Page:The council of seven.djvu/140

 shed many illusions. Now am I fully awake, having lived forty years, to the fact that man is chained in a galley or, if you prefer the figure, harnessed to a chariot with the Furies in charge."

Helen shivered at the strange light in his dark eyes.

"How many ages, through what æons of time this has been his lot there is no God to tell him. What mysteries he has profaned in the dim past, who shall say? But wherever the primal urge may lead, man has to follow."

She let her hand rest lightly in his. "How cold you are!" she said. "We had better go back to the house. I'm afraid you got up too soon on my account."

"Dearest—no!" Like a lover he pressed his lips upon her fingers. "I am quite well again in body. But I am what you might call a little "thrawn" and it is my duty to tell you. Now that I have had this knock on the head, you'll be taking a risk if you marry me."

The simple words in their deliberation plucked at Helen's heart. "Don't—don't say that!" she gasped.

"I love you too well, my darling, to keep you in the dark."

"You have a will." Her fingers tightened upon his. "Use it, I beg you—use it!"

"I must. I do. But I am in the grip of forces stronger than myself. I am called to battle with a monster. He is in my stars. And he will kill me unless"