Angels and Women (1924)

GREATER CHANGE 121swept suddenly through the chamber. WasI dreaming?I opened wide my eyes and perceived withhorror that a large panel in the opposite wallmoved inward, and the shaggy head of theabhorred Eldero peered through it. In aninstant be seized me with giant grip, envelopedmy head in the bed-covering, anddarted through the open wall, down an unfamiliarcorridor, toward a staircase whichI knew must lead to the vaults below.Whirled rapidly along, helpless in an ironclutch, I struggled in vain to make audiblemy smothered screams; for deeds of violenceand cries of despair produced no impressionupon dull sleepers well accustomed to suchsounds. No curious eye looked forth fromthe silent dormitories; no vigilant watchmanraised his hand to interfere, as the Darvandfled swiftly down the darkened hall to thesteep and fatal descent.But just as I felt myself lowered, an astrallight filled the air, the arms of Eldero were