -for there did be only the gas-burnings, and the boulders and the stark -rocks, and oft the rank smellings of the gases. And alway an utter and -everlasting quiet; save when some lonesome gas-fire did oddly to moan -or to whistle, and the whistling to sound very dree across the great -waste of the Gorge, and likewise the moaning to be but a thing to make -the loneliness to be felt in the heart; and the Maid to feel thus with -me. - -And alway, as I did know, she to think in her heart that I did come -through that place alone to make a searching for her into the unknown -lands of the world; and surely, I did be but a natural man if that I was -something happy in my heart that Mine Own so to ponder and to remember; -for thereby did her love seem ever to grow. And likewise, a man doth be -glad in his spirit and natural pride, that his Maid to know that he hath -done wholesomely of his best for her need. And you but to think upon the -love-days, and to hear the echoes of those dear proud thoughts that did -so to swell in you; and doth not all to go so strangely with familiar -pain in the old way? - -Now it was upon the fifth day, in about the seventh hour, that I heard -oddwhiles a sound in this place and that of the Gorge, as that the rocks -made husht and strange sounds at us. And I to have the Maid instant very -nigh to me, and the Diskos to my hand, and we then to go onward with a -great caution. - -And thrice we did pass places where gas-fires did burn and dance, and -made oft a low moaning, and somewhiles a little whistling; and the other -sounds yet to come oddly from the rocks, in this place and that, very -strange and unthought of, yet to be something familiar. - -And sudden, it did come to me that there to be a far-away noise in these -sounds; though they to seem to come from this place and that almost to -mine elbow, as you should say. And lo! I knew then that I harked unto -little echoings, that did be caught by the near rocks, and to come from -some far and mighty sound. And this should be surely the monstrous -piping of the Great Gas Fountain, that you do well mind. And, in verity, -I told Mine Own in a moment; and she to be all eager with me, because -that this did be both a wondrous thing, and to be also a landmark to -show that we did be nigh to come out of the Gorge, and our journey to -come the more near unto an ending. - -And surely we lookt ahead very earnest; and there to be so many strange -and leaping fires to our front, that we not to be very sure which did be -the far and monstrous dance of the Great Gas Fountain; for truly it to -be yet so distant that the near gas-fires did make more upon the eye up -all of a weary length of the Gorge, than did the great dance of the -far-off fire, that was now so small, by the distance. - -And presently, when that we were gone onward something more, we to see -that there went a lightening and a darkening afar along the Gorge, so -that the background of the night was made to lose somewhat of the -intensity of its darkness, as with constant shudders of light; and this -to be surely the far away dance of the flame of the Great Gas Fountain. -And we then to watch alway as we journeyed, and to see how that the -vague shudderings of light did grow in the distance of the night, and -did merge and become known presently in a strange uplifting and falling -of a far away blue flame. - -And the sound now to come more steady, and to grow in a long while into a -monstrous piping, very great and wonderful, and having a constant change -in the note. - -And we to come past the last of the lesser fires, and to be in that part -of the Gorge which did be fireless, save for the great upward dance of -the Gas Fountain, which did now to be grown huge and plain-seen, and did -make a quaking light over all the Gorge. - -And so in the end, we to be come very nigh to the dance of the monstrous -flame; and did be half stunned by the noise, which did be now an utter and -furious roaring, as you shall remember; and the Maid and I did stand as -but two lonesome strangers in the mouth-part of that deep and desolate -Gorge, and did stare voiceless unto the great flaw; and mine arm did be -about the Maid, and she to stand very nigh to me; and neither to speak; -and surely, how should we anywise; for the noise did be so huge. - -And after that we had stared a great while, we turned that we look each -at the other; and we kist very sober, there in the light from the -monster flame. And afterward, we did stare again at the Flame, and soon -turned, and lookt all ways, and did marvel to see the great throw of the -light go blue and spreading and strange unto great distances. - -And a while we did be watching the way that the far-off side of the -Gorge did come plain to sight, when that the Flame did leap; and, truly, -that did seem a far and lonesome Place, as that a lost and forgot world -of desolate mountains did be there. - -And lo! we now to look that we should see somewhat of the way that our -journey to go; and surely naught to be clear shown save when the Flame -did rise oddwhiles to a monstrous height; and this to be because of the -huge rocks that did stand about the Flame. Yet something I was abled to -show the Maid of the bottom part of the Mighty and Utter Monster Slope -that did be the last way of our journey, ere we were come to the Night -Land. - -And we then to go onward for about a good mile, that we be not so -deafened by the noise of the Gas Fountain; and it did be now beyond the -seventeenth hour; so that we eat and drunk, and made our rest in a -secure place among the great boulders. - -And lo! when that we waked, we eat and drunk again, and did be something -silent, as we to gaze at the Flame dancing monstrous, and lonesome and -all set about with the stark and mighty Rocks, which did be like unto -giants of silence that did watch forever. And presently, we had our gear -upon us, and we went forward toward the utter dark of the Mighty Slope; -and we began that huge climb, that should last through days in an -eternity of night. - -And oft in the first hours did we turn about from our blind stumblings, -and gaze downward out of the long height, unto the loom of the Flame, -that did shudder far below in the night, and made a quaking light in -that far darkness. And so did we leave it to dance forever through -Eternity in that deep and lost place of the world; and we bent all our -will and our strength unto the climb. - -And this way went we stumbling for sixteen great hours; and by that time -had come to a pace proper for that task, and to be something numbed, and -seeming grown unreal, because of the affecting of the Darkness. - -And lo! for eight days then did we go upward forever through that most -dreadful night. And after the first day, we crept alway upon our hands -and our knees, and I to go in the front, and had the Diskos ready upon -my hip. And I took two of the straps from the pouch and the scrip, and -so had a certain length; and I set them from the waist-belt of the Maid -unto mine own belt, and so did know ever that she came close after me. - -And we made journeys sixteen hours long, and did eat and drink at the -sixth and the twelfth hours, and likewise we eat and drank ere we slept, -and again upon our wakings; and our slumber-time to go alway somewheres -about eight good hours; for thus did I be heedful that we have all our -strength for that dreadness of the journey, which did be yet before us, -across the fear and horrid terror of the Night Land. - -And oft, at this time and that, I was utter sickened and a-wearied of -reaching forward and upward forever, and making blind fumblings that I -find a way about great boulders and the rocks and holes that did be in -our path in the dark; for it to seem that we went lost from all life and -knowing, in a blackness that should be never slackened from about us. - -And I, these times, to make a pause, and to call softly unto Mine Own -that she creep up nigh unto me; and I then to take her into mine arms, -out of the utter blackness of that night. And so to give and to have -comfort. - -And surely, Mine Own did whisper once unto me, that she did be stunned -with love and wonder in the heart; for she to never cease to know that I -did adventure through this great night, that I find her. And this thing -did make me very warm in my heart, as you shall think; but yet I to stop -her speech with a gentle kiss; and she then to know that she be dumb -concerning her thought in this matter; yet she never to cease from -remembering it, and did be the more stirred with the trouble of her -lovely secret worship; for, in verity, she to have me to be for her -hero; and this to make me in the same moment both something shamed and -greatly proud. - -And so we to be together, and after such pause, to go forward again, -with a new courage. - -And surely it did be a great comfort to me to think that, because we to -go upward and not downward, we be not like to fall over any hid cliff in -the night; for I to have now some little knowing of the Slope, from mine -outward journey; yet to remember upon that monstrous pit that I then to -escape, and so to go with care. - -And, indeed, upon the second day, I had Mine Own to creep more nigh with -me, and I then to have but one strap between us, and the other I set a -stone into, and did cast the stone alway before us, as upon the outward -way. And you to mind you of this, if you but to think a little minute. - -And oft in those weary days in the Darkness, did I make gentle -whisperings through the blackness, unto Mine Own, that I give cheer unto -her; and she alway to answer, very sweet and loving; yet ever husht, as -I did be; and in verity, it did be as that we could not set our voices -loud upon that Mighty Slope, lest some enchantment come upon us, as it -might be said. And, indeed, each time that I cast the stone, the noise -of the stone to make a little trouble and dismalness in mine ears; for -all did be so quiet and desolate and lost in night, that it to make us -to need to be likewise so quiet, and to desire that we might go upward -so silent as shadows. - -Now, surely, I must tell here how that the Maid to have alway at waking -that same awaredness that I did have upon the Outward Way, that somewhat -did be nigh to us, and to seem to have been concerned with our waking; -and I likewise to have also the same knowledge, as before. And oft as we -did go, I to feel that somewhat did go near to us. And this to put -something of a fear upon me, because that I was ever anxious for Mine -Own; and I to have her to be alway the more nigh to me, and did set the -strap from her to me, even when that she slept; so that she not to be -touched, and I to lack to know. Yet she to have no fear concerning this -thing; but to feel in her spirit that it did be a force that had no evil -intent unto us; but more, neither she nor I to know; and I, in truth, to -come in the end used to it; save that I did be, as I have told, anxious -in all that did concern the life and well-being of My Beloved. - -And so did we go onward through those eight days. - -And it soon to be grown cold, so that we both to need the cloak over us -in our slumbers; but in the journey-hours to need naught; for the -upward-going did surely heat us very well. - -And there also to be come presently a change and a seeming of thinness -into the air; and the Maid to remark upon this, and likewise that the -water-powder now to be that it not to fizz so plentiful. - -And we went upward, as it did seem forever, and journeyed very husht -and steadfast; and likewise did halt at set times, that we eat and -drink; and did alway sit then very close and quiet and in love. And so -alway to go never beyond sixteen hours' journey each day, and very -weariful even so much; for it to be a sore and constant labour of -climbing. - -And I to learn the hour alway, by a little shining of the Diskos upon my -time-dial, which I have told did be somewise as the watch of this our -present