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Stout, Rex, 1886-1975

"Under the Andes"

Her feet dragged unwilling along the ground,
as though she were being drawn forward by some irresistible
force.
I tried to put out my hand to pull her back, but was absolutely
unable to move. Harry stood like a man of rock, immovable.
She took another step forward, with arms outstretched in front of
her. A low moan of terror and piteous appeal came from between
her slightly parted lips.
Suddenly the eyes disappeared. The huge form ceased to advance
and stood perfectly still. Then it began to recede, so slowly
that I was barely conscious of the movement.
I was gasping and choking for air; my chest seemed swelling with
the poisonous breath. Still slowly the thing receded into the
dimness of the cavern; the eyes were no longer to be seen--merely
the huge, formless bulk. Desiree had stopped short with one foot
advanced, as though hesitating and struggling with the desire to
go forward.
The thing now could barely be seen at a distance; it would have
been impossible if we had not known it was there. Finally it
disappeared, melting away into the semi-darkness; no slightest
movement was discernible. I breathed more freely and stepped
forward.


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