of
dissolution in my heart. They burst in and clambered up the rampart
like black ants. I looked round for still one more thing to hurl into
the breach. My eyes lit on a roll of carpet: I seized it by one corner
meaning to drag it to the doorway, and it came undone at a touch.

That strange, that incredible pattern! Where in all the vicissitudes
of a chequered career had I seen such a one before? I stared at it in
amazement under the very spears of the woodmen in the red glare of
Hath's burning palace. Then all on a sudden it burst upon me that IT
WAS THE ACCURSED RUG, the very one which in response to a careless wish
had swept me out of my own dear world, and forced me to take as wild a
journey into space as ever fell to a man's lot since the universe was
made!

And in another second it occurred to me that if it had brought me
hither it might take me hence. It was but a chance, yet worth trying
when all other chances were against me. As Ar-hap's men came shouting
over the barricade I threw myself down upon that incredible carpet and
cried from the bottom of my heart,

"I wish--I wish I were in New York!"

Yes!

A moment of thrilling suspense and then the corners lifted as though a
strong breeze were playing upon them. Another moment and they had
curled over like an incoming surge. One swift glance I got at the
smoke and flames, the glittering spears and angry faces, and then fold
upon fold, a stifling, all-enveloping embrace, a lift, a sense of
super-human speed--and then forgetfulness.

When I came to, as reporters say, I was aware the rug had ejected me on
solid ground and disappeared, forever. Where was I! It was cool,
damp, and muddy. There were some iron railings close at hand and a
street lamp overhead. These things showed clearly to me, sitting on a
doorstep under that light, head in hand, amazed and giddy--so amazed
that when slowly the recognition came of the incredible fact my wish
was gratified and I was home again, the stupendous incident scarcely
appealed to my tingling senses more than one of the many others I had
lately undergone.

Very slowly I rose to my feet, and as like a discreditable reveller as
could be, climbed the steps. The front door was open, and entering the
oh, so familiar hall a sound of voices in my sitting-room on the right
caught my ear.

"Oh no, Mrs. Brown," said one, which I recognised at once as my
Polly's, "he is dead for certain, and my heart is breaking.