Age. Yet, truly, I also to learn that I made somewhat of a -constant number of forward-throws of the stone in an hour; and the Maid -to be the first to discover this, as she did creep behind me and harked -steadfast and quiet unto the clatter of the stone, each time that I cast -it. And she sometimes to call low to me that it now to be this time or -that time; and I to look at my Dial, as I have told, and oft to find -that she did be curiously right. - -Yet otherwhiles, we to have no thought to count; but made a constant -husht talk one to the other; and did grow odd times, that it did seem to -us that we did be two spirits there in an Everlasting Darkness, that had -quiet speech one to the other, and to be seeming gone from our bodies. -And we then to need that we look each at the other, that we know truly -that we yet to live and to be indeed with the Beloved. And I then alway -to make the Diskos spin a little, yet something more than when I should -see the hour; and, in verity, our faces then to show pale and strange -seeming in that luminous glowing of the great weapon in the Darkness; -and we to look very eager and an hungered of love, each at the other; -and so to need that we be held loving by the Beloved, and so to have -comfort and assuredness; and afterward to have peace to go onward again. - -And it did be one such time as these, that Mine Own to give me a love -name she had called me in those olden days of _this_ Age; and which -surely I had not heard since Mirdath died. And, in verity, you to have -dear understanding with me, how that I then to be all troubled with -vague troubles and ghostly love-aches in the heart; and likewise, I did -be all set about in a moment by the olden enchantment and speechless -glamour that did be so long hid and lost in the Spaces of Memory, where -surely the spirit doth wander such oddwhiles, husht unto a dumb -tearlessness and to know in the same moment both Agony and the voiceless -Glory and lost Delight of the Hath-Been; so that it doth be as that you -wandered in the spirit between the sorrowful pain of the Sunset, and the -Promise of the Dawn which doth be builded upon the Need and Hope of the -soul, and doth also to have an essence of pain within it; because that -these do be knit with Longing which doth be the essential pang of -Memory. And so, mayhap, you to have gone with me; for you to have also -strange thoughts that do come out of the years, and do hurt the heart, -even whilst that the heart doth hunger of that which doth so pain. Yet, -truly, Mine Own did be now with me, as you do know so that I had joy -all about my heart; yet did all the years of my lost delights and of my -pain, be in the spaces of my memory, and Mine Own now to have stirred -all; so that no words that did be ever shaped of man should help me to -have ease in speech. - -And Mine Own Maid to know how it did be with me; and she to have said -the thing, scarce wotting, even as her spirit did set it through her -lips; and she before then to have forgot so utter as I; and now she to -be stirred likewise with me; so that, in verity, we to hold hands in the -great Darkness upon the Slope, and to wait till the pain and strange -trouble did go somewhat from our hearts; and we to have power again to -know truly that we did be again together in sweet verity, after a mighty -Eternity. - -And thus did we go, and even in that strange Night to have an -everlasting coming together; so that surely our two spirits to be nigh -made one, somewise; and this to be that sweet and holy thing which I do -name Love; and it to be my glory and Astonishment that Love hath come -unto me. And with you that have love, I am as a Brother in holy delight; -but with all that have not known Love, or to have missed Love, I am a -Mourner, and my heart to pray that they to know this Wonder, ere they -die; for else shall they die so green and bitter as they be born, and to -have grown nowise unto Ripeness, which doth be Charity--the end of life -and the Crown of Humanity. - -And surely I to go forward again now with my telling. And you to know -that on the eighth day upon the Slope, about the end of the ninth hour, -there to be an upward seeming of light, afar before us in the Darkness, -and did show as a dull and vague sheen above us in the night. And truly, -I to know that we did be come at last a-near unto the Night Land. - -And we went upward then very eager through the dark; and the dim shine -did grow, ever; so that we soon to see it very plain, as a looming of -light afar upward. And we ever to climb and to go onward. And lo! in the -fourteenth hour of that day, we came up slowly out of the Night upon the -Slope, and stood at the ending of that strange road Where The Silent -Ones Walk. - -And surely it did be as that I was come home, and to have set my feet -again upon familiar Lands; and this to bring to you how far off I did -seem to have gone; and now to be come again to a Known Place. - -And we went upward upon the Road, until that we did truly have topt the -Slope, and at last to look out over all the wonder and mystery of that -Land. And I never to be rid of the utter gladness of knowing that I was -come there again, after so strange a journey, and that Mine Own had I -brought with me, out of all the unknown world. Yet, truly, I also never -to have forgetting that this familiar Land of Strangeness did be the -last test and the greatest dreadfulness of our journey; and anxiousness -did hang upon me; for I now to have to take the preciousness of Mine Own -among and beyond all that Danger of Horrid Forces and of Monstrous -Things and Beast Men, and the like. - -And truly, I did be like to trouble. - -And, in verity, I did stare with a fierce eagerness unto the far-off -place in the middle part of the Night Land, where did be the Mighty -Pyramid; and surely it there to shine in the midst of the land, and did -be mine Home, where never had I dared hope I should return. And I set -mine arm very swift and eager about the Maid, and pointed, so that she -see quickly the wonder and safe Mightiness of that which did be our -Refuge for all our life to come, if but that we to win unto it. And the -Maid to look with a great and earnest soberness and a lovely gladness -and utter soul and heart interest, unto that Place that bare me, and -where I to have come from, and now to take her. - -And long and long she lookt; and sudden came round unto me, and set her -arms quick about my neck, and burst unto a strange and happy weeping. -And I to hold her gentle to me, and let her cry very natural, until that -she was something unpent. - -And lo! when that she was eased, she to stand close beside me, and to -look again unto the Mighty Pyramid; and afterward, as she to steady, she -to ask an hundred questions, so utter eager and so to thrill with joy -and excitement, as that she did be a glad child. And an hundred -questions I answered, and showed her new things and Wonders uncounted. - -And of all strangeness that she then to see, there did none so to shake -her in the spirit with terror as did that dreadful and Horrid House, -which did be the House of Silence. And it was as that her very being did -know and be repulsed of some Horror that did concern and be in that -House; so that she to want to hide in the bushes that did be anigh to -the Road; and truly, I to think this wise, and to remember and to be -ware suddenly that we did be indeed come now into the Power of -Monstrosity which did be utter and forever abroad in that Land. - -And surely, we went then in among the bushes that did grow clumpt upon -the side of the Road, as you to remember; and afterward, I calmed this -new fear that had come so quick upon Mine Own; and she then to peer -forth with me from the bushes, and to have renewed sight over the Land. - -And the House of Silence to stand upon that low hill of which you do -know; and did not be a very great way off, somewise toward the right. -Yet, as you shall have remembering, it did take me some long and bitter -hours upon mine outward way, ere I did be come from under the shadow of -it, as we do say, unto the top-part of the Mighty Slope. - -But this to have been in the main, because of the utter care that I did -need to bring me safe past the House; for I to have gone long and weary -upon my hands and knees among the bushes, as you remember; and oft to -pause, and to be so still as Death, lest that the Power of the House to -have become aware of my passing. And truly, we to need again so utter a -care, when that we make to go past, unto our Mighty Home; and this to be -heavy upon my heart, and I to be in the same moment anxious that we have -haste to the trial, and yet very willing, if it might be, that we not -make it forever. - -And, indeed, after that we had peered a good while from the bushes, I to -consider that we do well to eat now, and afterward to have a safe place -for our slumber, so that we go fresh to the horrid dangers and -dreadfulness that did be before us upon our way. - -And we then to look about, and soon to find a great boulder that did be -set with the bushes. And we made our place for sleep against the -boulder, and the bushes went all around, so that we did be complete hid. - -And, in verity, we to be very cold, as we had been those two past days, -whilst that we made toward the top of the Mighty Slope. And now we to -have the full chill of the Night Land, and did be very glad to have the -cloak, so that we eat and drank whilst that we sat together, and the -cloak round us. And afterward, the Maid set the cloak about us for our -sleep; and we then to kiss very sober, and I with anxiousness in the -heart; but she with less, because she to have rest in me. - -And so we lay down to our sleep, and the Diskos ready in my hand; and my -spirit wakeful against any terror that should come anigh to us in our -slumber; and the Maid I warned to be likewise wary. - -And surely we slept and waked, and there had gone eight good hours, and -naught was come anigh to us to harm us. And we eat and drank, and did -hark oft, and lookt out from among the bushes; but there did be naught -abroad to set dread upon our spirits; and so we did be more content, and -well rest and a-ready for the further journeying. - -Now I had the Maid to wear the cloak, because of the chill of the Land; -but she in the first to refuse, save I also to have it in my turn; but -truly, I did feel that it should smother me, and that I need all my -freedom of my body, lest there come any thing sudden upon us; and all -this I showed Mine Own, and also that we should have weary work, and to -creep much, so that I should be warm by my labour of going, and she -likewise, mayhap. And she then to consent, because she saw that I did be -earnest and to burn with anxiousness; yet had me to promise that I take -the cloak, if that the chill of the Land gat me anywise bitter. - -Now we made a pause, when that we have our gear upon us, and we lookt -well out over the Land; and surely alway our eyes did gaze in the ending -upon that far Wonder of Light and Safeness, which did be the Mighty -Pyramid; and I to be never ceased from telling Mine Own this thing and -that thing concerning the Great Refuge; and she to be constant stunned -unto silence and delight of wonder, and anon shaken unto a multitude of -questionings, so that truly we did be as that we never to have done -making known one unto the other. - -Now, as you have knowledge, the House of Silence stood upon a low hill, -and the Road did bend about the bottom of the hill; and this way did I -come, when that I was on mine outward way. - -Yet now there to be a new plan of journeying come into my mind; for, as -you do remember, I did take somewise of eleven great days from the -Pyramid unto the top-part of the Mighty Slope, because that I had gone -diversely and round about to the North-West of the Plain of Blue Fire. - -And surely, as now I lookt, it did seem that we should try a short -passage, and thereby be come free out