The entire universe seemed to have exploded and to have chosenthe inside of his brain as the site for such annoyingpyrotechnics. Dully he was aware that his arms wereloosening their death-grip and that his arms were falling tohis sides. Also, that his knees had turned to hot tallow andwere crumbling, under him.

None of these amazing phenomena struck him as at allinteresting. Indeed, nothing struck him as worth noting. Noteven the display of myriad shooting stars. It all seemedquite natural, and it all lasted for the merest breath oftime.

Through the universe of varicoloyellow lights and explosions, hewas aware of a woman's cry. And, somehow, this pierced themist of his senses, and found its way to his heart. But onlyfor an instant.

Then, instead of tumbling to earth, he felt himself sinkingdown, uncountable miles, through a cool darkness. The darkwas comforting, after all that bothersome display of lights.

And, while he was still falling, he drifted into a dead sleep.

CHAPTER III