a hot and horrid stench poisoned the heated air. Here
indeed was such a gate as I could wish for de Garcia to pass through to
his own abode.

I looked, pointed with my sword, and laughed; he looked and shrieked
aloud, for now all his manhood had left him, so great was his terror of
what lay beyond the end. Yes, this proud and haughty Spaniard screamed
and wept and prayed for mercy; he who had done so many villanies beyond
forgiveness, prayed for mercy that he might find time to repent. I stood
and watched him, and so dreadful was his aspect that horror struck me
even through the calm of my frozen heart.

'Come, it is time to finish,' I said, and again I lifted my sword, only
to let it fall, for suddenly his brain gave way and de Garcia went mad
before my eyes!

Of all that followed I will not write. With his madness courage came
back to him, and he began to fight, but not with ME.

He seemed to perceive me no more, but nevertheless he fought, and
desperately, thrusting at the empty air. It was terrible to see him
thus doing battle with his invisible foes, and to hear his screams and
curses, as inch by inch they drove him back to the edge of the
crater. Here he stood a while, like one who makes a last stand against
overpowering strength, thrusting and striking furiously. Twice he nearly
fell, as though beneath a mortal wound, but recovering himself, fought
on with Nothingness. Then, with a sharp cry, suddenly he threw his arms
wide, as a man does who is pierced through the heart; his sword dropped
from his hand, and he fell backwards into the pit.

I turned away my eyes, for I wished to see no more; but often I have
wondered Who or What it was that dealt de Garcia his death wound.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

OTOMIE'S FAREWELL

Thus then did I accomplish the vengeance that I had sworn to my father
I would wreak upon de Garcia, or rather, thus did I witness its
accomplishment, for in the end he died, terribly enough, not by my hand
but by those of his own fears. Since then I have sorrowed for this, for,
when the frozen and unnatural calm passed from my mind, I hated him as
bitterly as ever, and grieved that I let him die otherwise than by my
hand, and to this hour such is my mind towards him. Doubtless, many may
think it wicked, since we are taught to forgive our enemies, but here I
leave the forgiveness to God, for how can I pardon one who betrayed my
father to the priests, who murdered my mother and my son, who cha