Page:The Coming Race, etc - 1888.djvu/319

Rh the Being and the Shadow—that impressed the beholder with the difference between them—the Man and the Superhuman. It was but for a moment, nay, for the tenth part of a moment, that this sight was permitted to the wanderer. A second eddy of sulphureous vapours from the volcano, yet more rapidly, yet more densely than its predecessor, rolled over the mountain; and either the nature of the exhalation, or the excess of his own dread, was such, that Glyndon, after one wild gasp for breath, fell senseless on the earth. CHAPTER X.

ERTON and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had left the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and breath did they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed, and he appeared not, Merton—whose heart was as good, at least, as human hearts are in general—grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning to search for his friend; and by dint of prodigal promises, prevailed at last on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay calm and white in the starlight; and the guide's practised eye could discern all objects on the surface, at a considerable distance. They had not, however, gone very far, before they perceived two forms, slowly approaching towards them.

As they came near, Merton recognized the form of his friend. "Thank Heaven, he is safe," he cried, turning to the guide.

"Holy angels befriend us," said the Italian, trembling. "Behold the very being that crossed me last Sabbath night. It is he! but his face is human now!"

"Signor Inglese," said the voice of Zicci, as Glyndon, pale, wan, and silent, returned passively the joyous greeting of Merton.

"Signor Inglese, I told your friend we should meet to-night; you see, you have not foiled my prediction."

"But how—but where?" stammered Merton, in great confusion and surprise.

"I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the mephitic exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; and, as I know the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. This is all our history. You see, sir, that were it not for that prophecy which you desired to frustrate, your friend