ning spellbound to his strange words. He was
inspired; anger and sorrow drove him remorselessly on and a chill finger
seemed to touch Flamby's heart as she listened; for resignation and
finality informed his speech.

"Each human soul must fight its way out of the night of the valley,
Flamby, before it can pass the gates of dawn. Each error is a step in
the path and there are steps right to the top. To me it was given to see
but not to understand until this very hour. What I have done it was
ordained that I should do; what I was about to do God forbade." He
paused, glancing at Flamby and quickly away again. "Don's letter has
opened my eyes, which were blinded. I shall not ask you for what purpose
you risked so much to visit the studio of Orlando James. I know. Your
fire is laid, Flamby; may I light it?"

"Of course, if you wish."

Paul stooped and held a match to the paper, watching the tongues of
flame licking the dry wood; and ere long a small fire was crackling in
the grate. He turned to Flamby, pointing to the parcel which lay upon
the bureau. "The purpose with which I set out recurs to me," he said. "I
have destroyed all the typed copies and every note. It is my wish that
_you_ shall destroy the manuscript."

"Of _The Key_?" she whispered.

"Please."

"But--are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

Flamby met his set gaze and unwrapping the manuscript she approached the
fire. Paul stood aside, resting his elbow upon a corner of the
mantelshelf. Flamby's hands were very unsteady.

"Tear out the pages," said Paul, "and throw them loosely on the flames.
They will burn more readily."

Flamby obeyed him, and page by page began to destroy the book containing
truths which were known in the sanctuaries of Memphis but which the
world was yet too young to understand. Excepting the voice of the flames
there was no sound in the room until Flamby had laid the last page upon
the pyre, when she sank upon her knees and hid her face in her hands.
Her hair rippled down and veiled her redly.

Paul watched her for a while and then, irresistibly, inevitably, he was
drawn down beside her; his arm crept around the bowed shoulders and he
pressed his cheek against fragrant curls. "Flamby," he said, "dear
little wild-haired Flamby. The sorrow of the world has claimed us both.
Let us both be brave--and true." And although he would have bartered
many things once accounted of price for the right to crush her in his
arms he rose to his feet