And carry on, pal--and always remember the
O'Keefe loved you like a brother."
I squeezed his hands desperately. Then out of my balanceshaking woe a
strange comfort was born.
"Maybe it's not good-by, Larry!" I cried. "The banshee has not
cried!"
A flash of hope passed over his face; the old reckless grin shone
forth.
"It's so!" he said. "By the Lord, it's so!"
Then Lakla bent toward me, and for the second time--kissed me.
"Come!" she said to Larry. Hand in hand they moved away, into the
corridor that led to the door outside of which waited the Shining One
and its priestess.
And unseen by them, wrapped as they were within their love and
sacrifice, I crept softly behind. For I had determined that if enter
the Dweller's embrace they must, they should not go alone.
They paused before the Golden Portals; the handmaiden pressed its
opening lever; the massive leaves rolled back.
Heads high, proudly, serenely, they passed through and out upon the
hither span. I followed.
On each side of us stood the Dweller's slaves, faces turned rigidly
toward their master.
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