I will not say that a certain feeling of dread did not rise in my
heart, but I intended to show Desiree and Harry the childishness
of their terror.
Nothing could be seen but the uncertain outline of the immense
bulk; but the same penetrating, sickening odor that had before
all but suffocated me came faintly across the surface of the
stream, growing stronger with each second that passed. Suddenly
the eyes appeared--two glowing orbs of fire that caught my gaze
and held it as with a chain.
I did not attempt to avoid it, but returned the gaze with another
as steadfast. I was telling myself: "Let us see this trick and
play one stronger." My nerves centered throbbingly back of my
eyes, and I gave them the whole force of my will.
The thing came closer and the eyes seemed to burn into my very
brain. With a great effort I brought myself back to control,
dropping to my hands and knees and gripping the ground for
strength.
"This is nothing, this is nothing," I kept saying to myself
aloud--until I realized suddenly that my voice had risen almost
to a scream, and I locked my teeth tight on my lip.
I no longer returned the gaze from my own power; it held me of
itself.
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