Angels and Women (1924)

42 ANGELS AND WOMEN
after we resumed our journey; the banks
were tangled with luxuriant shrubs and
vines; birds of brilliant plumage flitted
among the trees; bright lizards and spotted
serpents darted in and out or lay coiled
around their trunks.
When night came on, and the journey drew
to a close the river became narrower and tall
trees, arching over our heads, made the way
solemn and gloomy. We grew depressed
and conversation died. As the red sun, like
a subdued fire, sank out of sight behind the
great forest, we approached a rock which
rose in the middle of the river.
"Here," said my father, "our journey
terminates. Upon this rock, which parts the
stream as it issued out of the Garden, once
stood the vigilant angelic guard with sword
of flame. Alas! the way of access to the Tree
of Life was completely closed to a wicked
world; gi vi ng but man will yet eat of its life-
leaves in the Garden of God1 which is to be
1 See Appendix, Note 7.