A mysterious power seemed to emanate from them; a
power that hypnotized the mind and deadened the senses. I closed my
eyes to avoid it, but was unable to keep them closed. They opened
despite my extreme effort, and again I met that gaze of fire.

There was a movement at my side. I turned and saw that it came from
Desiree. Her hands were raised to her face; she was holding them
before her as though in a futile attempt to cover her eyes.

The thing came closer and closer; it was but a few feet away, and still
we did not move, as though rooted to the spot by some power beyond our
control.

Suddenly there came a cry from Desiree's lips--a scream of terror and
wild fear. Her entire form trembled violently.

She extended her arms toward the thing, now almost upon us, and took a
step forward. Her feet dragged unwilling along the ground, as though
she were being drawn forward by some irresistible force.

I tried to put out my hand to pull her back, but was absolutely unable
to move. Harry stood like a man of rock, immovable.

She took another step forward, with arms outstretched in front of her.
A low moan of terror and piteous appeal came from between her slightly
parted lips.

Suddenly the eyes disappeared. The huge form ceased to advance and
stood perfectly still. Then it began to recede, so slowly that I was
barely conscious of the movement.

I was gasping and choking for air; my chest seemed swelling with the
poisonous breath. Still slowly the thing receded into the dimness of
the cavern; the eyes were no longer to be seen--merely the huge,
formless bulk. Desiree had stopped short with one foot advanced, as
though hesitating and struggling with the desire to go forward.

The thing now could barely be seen at a distance; it would have been
impossible if we had not known it was there. Finally it disappeared,
melting away into the semi-darkness; no slightest movement was
discernible. I breathed more freely and stepped forward.

As I did so Desiree threw her hands gropingly above her head and fell
fainting to the ground.

Harry sprang forward in time to keep her head from striking on the rock
and knelt with his arms round her shoulders. We had nothing, not even
water, with which to revive her; he called her name aloud appealingly.
Soon her eyes opened; she raised her hand and passed it across her brow
wonderingly.

"God help me!" she murmured in a low voice, eloquent of distress and
pain.

Then s