inexplicable dusty smell - and as my eyes began to take in definite images

I saw that Robert Grandison stood in front of me. It was he - fully in the

flesh and with his coloring normal - who was holding my legs aloft to

bring the blood back to my head as the school's first-aid course had

taught him to do with persons who had fainted. For a moment I was struck

mute by the stifling odor and by a bewilderment which quickly merged into

a sense of triumph. Then I found myself able to move and speak

collectedly.

I raised a tentative hand and waved feebly at Robert.

"All right, old man," I murmured, "you can let my legs down now. Many

thanks. I'm all right again, I think. It was the smell - I imagine - that

got me. Open that farthest window, please - wide - from the bottom. That's

it - thanks. No - leave the shade down the way it was."

I struggled to my feet, my disturbed circulation adjusting itself in

waves, and stood upright hanging to the back of a big chair. I was still

"groggy," but a blast of fresh, bitterly cold air from the window revived

me rapidly. I sat down in the big chair and looked at Robert, now walking

toward me.

"First," I said hurriedly, "tell me, Robert - those others - Holm? What

happened to them, when I - opened the exit?"

Robert paused half-way across the room and looked at me very gravely.

"I saw them fade away - into nothingness - Mr. Canevin," he said with

solemnity; "and with them - everything. There isn't any more 'inside,' sir

- thank God, and you, sir!"