of all danger in but a space of -four or five days, if only we to succeed. And I stood a good while very -husht and anxious, and did consider this new way, and did presently -point it out to the Maid, how that we saw the Mighty Redoubt straight to -the back of the low hill where stood the House of Silence, and mayhap we -might chance to find a safe going that way, and that I did ponder -thatwise. For, indeed, as you do know, we must go _nigh_ past the House, -even did we return by the long journeying, and this to be because that -the bushes did make a cover only near to the Road, and all to be a -country of bare rock beyond the bushes on that side of the Road, which -did be to the North and West. - -Now, presently, I had formed my intention regarding our way, and told -all to Mine Own, and how that we to have alway an utter caution; and the -danger I made so plain to her as I did know it, and she then to beware -in her heart the need there to be of care and wiseness forever, as we -did go. And we then to make forward into the Night Land, and to be gone -from the top-part of that great deep, in which there to be hid strange -lands, as you do know. And surely, it to be like that none should ever -to go that way again for an eternity, or maybe forever. - -And so went we forward, with a new caution. - -And we came out from among the bushes upon the North-West of the Road, -and crost unto the Eastward side; and here the bushes to grow very -plentiful, so that I led on with a cheerfulness of hope within my heart. -And alway I went so far to the South-East as the bushes would give us -their cover, and this way I made that we should scarce to pass within a -great mile of the dread and horrid House; though, in verity, this to be -most dreadful close. - -And we walked then for six hours, and went sometimes creeping, and oft -stoopt, and ever with a great caution. - -And in the sixth hour we made a rest, and eat and drank, and afterward -went forward again. - -And in the tenth hour were we come something nigh unto the House; for -truly, we to be off from the Road Where The Silent Ones Walk, and so to -go more straightly, and alway to save distance. And we kept so far -outward from the House as we might; but could pass it not more than a -great mile off, because that the bushes did have their margin near upon -our left, as we went; and there to be barenness of rock beyond; and -fire-holes in this part and that amid the starkness of the rocky spaces, -that should be like to show us very plain, if that we came outward from -the bushes. - -And moreover, there went upward into the everlasting night one of those -Towers of Silence, which did be in this part and that part of the land, -and were thought to hold Strange Watchers. And the Tower stood great and -monstrous afar off in the midst of the naked rocks, showing very grey -and dim, save when the flare of some great fire did beat upward in the -Land, and sent huge and monstrous lights upon it. And we to have need -alway now to remember this Tower, and to keep the more so to the -sheltered hiding of the bushes. Yet, in verity, we to have little -thought of aught, save of the grim and threatening terror and -monstrousness which did stand forever upon that low hill, and did be the -House of Silence. - -And in the eleventh hour, we did go creeping from bush unto bush, and -did be as shadows that went in the mixt greyness and odd shinings of -that Land. And the grim and dreadful House did be now unto our right, -and did loom huge and utter silent above us in the night. And the lights -of the House did shine steadfast and deathless with a noiseless shining, -as that they shone out of the quiet of some drear and unnatural -Eternity. And there did a seeming of Unholiness to brood in the air, and -a sense of all and deathly Knowledge; so that, surely, our hiding did -seem but a futile thing unto our spirits; for it was to us as that we -did be watched quiet and alway by a Power, as we slipt gentle from bush -unto bush. - -And when the twelfth hour did be nigh, we to begin to draw clear of the -House; and surely there to come somewhat of ease into my brain and -heart; for it did be as that we should come clear of all harm. - -And I turned to the Maid, that I whisper gentle and loving encouragement -unto her. And lo! in that moment, Mine Own gave out a sudden low -sobbing, and was gone still upon the earth. And, truly, my heart did -seem to die in me; for I knew that there did be directed a Force out of -the House of Silence, which did be aimed unto the Spirit of Mine Own -Maid. And I caught the Maid instant into mine arms, and I set my body -between her body and the dreadness of the House; and surely, my spirit -to perceive that there beat out at her a dreadful Force, which did have -in it an utter Silence and a bleakness of Desolation. And lo! I saw in a -moment that the Force had no power to slay me; but did surely make to -slay the Maid. And I set my Spirit and my Will about her, for a shield, -if this might be, and I had her to mine arms as that she did be mine own -babe. - -And I stood upright, for there did be no more use to hide; and I knew -that I must walk forever until that I have Mine Own to the Shelter of -the Mighty Refuge, or to walk until I die; for only with speed might I -save her from the dread and horrid Malice of that Force. - -And I set free the Diskos from my hip, and had it in mine arms beside -the Maid, and I strode forward out of the bushes, and put forth my -strength that I journey with an utter speed. And ever my Spirit did know -of that monstrous Force which did be direct upon us, to the Destruction -of Mine Own Maid. - -And odd whiles, as I walkt, I called Mine Own by her olden love name, -and by the new name of Naani; but never did she move or seem even that -she lived; and surely my heart sickened within me with a mighty despair, -so that a constant madness did begin to thrill in me and to make me -something monstrous in strength, with my fierce agony and intentness to -save. And one hope only had I, that I bring her yet living into the -Shelter of the Mighty Refuge; and so, swift, to the care of the Doctors. - -And lo! I did strive to be wise in my despair; for I made a quick -halting soon, and I warmed a broth of the tablets and water upon a hot -rock, and strove that I set some of the broth between the closed lips of -Mine Own Maid; yet did it be useless, as I to have known before in my -heart. And alway I kept my body and my Will and my Spirit and my Love -between the Maid and the dreadfulness of the House. And I made some of -the water, and dasht it upon the face of Mine Own, and I chafed her -hands; but truly it to have no use; neither did I truly to think it -should be like to. - -And I wiped her face then, and harked to her dear heart; and surely it -did beat, very slow and husht. And afterward, I wrapt her in the cloak. - -And I forced myself then that I eat some of the tablets, and I drank a -great lot of the water, for a fever did seem to burn in me, and moreover -I to mean that I lack not for strength to my task. - -And I set my gear upon me very speedy, and I lifted Mine Own Beloved, -that did be now so husht, that once had been so merry and dearly -naughty. And surely, I nigh choked as the thought uprase in me; but I -set it back, and did but go the more furious. And surely no man did ever -go so fast and constant upon his feet, through an eternity; for I was -come again to my strength, and there did be a madness of intention and -despair upon me; and I went on forever. - -And at each sixth hour when I stopt very brief to eat and to drink, I -made to bring Mine Own to her senses; yet she never to come, and alway -her heart to grow the more feeble; so that in the end I did utter fear -to hark; and did but set food and drink into me, and onward again with -an utter fierceness. - -And why there came not any Sweet Power of Goodness to help me in my -strait, I never to know; but did call desperate upon all Good things to -aid me, as I went, to save Mine Own. But there naught to come; so that I -had grown into cursings, but that I did not to lose my wisdom to any -useless foolishness. And alway, as I went, I to see the Land blindly, -and oft vague and grey as that I did look at naught real, and again with -strange flashings of light, and the glare of fires; and anon to see the -Land as it did be, and all odd whiles to have now to me the feel of a -dread and monstrous dreaming. - -And surely I sped forever through the dreadful hours, and went neither -to the right nor to the left, neither did I strive to hide in the bushes -nor to evade aught, for I knew that the Maid died slowly in mine arms, -and there to be no more gain in life, save by speed, that I have her -swift to the Mighty Pyramid to the care of the Doctors. And a great and -despairing madness grew ever within me. - -And thrice I to have a vague memory that there came creatures at me, -from the dark of the Land; but surely I slew them with the Diskos, and -have no remembering thereof, only that mine anger did boil in me, and I -to know once that the Diskos did run blood in my hand. - -And lo! there to come sudden unto my spirit the knowledge that the -aether of the world did be stirred. And, indeed, I did be surely sighted -by the great Millions of the Mighty Pyramid. And they to have seen me -come forward into the sight of the spy-glasses, and that I did bring a -maid in mine arms out of all the night of the world. - -And truly, as I did after learn, the dear Master Monstruwacan had -discovered me great hours before; for there had been a steadfast watch -kept in the Tower of Observation for my returning, if that ever I should -return; and the might of the Great Spy-Glass had shown me plain a good -while gone, and that I did carry somewhat, that was surely the maid that -I did go to find. Yet had the Master given an order that no word be set -abroad to the Peoples, of this discovering, lest that the emotions of -the Millions to tell overmuch unto the evil Powers of the Land. But now -had the Millions also come unto knowledge; for many had ceased not to -watch through their spy-glasses, and the news to travel very speedy -through the cities; and surely now there did be a constant spiritual -noise in the night, to be heard only of the Spirit, yet to suffice to -wake and to warn all that Land. - -And truly, as I after to learn, the Master Monstruwacan did know by the -instruments that there came a force out of the House of Silence, and -this to trouble him greatly; so that he set the word through the -Pyramid, by the Hour-Slips, that all the Peoples strive to contain their -emotion, lest they bring an Harm and a Destruction upon me, by warning -the Land with the greatness of their feelings. - -Yet, in verily, this did be useless; for the Peoples did be very human, -and could nowise check their gladness and great wonder and excitement; -for it was to them so great a wonder almost as we should suffer if that -a man in this Age should go beyond Death in search of his Beloved; and -afterward to come backward unto the Living; and, surely, in such case, -how mighty should be our amazement; and this to be somewise how they did -be; yet with it also a sweet and natural gladness and strong welcoming, -which doth be the true beat of the Human Heart unto the Wanderer. - -And presently, and through all the time that I came forward across the -Land, there did be mayhaps an hundred million that did never cease to -watch me from the embrasures, from the View-Tables, and from all -vantages. Yet, for a long while, only they which possessed strong -spying-glasses did be abled to see me truly, for I was a great way off. - -And millions did but stare vainly unto that part where I was said to be; -and the Hour-Slips to come out four times in the hour, and to tell aught -that did be known. And so shall you perceive that Humanity did but have -grown the more Human. - -And, in verity, I went forward with all my strength, and did drive -heedless through the miles and the night, and scarce conscious of aught, -because of the aching madness of despair that did grow ever within me; -for I knew that Mine Own Maid died alway in mine arms, as I did carry -her. - -And later, a monstrous space of hours it to seem, I knew that I was come -to that part of the Road, where it did bend somewhat unto the Vale Of -Red Fire; and this did be something anigh to that wilderness where the -Youths did fight with the giant-men. - -And I came over the Road, and urged my body utter furious across the -Land. And, surely, in that moment when I cross the Road, great numbers -of the Millions did see me, that had not seen before. And there went a -shaking in the aether of the World, because of the sudden emotion of so -mighty a Multitude; and lo! it did be as that in that moment the Land -was at last waked; for there came from far away unto the Eastward, a -faint and dreadful laughter, as that a monstrous Being laught unto -Itself in some lost and dreadful country. And the Laughter passed over -the Land, and did echo strangely, as it did seem, in this part and that -part, and presently to go rolling round in the far and hid West Lands, -and to be as that it wandered awhile amid the far mountains of the Outer -Lands, and was presently lost from my hearing. - -And my heart chilled a little maybe; but yet did I not care over-much; -for I to lack all if that I lackt Death, if that I not to be given power -to save Mine Own. Yet did I make a little pause, so that I gat the knife -from the belt of the Maid, and did also to bare the Capsule; for if that -there came a Destruction upon us, I to make instant sure that Mine Own -Maid be safe unto death, and I then to go quickly with the Capsule. - -And afterward I again upon my way. - -And ever upon each sixth hour I did stop that I eat and drink, and did -onward again, even as a machine; for I commanded myself to this duty of -victual, that I lack not my strength unto the saving of the Maid. Yet, -truly, I did seem to choke alway as I strove with the tablets. - -And lo! ever as I went forward did the Land awake; and my spirit to know -that Great Forces did be abroad, restless. And the Monsters to begin -wild roamings, because that they also to know of the Unrest that did be -come into the Land. And there to go presently odd roarings across the -Land, from night unto night. And I to go forward the more desperate, and -to step neither to the right nor to the left; but to make direct unto my -Mighty Home. - -And the Vale of Red Fire did be soon afar off unto my right, and the -bulk of the Watcher of the North-East to be somewise unto my left, -before me; and the great back to be toward me. And truly, I lookt at the -Brute-Force, and it did be as that I drew nigh unto a Mountain of -Watchfulness; and above it in the everlasting night did be the blue -shining of the luminous ring, and the ring shed a light downward over -the Monster-Force; and the shoulders did be huge and humpt, even as two -small hills, and it lookt forever from me through eternity unto the -Pyramid. And this to be plain, though I did be a great way off from it. - -And sudden, as I went, there came Somewhat out of a bush unto my left, -and rose up at me, very long and tall; and surely it did be some kind of -a man, and came at me. And my fury and my despair came inward upon me in -a moment, so that I troubled not to set down the Maid, but leaped at the -thing, where it did be yet half hid in the dark. And lo! it died in -pieces, and the Diskos did roar to content my heart an instant. And I -then onward again the more savage, so that my heart did be a dreadful -thing within me. - -And a great while I went then, and do have a vague remembering that this -time and that there came things at me from out of the dark; but surely -they to have died very speedy, that I not to remember more. - -And the hours did pass in spaces of time that did be made of terror and -numbness and an utter and evergrowing fury of despair. And I did be at -last as that I did burn inward with a grim and dreadful energy, and to -seem to grow the less tired, and to come over the Land with a stronger -ease and somewhat as that I did desire things to come unto me, that I -have something to ease my heart; for lo! Mine Own Maid did be dying in -mine arms as I carried her; and I to be in a bleak and sickened dread, -so that I lacked all courage now to listen unto her heart, as I have -told; and went burning, and dry and hot in the eyes. - -And ever there sounded the roarings across the Land; and there did be -added presently lower and more horrid and dread noises. And later I -heard a far thudding of the earth; and in a little there went past me a -great Man, running so heavy that he did make a shaking as he past me; -yet, in verity, by a sweet mercy, he saw me not, and was gone onward in -a moment and lost utter into the night. And the aether of the world to -be full of the trouble of the Peoples, as the Man past me; and afterward -there to be a stirring of glad thankfulness. And truly, alway my spirit -did know strangely as in a dream, that the Millions set their sympathy -and pity and help about me, and did girt me about with Human love and -with encouragement and with uplifted thoughts. Yet, in verity, did all -be as water beside the fierce wine of my love and despair, which did -urge me onward in a natural lacking of all dread, save for Mine Own. And -truly this doth be the way of Love, and shall make fearless the heart of -the weakest. And there to be prayers in the night, and all the aether to -be surged with the spiritual trouble and callings and cryings of the -Millions; so that, indeed, if that my spirit so to hear these things, it -to be conceived that these do pass outward into the Everlasting, and to -break upon the Shore of Eternity in an anguish, even as a visible foam -of supplication. - -And surely the unity of love of the Millions did make a natural Force -about me; for, in verity, the Force that did come from the House to seem -to be somewhat eased from the Maid; yet there to be no surety in this; -for all did be desperation and turmoil in my heart, and I to have but -one thought in my brain, that I bring Mine Own swift across the Land -unto the Mighty Pyramid, and so unto the Doctors. - -And lo! there stole presently from afar the deep and dreadful baying of -the Hounds; so that I knew we did be surely dead, save that a miracle -should happen. And I askt in my heart in a fierce and mad fashion why -that they did not to rig one of the olden shooting weapons, that they -shoot from the Pyramid, and so to give me some aid in mine extremity. - -And behold, even as I did be so bitter, there went afar upward in the -everlasting night, where did shine the Last Light, the sharp flashings -of the Set Speech; and I did warm in my heart a little with hope; for -the Master Monstruwacan did see that I was now all discovered, and there -to be no more use for silence, and did speak straight and helpful unto -me. And I made to read the Set Speech, but mine eyes had been mad and -near blinded with lost hope. But in a moment I saw clear. And behold, -the dear Master Monstruwacan bid me to keep good my courage, for that -they did have made ready three of the olden weapons; and moreover, they -to save me, even if that they have to turn loose the Earth-Current over -the Land. And he commended me with Honour, and that I strive forward yet -a little while; for that an Hundred Thousand Men did be Prepared, and -did even then go downward in their armour by the Lifts. - -And surely, as you shall think, my heart eased a little in me, and there -burned somewhat of a hope in my spirit that I yet to bring Mine Own -unto the Doctors, ere it be too late. - -And the baying of the Hounds did grow nearer in the night; and there to -grow ever the roarings over the Land; and a sense of Evil and -monstrousness to be abroad in all the night. - -And lo! I to have come by this so that the Watcher of the North-East did -be backward upon my left; and I lookt keen and fearful now at the -Monster-Force; and behold, the great bell-ear did quiver continually, so -that I saw the Monster made somewhat known unto all the Land. And the -Monster did look as ever, unto the Pyramid; and did be a great and -silent Hill of Life that did lean toward the Pyramid; and the light from -the Ring came downward upon the monstrous hide, which did be set in vast -folds and wrinkles upon it. And the Monster to know of me; yet never to -move, neither to show life, save that the ear did quiver so horridly. - -And I knew that they made some great preparation in the Pyramid for our -defence; for all the night did begin now to shake and to quiver with the -mighty beat of the Earth-Current. - - - - -XVI - -IN THE COUNTRY OF SILENCE - - -And lo! I did be come something nigh unto the Mighty Pyramid; and my -great Home went up vast into the everlasting night, as a very Mountain -of sweet Life and Safety, and had surely amazed me afresh with the utter -Bigness of it, only that despair and weariness did have too grim an hold -upon my heart for me to care of aught, save to have Mine Own Maid within -the safe wonder of the huge Refuge. And it did be still afar off from -me. - -And I to go forward across the Land with a strong going; and lo! as I -past a hollow place where did burn a fire-hole, there came something out -of the hollow. And the thing gat upward from crawling, and did be a -great and haired Man. And the Man lookt at me, and afterward came unto -me, and did put his hands forward, very eager, as he came. And I did see -the hands plain in the light from the fire-hole, and the hands were -monstrous, and did be armed brutish with horrid claws, so that the Man -should have been able to rip aught, even as a wild beast. - -And I put Mine Own very swift to the earth; and surely, I cared not for -life or aught; for this thing did make to delay me, and I to be fierce -with despair that aught should halt me. And lo! I leaped very furious -and with cold anger at the giant; and I smote at the monstrous brute; -but he unto the side in an instant of time, and so escaped the blow. And -he flung forth his monstrous arm out of the half-dark of a shadow that -did be cast by the dance of the fire-hole, and caught my head-piece and -pluckt it from me so strong and brutish that he cast me nigh a dozen -feet on to my back. Yet I was not harmed in the life, but only sore -shaked and bruised; and I to be up in a moment, and came in upon the -giant, and the Diskos did roar and blaze in my hands as I swung the -weapon. And I gat the giant above the middle part, and the Diskos did -glut itself, and went through the giant as that he did be naught, though -so huge and monstrous and girt with strength. And he to have surely -turned his shoulders as he died; for the upper part of the giant-man -went horrid to the earth, and the legs and the trunk stood plain in the -light of the fire-hole, and the blood went upward as a fountain in the -night. - -And I made no pause, but leaped unto the Maid, and had her in a moment -to mine arms, and onward again past that dead thing, that did only then -to fall with an horrid sound. And surely the night did be full of an -astonishment and upliftedness of the Millions, so that their spiritual -cryings did go all about me, and did tell me that they had perceived -this thing, and did cast their love and delight unto me, and a vast -excitement to be upon them. - -And lo! I scarce to have gone a great mile more, but there came two -vague things out of a dark place, where certain rocks did upstand; and I -smote them with the Diskos, and went onward; but what they did be, I -never to know. - -And surely, after that, I did seem to go smiting forever; for there to -come, time and oft, strange things out from the bushes and the rocks, as -that all the Land did be a-crawl with foul and monstrous life, and I to -go smiting, as in a dream, and to speed forward ever with a more fierce -despair; for surely the end of our lives did be come, and I not to be -given power to save Mine Own Maid. - -And all the Land did be full of grim and monstrous roarings, and -odd-wise lower sounds, very deadly. And once I did hear the noise of -giants running. And all the night to be Evil. And, in verity, how I did -not be slain by some dread Force, I not to know, unless that I did be -burned free of all weakness that an Evil Power should have chance to -harm me through; for, indeed, I had been dealt a bitter training a -monstrous time. - -And lo! there to be again the deep and dreadful baying of the -Night-Hounds unto the South-East, and to be nearer; and I to know now -that no strength of mine should serve to protect Mine Own. - -And lo! from the upwardness of the night, where did be the Last Light, -there sudden to come downward a strange blue flash, that smote downward -into the Land unto the South-East. And again the flash to come, and -mayhap a score times after; and there to come down out of the height a -peculiar crackling sound, that did be less than the thunder of this age, -yet more loud than any other sound that you ever to hear. And lo! I knew -that the Humans did begin to fight for me, that I bring Mine Own safe -unto Home. - -And behold! it did be as that all the wakefulness of the Land that had -been, did be but as sleep, beside the wakefulness that now to come; for -surely the Night now to seem to rock with the roarings of the Monsters, -and with the be-stirring of Great Forces. And ever there to go over the -Land the yowling of that strange and dreadful Laughter, which did come -from that hid Country in the night of the lost East. - -And lo! there arose constant now the hoarse and dreadful bayings of the -Hounds, and made known that a mighty pack did be out. And they to seem -to be no more, maybe, than a good mile unto the South-East; and I to be -all alone, save for the dying Maid that I held in mine arms. And I lookt -vainly and with despair for the Hundred Thousand that did be Prepared, -and had come downward, as you do know, unto mine aid. But truly, there -did be naught to see anywheres, save the strange lights and shadows of -the Land; and the movement of monstrous life in this place and that -place. And the Hounds to come nearer with every moment of time; so that -indeed, I knew that death did be very nigh. - -And I ceased not from my stride; but went forward, and did begin to run; -for the Pyramid was not a huge way off in the night; and the shine of -the Circle about it, to be plain seen, save here and there, where it did -be hid strangely. And I to have a despairing hope that I come yet with -Mine Own into the safety of the Circle. - -And the baying of the Hounds to come ever the more near; and surely it -did be a doubly hideous bitter thing that I lose My Dear One, so nigh -unto Home; and the great Mountain of my Home to go upward before me into -the night, and to seem so near that surely I did be almost there; but -yet, mayhap, two great miles off, even then. And, behold, I called out -in vain despair and to no end, why that none come to give me aid in this -extremity; for the Hounds did bay now but the half of a great mile, upon -my left, and did surely have scent of me, by the way of their dreadful -baying. - -And, truly, the Millions to have an anguish of sympathy for me; for the -spiritual noise of their emotion did be plain unto my spirit; and they -surely to have seen and to have interpreted the way that I did look -about me and appear to call out in despair; for there came all about me -in a moment the companioning of a great and sweet spiritual force, which -did be bred of their quick going with me in their understanding and -love; and they to have perceived how that I did be unto the end of hope; -and the Hounds to be almost upon me. - -And in this moment, there came afresh to my hearing the shaking beat of -the Earth-Current; so that I knew the Humans to take desperate means to -save. And there came to my view a vast pack of the Hounds unto my left, -and they came running at a great pace, and their heads did be low, and -they to be so great as horses; and seen plain, and again in shadow, all -in the same moment, as they did come. - -And, in verity, I knew that we two to be dead indeed ere a minute be -gone, if that the Humans not to haste. And I stood where I did be; for -there was no more use to run; and I lookt from the Hounds unto the -Mighty Pyramid, and again to the Hounds. And again I lookt with my hope -gone, unto the Pyramid; for the Hounds did be scarce two hundred fathoms -off from me; and there did be hundreds of the mighty beasts. And lo! -even as I lookt that last time unto the Pyramid, there brake out a -monstrous bursting flame, that did rush downward from the Sealed lower -part of the Mighty Pyramid. And the flame smote downward upon the Land -where the Hounds did run, and all the Night to be lost from my sight in -the brightness and strangeness of that mighty flame; so that I saw no -more the Pyramid, or aught; but only the shining and dreadful glory of -that flame. And the Flame made a blast in the Night, and a hotness that -did seem to wither me, even where I did be from it. And I perceived that -the Humans had truly turned loose the Earth-Current upon the Hounds, -that I be saved. And there went a constant great thundering over the -Land, because that the Earth-Force did rend and split the air, and did -tear up the earth. And the roaring of the Monsters did be husht and lost -in that mighty sound; and I to see no place where the Hounds did be; but -only flames and broken lands where the Earth-Force did strike; and great -rocks did be hurled all whithers, with a vast noise; and truly it did be -a mercy that I was not slain an hundred times, if this might be, by the -failings and burstings of great rocks and boulders. - -And lo! in a moment the Humans did cut off the Earth-Force, and had it -again to their control. And there to seem now a great silence upon the -Land, and an utter dark; save that flames and noise came from that part -where the Current did strike. And I very speedy to come free of the -dazedness that had me, and made again to my running; for, in truth, it -to seem now that I should yet be let to win unto safety with Mine Own. - -And mine eyes did grow presently unto their accustomed using; and I to -look all ways about me, lest there come somewhat upon me even then to -work our deaths. And for a good time there to be naught that I did see -anywheres, neither there to be the wakeful sounds of the Land, save only -the grim and horrid Laughter from afar in the dead East. - -And oft as I did run, I to stare hungry hearted upward at the Mighty -Pyramid; and surely it alway now to seem to be less bright than before. -And in the first, I to set this to the count that mine eyes did be yet -dazed by the great Flame of the Earth-Force; but soon I to perceive that -it did be otherwise; and that there did be truly a less brightness of -the light that did shine throughout all the Mighty Redoubt. And this -lack I conceived had owing to that great using of the force and power of -the Earth-Current that had been loosed to save us. And I to have this -new thing cold upon my heart; for, truly, if that the Force of the -Current to be made over low, there to be a danger for all the Humans -that did live, even for all the great Millions of the Mighty Refuge. And -this, did be surely known by the Masters; and they to have no more power -to aid me with the Current, until it flow strong again, lest that they -destroy all the Peoples of the Earth. And all this to be plain to me in -a moment, as I ran; and I to be but the more desperate to come unto -instant safety with the Maid. - -And surely, I to be yet in expecting of the Hundred Thousand to come -unto me; but they not to come. And all about me the Land to begin again -to give out the noises of the Monsters; and to send forth new and -peculiar noises, as that there did be more awaked in the Land than did -be ever heard by me before. And presently, I saw that there went living -things, creeping, between me and the light of the Circle. And I to know -that I yet to have to fight bitter, if that I would bring the Maid safe. -And I swung the Diskos free, and ran on. - -And sudden my Spirit to know that I did be warned of some new peril; and -I to look upward into the night, that the Master Monstruwacan should -mayhap to tell me the danger, by the Set Speech. But, in truth, there -came not the quick flashings of the Set Speech; but only an upward -stillness, and a dimness of the lights of the Mighty Pyramid. And -afterward, I to learn that the dear Master Monstruwacan made to warn me -of danger; but that all the instruments of the Tower of Observation to -fail to work, and likewise all the machinery of the Pyramid to cease, -even unto the moving of the great lifts, and the moan of the Air Pumps; -and all to have been this way for nigh a great hour, until that the -Earth-Current did flow again more full. And surely, this doth show that -Death did nigh to come unto all the Millions, because of the great trial -that did be made to save us. - -But, truly, my spirit did be warned by the trouble of the Millions, and -because the Master Monstruwacan called vaguely with his brain-elements; -so that I went ever more warily, and did look all ways. And lo! sudden -I to stare above me into the night; and there to be a pale circle, very -quiet and steadfast that did go alway over the twain of us. And I saw -that this did be surely one of those sweet Powers of Holiness, that did -stand between our souls and some dread Power that came anigh to work our -Destruction. And I to have no over-fear; but did put my trust in the -Force of Holiness, and went forward, running warily. - -And surely, I came mayhap so nigh as to within four hundred paces of the -Circle; and I to think that I yet to win Mine Own safe and undelayed -within the guarding of the Circle. And the light of the Circle did burn -dim; so that I had sudden fear whether that it be any more use for a -Guard, until that the Earth-Current to come more free. And all this as I -ran, swift and wary and utter anxious. - -And lo! in that moment in a dim place there rose up three beast-men from -the earth, and came at me, growling. And the first did be so close that -I had no room to the Diskos; but beat in the head of the man with the -haft-part. And I leaped unto the side then, and swung the Diskos, and -did be utter mad, yet chill, with fury; so that the Maid did be no more -than a babe in the crook of mine arm. And I came in sudden to meet the -two beast-men as they ran at me; and I cut quick and light with the -great Weapon, and did have that anger upon me which doth make the heart -a place of cold and deadly intent; so that I had a wondrous and brutal -judgement to the slaying. And, truly, I slew them as that they had been -no more than mice; and I had no harm, neither so much as a touch from -them. And, behold! in that moment there came a great Shout of wonder and -of welcome from within the Circle. And I lookt swiftly, and began again -to run; for there did be men in grey armour all within the Circle; yet -came they not to mine aid. - -And lo! in a moment I knew why that the Hundred Thousand did have held -off from me in mine extremity; for, behold! there did be monstrous Black -Mounds all along without of the Circle, and did rock and sway with a -force of strange life that did set an horror into my soul as I ran; for -truly they did be the visible signs of monstrous Forces of Evil. And did -any Human have ventured outward beyond the Circle, then had that man -been Destroyed in the Spirit, and lost utterly; so that none had dared -to come; neither had it been of use if any had made themselves to be a -sacrifice to aid me; for, truly, they to have been of no use, when dead, -as you shall say. - -And there came a constant shouting from the Hundred Thousand to me, that -I haste, and indeed to haste. And