Sooner than I had expected I came to what appeared to me to be
a sudden exit into the temple above. It was at the right side of
the corridor, which ran on, probably, to other entrances to the
pile above.
To me one point was as good as another. What knew I where any
of them led! And so without waiting to be again discovered and
thwarted, I ran quickly up the short, steep incline and pushed open
the doorway at its end.
The portal swung slowly in, and before it could be slammed against
me I sprang into the chamber beyond. Although not yet dawn, the
room was brilliantly lighted. Its sole occupant lay prone upon
a low couch at the further side, apparently in sleep. From the
hangings and sumptuous furniture of the room I judged it to be a
living-room of some priestess, possibly of Issus herself.
At the thought the blood tingled through my veins. What, indeed,
if fortune had been kind enough to place the hideous creature alone
and unguarded in my hands. With her as hostage I could force
acquiescence to my every demand. Cautiously I approached the
recumbent figure, on noiseless feet. Closer and closer I came to
it, but I had crossed but little more than half the chamber when
the figure stirred, and, as I sprang, rose and faced me.
At first an expression of terror overspread the features of the
woman who confronted me--then startled incredulity--hope--thanksgiving.
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