truly I did haste with all my -strength. And I lookt unto the dear Circle of Holiness that did be above -us twain; and it to go steadfast over us; so that I saw we to be surely -saved. - -And lo! I to be no more than an hundred paces now from the glowing of -the Circle. And behold! even in that instant, there must come brutal -things to destroy us; for there came an herd of squat and brutish men -all about me in a moment from the shadows, where they had been hid. And -they caught at me, and caught at the Maid to tear her from mine arm. And -truly, it did be as that they surely to have success; for I could nowise -in a moment free myself, and yet to guard the Maid and to use the -Diskos. And lo! I kickt with my metal boots, and gave from them, and -turned all ways in a moment, and wrenched free; and I leaped back; and -the herd of horrid brutes after me. - -And now I to have space for the Diskos, and a grimness in my heart; and -I came round very sudden, and ran in among the men, smiting. And I hit -very swift both from the right and the left, and to and fro with a -constant quick circling. And the Diskos did spin and roar, and made a -strange light upon the faces of the men, and they to have tusks like to -the tusks of pigs. And surely I did rage through them, smiting. And they -to strike me a thousand times with great stones, so that mine armour -rang, and was all fresh burst, and I near to sicken under the blows and -new wounds; but they not to harm the Maid, for I carried her above their -squat and brutish reach. - -And the brute-men to seem without end. But I made alway forward unto the -glowing of the Circle; and the night to be full in that place of the -fierce shoutings of the Hundred Thousand; and many--as I did learn--to -have tried to come unto me, but that their comrades held them from so -useless a dying. - -And, in verity, I to be now scarce fifty paces from the glowing of the -Circle; and did be nigh to fall; for I did be so utter dazed and wounded -with the fight, and ill with a vast weariness and the despair and -madness of my journey, and moreover, as you do know, I not to have -slept, but to have carried the Maid forever through days and nights, and -to have fought oft. - -And lo! the Hundred Thousand stood just within the Circle, and they that -were to the front did swing each man the Diskos; and they hurled each -the Diskos in among the herd of the tuskt men that did make to slay me. -And surely this to save me; for the herd did thin to my front; and I to -gather my strength, and to charge with despair, and to smite and never -be ceased of smiting; so that there did be dead creatures all about. And -behold! I brake through the herd, with Mine Own, and did be upon the -Circle. And lo! I stept over the Circle, that did scarce now to give out -a Resistance; and a thousand hands did come forward to give me help; yet -did none touch me, but gave back from me; for there did be that about me -which held them off, as with a little awe; for I to be strange unto -them. - -And I stood there in a great silence, and the Diskos in my hand ran -blood to the haft. And maybe I rockt as I stood; for many again did put -out their hands, as to hold me, and again drew back, and were silent. - -And I lookt unto them, and they lookt back at me; and I did gasp -awhile, and was strangely dazed, and did try to tell them that I had -need of the Doctors for the Life of Mine Own Maid, that did be dying in -mine arms. And behold, in that moment, there did be a sound of giants -running, out in the night. And some then to cry out different matters, -to aid me, and to beware of the giants, and to bring the Doctors to -attend me on the instant. - -And other voices did call that the Holy Light was gone from above; and -likewise the Black Mounds from the outer part of the Circle. And there -did be a monstrous noise of roarings in the Land, and all to come -bewildered unto my brain, which did surely fail now with the grim and -utter stress which had been mine so long. - -And there to be also a constant noise that came from near and from -upward; and truly I to know, as in a dream, that it did be made of the -shouting of the great Millions, that did make an eternal and vague -roaring-sound upward in the night, that did come down from the upper -heights, no more loud than a strange and continual murmuring out of the -lofty miles. - -And surely, I to find my voice in a little minute, and did ask a near -man whether there be any Doctors with the men. And in that moment there -came forward a Master of the Diskos, which doth be as a Commander of -this age. And he made the Salute of Honour with the Diskos, and would -have eased the Maid from me; but I to ask again, very slow, whether that -there was a Doctor a-near. And he on the instant to give an order; and -the great thousands to begin to shape, and did make a mighty lane unto -the Great Gateway of the Mighty Pyramid. - -And the Master of the Diskos made a sign to certain that did be near; -and they stood about me, as I to know dully, lest I fall; but they not -to touch me; for I did be as that I must not be laid hand upon; for I -did near to choke with despair lest I to have come Home too late; and -surely, also, the men to seem as that I did be strange unto them. - -And there went orders swift and constant this way and that; and lo! in a -little while, there came two big men of the Upward Cities, running; and -they had a little man between them upon a sling. And the little man did -be a Master of the Doctors; and he aided me gentle to lay Mine Own Maid -upon the earth. And the Master of the Diskos made a sign, and the men -that did be near, turned each his back; and the Doctor to make -examination for the life of Mine Own. - -And there to come about that time a seeming of silence in the land. And -truly the Hundred Thousand did be utter quiet; and a great quiet in the -Mighty Pyramid; for, in truth, all to know, by this, that there to be a -fear that the Maid I did bring out of the night, did be slain by the -Evil Forces. - -And sudden the little man that did be the Master Doctor, lookt up quiet -and piteous at me; so that I knew in a moment that Mine Own Maid did be -dead. And he to see that I knew; and he covered the face of Mine Own, -and stood up very speedy; and he called softly to the men that did be to -my back, and he signed to them that some to support me, and some to lift -Mine Own Maid, and bear her unto the Great Gateway. And he lookt keen at -me; and I to fight a little that I breathe; and afterward did make with -my hands, that the men not to come near me, neither to touch Mine Own. -And the Master Doctor to understand that I did be truly strong until I -die, and did beckon the men from me, and from the Maid. - -And I stoopt, in a little, and I lifted Mine Own Maid into mine arms for -that last journeying. - -And I came down the mighty lane of the Hundred Thousand, all in their -grey armour. And they did make silent salute with the Diskos reversed, -each man as I passed him, and did be utter silent. And I scarce to wot -of aught, save that all the world did be quiet and emptied, and my task -to have failed, and Mine Own to lie dead in mine arms. Yet, truly, did -it to have failed utter? for I had surely saved Mine Own from the terror -of the Second Night Land, and she not to have come alone and with -madness unto her death; but to have died in mine arms; and she surely to -have been comforted within her spirit, because that my love did be so -utter about her. And I to think vaguely and terribly on an hundred sweet -love actions that she to have shown unto me; and sudden I did remember -with a dreadful pain how that I never to have waked to discover Mine Own -Maid kissing me in my sleep, as I to have meant. And a madness of -anguish did flash sudden through the numbness upon my brain; so that I -did be blinded a little, and surely went crooked in my walk; for I to -know, sudden, that the Master Doctor steadied mine elbow for a moment; -but afterward did leave me be, as I to have again control of my spirit. - -And lo! as I drew nigh unto the Great Gateway, the lights of the Pyramid -to begin to glow again more strong, and the machinery of the Lifts and -the Air Pumps to work, because that now the Earth-Current did grow once -more to natural strength. And they to have power now to open the Great -Gate, which did be done by great machines. - -And there to come forth to meet me a number of the Masters of the Mighty -Pyramid; and the dear Master Monstruwacan did come before them all, so -eager as that he did be mine own Father. And he to have heard somewhat, -vaguely, that there to have been a fear for the life of the maid that I -did bring. - -And surely, he did be told by one near to the Gateway, that the Maid did -be dead in mine arms; for he and all the Masters did pause and stand -silent for me to go by, and did reverse each his Diskos; and this to -have been an Honour shown, than which there did be scarce any greater. - -And there went a constant murmuring up in the night, which did be the -speech of the Millions, questioning. And the news that the Maid did be -dead, went upward through the miles. And my spirit to know, as in a -dream, of the spiritual noise which did go outward through all space, -and did be the grief of the Multitudes, as they did hear this thing. -Yet, truly, there did nothing comfort me anywise; neither I proper yet -to know the verity of my loss; for I did go stunned. - -And I came in through the Great Gateway, and the Full Watch did stand -there silent in their armour; and they made the Salute of Honour. And I -went onward with the dead Maid that I did bring out of Eternity. - -And presently, they that were around, did guide me, with the Maid in -mine arms, unto the Great Lift. And I took Mine Own Maid into the Great -Lift; and the Masters came with me, and did be in their armour; and none -did speak to me. And the Master Monstruwacan and the Master of the -Doctors stood silent to the side of me. And there did be everywhere -great Multitudes, that I did see vaguely; but my spirit not to wot of -them. - -And lo! I stood very quiet and dumb as we did go upward through the -miles; and the Millions of the Cities stood about the Great Lift, and -there did be a great silence upward and downward through the strange -miles; save for the weeping of women in dear sympathy, that did sound -far and low and constant. - -And presently I to know that the Master Monstruwacan and the Master of -the Doctors did look one to the other; and I to be aware sudden that I -stood in my blood; for I did be wounded in an hundred parts, and the -blood to go alway from me. Yet did the Master Doctor be slow to do aught -for me, because that he to perceive that I did be slain in the heart; -and there to be no pain so dreadful as that he should be like to wake me -unto, if that he went hastily. - -Yet, presently, there did come whirlings into my head; and someone did -surely make to ease Mine Own Maid from mine arms. But I held her, -dumbly; and the blood to go the more from me; and they not to know what -should be done. And I to look at them. And the dear Master Monstruwacan -did be saying somewhat unto me, that I did have no power to hear; but -only to know that his face did be very human. And there went a strange -noise all about me; and the Master Monstruwacan to seem to hold me up, -and to beckon to some that did be to my back. And lo! there came a -blackness, and the gentleness of arms about mine armour.... - -And I to come presently to quietness and to half-dreams; and did alway -to seem that I carried Mine Own Maid in mine arms. But truly there did -pass three great days, whilst that I did be thus. And I all that while -to be laid quiet, and to be tended by the Master Doctor, and aided by -all knowledge that did be known of Humans. - -And on the third day, as it might be called, I to come full unto my -senses; and the pain to take me in the breast; and the Master of the -Doctors did be with me, and they that nurst me; and the Master Doctor -watched me very keen and gentle. - -And I did be in a bed of the Health Room of mine own city. And I gat -from the bed, and the Doctor to say naught; but only to watch me. And I -walkt to and fro a little, and he alway to watch me; and presently he -gave me somewhat to drink; and I drank. And I was gone soon from all -knowledge. - -And I to come again unto a knowing that I yet to live; and there went a -certain strength in my body. And lo! the first that I did see, was the -Master of the Doctors; and I to perceive in a moment that he had wakened -me, and had nurst my strength for that moment, that I live through the -Burial. For he to be very wise, and to have known from that first seeing -of me, that I not to live after that Mine Own did die. - -And there was brought to me a loose garment; but I to refuse the -garment, dumbly, and did look about me very troubled and forgetting. And -the Master Doctor lookt alway at me; and lo! in a moment he called one, -and gave an order. And there was brought in then my broken armour, and a -garment to wear below. And I then to know that I did be content in this -matter; and the Doctor alway to watch me. And they drest me in my broken -armour. - -And surely, as they drest me, my spirit to hear the sorrow and sympathy -of the Multitudes, and did know that they went downward by millions, -unto the Country of Silence. - -And lo! in that moment when I near to be in mine armour, I to mind -sudden again that I never to have waked to discover Mine Own Maid -kissing me in my sleep. And the Pain gat me in the breast, so that I had -surely ended then, but that the Master Doctor set somewhat to my breath, -that eased me, and gave something of dullness unto my senses for a -while. - -And I did be carried then in a sling unto the Great Lift, and there did -be a bed in the lift, and the Doctor to have me to lie upon the bed; and -I to know that he also to know that I never to need a bed any more; -neither should I ever to come upward again in the Lift. - -And truly the Mighty Pyramid did be an emptyness; for there did seem to -be left only the Stress Masters that did arrange the moving of the -Millions. And the Stress Masters did stand about the Lift, as we dropt -downward through the great miles unto the Underground Fields. And we -came downward in the last unto the Country of Silence, which did lie an -hundred miles deep in the world, and did be an hundred miles every way -of Silence unto the Dead. - -And they that were with me, gat me from the Lift, and did mean to carry -me in the sling unto The Last Road. But I stood upon my feet, and made -that I should walk, and I held out my hand for the Diskos, which one did -carry. And the Master Doctor signed that they should obey me, as my -spirit to know. And I walkt very steadfast down the Way that did lead -unto The Last Road; and the Master Doctor walkt behind me, a little -space off. - -And surely, there did be all the Peoples of the World in that great -Country; and the Peoples did be spread out forever, so far as my seeing -did go; and they to have sight of me; and all the aether did be stirred -with the humanness of their sorrow and their kind sympathy. And there -grew a murmur, which did be like to a low rolling thunder, and did be -the voices of the Peoples. And the rolling of that great husht Sound -went to and fro across that mighty Country of Quiet; and there to be -afterward an utter silence. - -And I saw below me the place of the Last Rest, where did be the -beginning of The Last Road; and there did lie there a little figure, -covered with a white robe, that did glimmer with the beauteous work of -women that had stitcht love and honour into that Last Garment. And -surely, I to rock upon my feet, and to steady myself with the Diskos; -and the Master Doctor to be unto my side in a moment, and gave me again -something that I breathe-in. But, indeed, I to refuse, after that I had -taken one breath of the drug; for I to be able to bear my pain the -little time that I now to have to live; and I to mean that I have no -dimness of my senses for those short minutes that I should have yet near -unto Mine Own. And truly the Master Doctor did not press me anywise, but -had a perfect understanding, and went quiet again to the rearward. - -And I came soon to that place where Mine Own Dead One did lie; and the -Master Monstruwacan stood to her feet, and did be clothed in grey -armour, and had the Diskos reversed; and this to be for an Honour unto -My Dead Maid. - -And there kneeled two maids in white, one to the right and one to the -left of Mine Own, and they to be for Faithfulness, and did be maids, -because that they watched by a maid; and had likewise been matrons, if -that the Dead had been wife unto any. - -And the place at the Head of the Last Rest did be empty, and did be for -me; and he that stood to the head, did be for Love; for it did be the -chief, and did hold dominion over and did make to live both Faithfulness -and Honour. And this to be the way of the Burial alway. - -And lo! I took my courage into my heart; and I stood to the head of Mine -Own Maid; and I lookt down upon the wondrous white glory of the garment, -which did be white because that Mine Own did be a Maid; yet did be -worked with yellow Flowers of Weeping, as we did call them, because that -she had died in love. And I to know that no hand had toucht that -wonderful garment, save the hands of maidens. - -And behold! as I stood there, from far away over the Land, there did -come a far and faint sound; and the sound did come more nigh, so that I -knew that afar off, beyond the Hills of the Babes, the Millions did -begin to sing the Calling Song, where Million did call husht unto -Million, and the sound did come onward toward where we did be, and did -go over us, and pass onward in a husht and wondrous breathing of sound, -as that all the Love that did be ever in this world, did call in a low -anguish unto a lost Beloved. And the sound to pass away and away over -that mighty Country in the deep Earth, and did hush and hush unto a -great and utter silence, save for a faint murmur of countless women -weeping, that did be in the air of that Land of Quiet. - -And there to be a space of silence, and again the silence to be broken -by a far sound; and there to come again from beyond the far Hills of the -Babes a strange and low sound, and did be as of a wind wandering through -damp forests. And the sound grew, and came across the Hills of the -Babes, and did be breathed forth by Million after Million, so that in a -little I to hear the Song of Weeping sung very low and sorrowful by the -multitudes. And the Song came onward over all that great Country, and -past over us, and went onward into the far Land beyond the Dome, and did -be caught by the voices of Millions that did be hid in great distances, -and so to go onward forever, and to die at last unto a mighty silence. - -And the Master Monstruwacan lookt at me from the feet of Mine Own Maid, -and I to know that the moment did be come when I to part from the Maid -Naani forever and forever, even though I to live in some strange future, -and to find her soul in some other sweet child. And I stoopt and laid -the Diskos beside Mine Own Maid there upon the Last Rest; and the two -maids drew back the light wonder of the Garment, and showed me the face -of Mine Own, and she to sleep there forever so sweet and husht as a -child, and as oft I to have seen her to sleep. And I lookt a little -while, and the pain of my heart did be sufficient, so that I knew I died -as I lookt. And once more I lookt, and I set my soul about Mine Own. And -I fought with myself, and stood upward, and the maids did cover the face -of Mine Own Maid. - -And the Master Monstruwacan commended Naani unto Eternity. And he raised -the Diskos reversed; and lo! the Road did begin to move upward unto the -Dome, and Mine Own Maid did be upon the Road; and I to fight that I keep -breathing; so that I not to die before she be lost utter to my sight. - -And there did rise now a sound from all that Country that had no order -in it; and did be like to a low moaning that did fill all the air of -the Land; and there to be also a constant sound, as of a little -whistling dree wind that did be in all that Country of Quiet; and truly -this to be more than any singing; for it to be the true weeping of -multitudes, that did sorrow from the heart, with the grief of this thing -that did be. - -And I stood utter still, and did draw my breath very even, and lookt -unto that small form that did be now afar off where it did lie upon the -moving Roadway. And I gazed, as that my soul and all my being did have -no power else, even as a man that dies, doth set all his strength to a -last movement. And I not to wot that the Master Monstruwacan and the two -maids did hold me up, because they to perceive that I did be dying; for -I only to see Mine Own Little One lying afar off upon the moving of the -Last Road. - -And the Maid in that moment to come to the place where the Road did pass -into the strange and luminous vapour of the Earth-Current, which did lie -all about the base of the Dome; and the vapour to be only as a faint -shining smoke, scarce seen, yet to be enough to give something of -uncertainty to the Dead, when that they did have past inward of it. - -And I stared, with all that did be left of my strength; for Mine Own to -be gone utter and forever in but a little minute. And the uncertainty of -the luminous vapour did cling about her, and to make her to seem unreal -to my gaze; for the vapour did be in constant movement, and to give a -seeming of shifting to and fro of all that did be in it. - -And behold! as I did stare, with my dreadful pain, there did be sudden a -strange hoarse noise from the nearer Millions. And lo! in an instant -there came a mighty Shout out of all that Country; and the shout did be -made again, and did grow into a mighty hoarse roaring from the Millions, -so that all that great Country did be filled with the monstrous sound. -And, in verity, I to have seen the thing, likewise; but to have set it -to the madness of longing of my heart and to that desperate and dreadful -pain which did make me to be crazed and lost from all sane thinking. - -And the thing that I did see, had been that the Maid did seem to move, -there upon the Last Road, where she did lie; but indeed, this to have -appeared only to be the stirring of the luminous vapour of the -Earth-Current, which did seem to make things shift, as I have told. - -And lo! I now to see truly that the Maid did move where she was laid -afar off upon the Road; and I now to know, and to believe that she did -indeed live. And my life came into me with a bounding; yet did my heart -seem to be a moment stilled in my breast. And the Master Monstruwacan to -have signed already that the Roadway be stopt, and brought backward; but -I to be now upon the Last Road, and did run as a madman, shouting vainly -upon the name of Mine Own. And I to learn afterward that there to have -been a dreadful peril that all the near Millions to rush toward the Last -Road, and so, mayhap, to have caused the death of many, and to have -been like to have crusht Mine Own. But this danger to have been eased, -because that the Watch Master did act very prompt, and set the great -regiments of his men to keep back the Millions, and did send a signal -abroad over all the Country, that there to be calmness, for that the -Maid should be succoured. And alway, whilst this to be, I did run -staggering most strangely upward of the Last Road; and surely that great -roof did ring and boom with the constant and mighty shoutings of the -Millions. - -And there did run others also along the Road, to my back; but I to have -been the first, and to make a good speed, though I did stagger and rock -so strange upon my feet; and the Road alway to be moving backward under -me; and so I to be come wonderful soon unto where the Maid did be. And -she to be upon her back, and to have pusht the Garment from her face, -and did be lying with her eyes open, and a look of gentle wonderment -upon her dear face. And she then to see me, and her eyes did smile at -me, very glad and quiet; for there to be yet an utter weakness upon her. - -And lo! I came with a falling beside her, and I gat upon my knees and -upon my hands, and my heart did shake my lips to dry whisperings. And -she to look weak and steadfast unto me, and I to look forever at her; -and I did alway try to say things unto her; but my mouth to refuse me. - -And understanding did come into her, as a light; and she to know in that -instant that she to be truly come into the Mighty Pyramid, and I to have -gat her there somewise; and she to wake sudden in her body, and set her -hands forth all a-trembling from the Garment, and in dreadful trouble. -And I to see then that the blood did go from me, constant; and the Maid -to have perceived this thing, so that she was waked the more proper in a -moment from her death-swoon. - -And surely, I did bleed very dreadful; for all my wounds did be opened -with my running. And I to have sudden power with my lips, and did say -unto her, very simple, that I loved her. And she to be all in an haze -from me; and I to know that she to have come likewise unto her knees, -and did have my head upon her breast; and there to be an utter shaking -of the air with some great sound, and a mighty spiritual stirring of the -aether of the world. - -And there to be then the voice of the Master Monstruwacan very dull in -mine ears; and the low voice of the Master Doctor; but I never to hear -what they did be saying; and did know only that Mine Own Maid did live; -and I not to mean to die, but to fight unto living. And even whilst that -I made this resolving, I was gone into an utter blackness. - - - - -XVII - -THE LOVE DAYS - - -Now, when that I gat back unto life, I to know that I went upward in the -Lift, and did be upon that same bed, where I to think I never to need a -bed any more, neither to come upward again from out of the Country of -Silence. - -And I to know vague and strange, that there rose up from out of the -mighty depths of the world, the deep thunder of the Underground Organs, -and did sound as that they made a strange and utter distant music beyond -death; and there to go alway a rolling chaunting, as that multitudes did -sing beyond far mountains, and the sound to be somewhiles as a -far-blowing wind, low in the Deep; and again to come clear, and to be -that great olden melody of the Song of Honour. And I knew, as in a -dream, that the Millions in that deep Country made an Honour and a -Rejoicing over this Wonder of Joy which did be come. But yet all to be -faint and half hid from me, and mine eyes to be as that they had no -power to open, and I to seem to be lifting alway upon strange waters of -unrealness. And there to be sweet and lovely odours, and these to be of -reality, and to come from the great Fields, where the flowers did alway -to grow about the passage ways of the Lifts; for the Lift even then to -be going upward through the great miles. - -And mayhap I moved a little; for there came the voice of the Master -Doctor low and gentle to me; and bid me rest; for that all did be well -with the Maid. And surely, afterward, I did be gone into an haze, and -there to be then a seeming of days in which I half to live and half to -sleep, and to wonder without trouble whether I did be dead. - -And then there to come days when I lay very quiet, and had no thought of -aught; and the Master Doctor oft to bend over me in this hour and that -hour, and to look keen into my face. And in the end, after strange -spaces, there bent over me another, and there lookt down upon me the -dear and lovely face of Mine Own, and the eyes did speak love into my -soul; yet did she be calm and husht. And I to begin again to live in my -body, and I made, mayhap, a little fumbling with my hands; for she to -take and to hold them; and life to come from her to me; and she to be -ever wordless and gentle; and contentment to grow in me, and presently a -natural slumber. - -And there came a day when I did be let rise, and they that tended me, -carried me to one of the Quiet Gardens of the Pyramid; and they set me -there, and did seem to leave me alone. And there came One then around a -bush, and lookt at me a moment, as with an half shyness; only that the -love that did shine in her eyes, made the shyness to be a little thing. -And, truly, I knew that it did be Mine Own Maid; but I never before to -have seen Naani drest pretty as a maid. And I lookt to her, and knew -that she did be more dainty than even I to have known. And sudden I made -that I rise to come unto her; but she to run quick to me, that she stop -me of this natural foolishness; and she then to sit beside me, and to -take my head against her breast, and she not to deny me her lips; but to -be both a maid and a mother to me in the same moment. - -And afterward, she had me to be very still; and we to sit there in an -utter dumb happiness, until they that did attend me, were come again. -And the Master of the Doctors did be with them, and I to see that there -went something of satisfaction in his face. - -And after that day I saw Mine Own Maid every day; and I gat better unto -health with a wondrous quickness; for Love did mend me. And soon I did -be let go downward unto the Fields; but yet to go by private ways, -because that the Multitudes should be like to follow me alway; and I to -need to be quiet. - -And the Maid to be with me; for the Master Monstruwacan and the Master -of the Doctors did agree upon this matter, and had an Officer of -Marriage to wed us; and we to be married very quiet and simple; for I -yet to be over-weak for the Public Marriage, which we to have later; -when, truly, the Millions made us a Guard of Honour eight miles high, -from the top unto the bottom of the Mighty Pyramid. But this to have -been later, as I do tell, and did be a Ceremonial of the Peoples, -because that they not to be denied that they give me an Honour. - -And surely the Maid to be with me alway, and did be now my wife, and my -strength to come alway upon me, and Mine Own to grow again unto a -perfect health. And, in verity, we did be now in the Love Days which do -be the most beauteous, if that the Love to be True. - -And we did wander through the mighty Fields at our will, and walkt in -the Love Paths of the Fields, which did be alway anear to those places -where did be the villages. And I to hide our name, lest we to be beset -by any, out of natural curiousness and kindliness; for we to need to be -utter together and quiet. - -And we to chose those places for our slumber where beauty of flowers did -be most wondrous; and we to carry somewhat of food with us; but also to -eat when we came unto the villages which did be here and there in the -Fields, which were truly so huge as Countries. And Mine Own did make -good her promise an hundred times, as you shall say, and did prepare me -a great and hearty meal; and did tease me utter that I did be a glutton, -as I did eat, and kist me, lest that I have ever a chance to say aught -in mine own defence. And truly, she did be all that my heart and my -spirit did desire; and she to have companioned me with Love, and to have -entered my spirit into Joy. - -And once we to go downward unto the Country of Silence; but not to stay -very long at that time; because that my Memory did return upon me. Yet -in the after time, we to wander there oft with Memory, and Holiness of -great Thinkings, and with Love which doth hold all. - -And as we to leave that Country, I to tell Mine Own how that when she -had been suspend of her life by the Horrid Force of the House, I to have -minded me with a dreadful pain that I never to have waked to discover -her kissing me when that I did sleep. And surely Mine Own Dear One did -blush most lovely, and had never known that I did be aware of her sweet -naughtiness; and she then to have all thought for mine agony, when that -she did be dead, ere the Vapour of life of the Earth-Force did set her -spirit free of the Silence. - -And she to come unto me in dear understanding. - -And she then to tell me that the Doctors to say that she had been, as it -were, stunned and froze of the Spirit, and all her Being and Life -suspend; and the great life-force of the Earth-Current to have waked her -spirit, and her body then to live and her blood to flow proper again. -And the Doctors had talkt much and searched much of late in the olden -Records of their Work; and they to have found somewhat of one such -happening in the olden time; but truly, naught such to have been ever -through a mighty age of years. - -And whilst that we to wander and to rest in the Fields, I oft to tell -Mine Own of this matter and that matter; and I to know that she had -learned somewhat of odd things, ere I did be come to health; but not -overmuch; for she also to have been utter alack, as you shall think; and -to have come from her bed, when that I did lie so still; for the Master -Doctor to have ordained this, because he to fear that I to be going -truly to die, if that he not to do somewhat to awaken my spirit. And in -verity, you shall think upon the deepness of my Love as I to know that -she did have held my hands so brave and gentle, whilst that she to have -scarce power to her feet. And I to say a little holy praise of Mine Own. - -And so do I come to mine ending; and have but one more thing that I -tell. And this to happen a while later; after that Mine Own and I had -gone through the second marriage which did be the Public Marriage. For -it did be, that one day My Wife, that did be Mine Own, did take me with -a sweet cunning unto the Hall of Honour. And surely, when I was come -there, I to see that many of the Peoples did be in that great Hall, and -did stand about in a silence; yet as that they had no meaning to do -aught; but yet to be that they did wait upon somewhat. - -And My Wife did go forward with me unto the centre place of the Hall; -and sudden I saw why that she did bring me so cunning sweet; for there -did stand in the midst of the Hall of Honour, in the Place of Honour, a -Statue of a man in broken armour, that did carry a maid forever. - -And I did be dumb; and how of this Age shall you to know the Honour that -this to mean in that; for it did be an Honour that was given only to the -Great Dead; and I to be but a young man, and did be so utter far off -from greatness; save that I to love with all my heart and with all my -spirit, and therefore death to be but a little thing before love. And -you to know how Love doth make sweet and brave the heart; and to have -understanding with me in my humbleness and my wonder and my natural -pride that there did any so think to honour me. - -And Mine Own did be weeping with joy and honest pride of her man, beside -me. And there to be an utter silence of dear sympathy in all the great -Hall of Honour. And they that did be there, to let me go in quietness, -with Mine Own, which did be a lovely thing of understanding. - -And I to go loving and thoughtful with Mine Own Wife; and she to be very -nigh to me. - -And I to have gained Honour; yet to have learned that Honour doth be but -as the ash of Life, if that you not to have Love. And I to have Love. -And to have Love is to have all; for that which doth be _truly_ LOVE -doth mother Honour and Faithfulness; and they three to build the House -of Joy. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Night Land, by William Hope Hodgson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NIGHT LAND *** - -***** This file should be named 10662.txt or 10662.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/6/10662/ - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Maria Khomenko and PG Distributed Proofreaders - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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