TWILIGHT LAND

“Thou art where thou commandest to be,” said the
Demon.

The young man immediately drew a . circle upon the
ground with his finger-tip. He struck his heel upon the
circle. The ground opened, disclosing the steps leading
downward. The young man descended the steps with
the queen behind him, and behind them both came the
Demon Zadok.

The young man opened the door of adamant and entered
the first of the vaulted rooms.

When the queen saw the huge basin ‘full of silver
treasure, her cheeks and her forehead flushed as red as
fire.

They went into the next room, and when the queen saw
the basin of gold her face turned as white as ashes.

They went into the third room, and when the queen
saw the basin of jewels and the six golden statues her
face turned as blue as lead, and her eyes shone green like
a snake’s. :

“‘ Are you content ?” asked the young man.

The queen looked about her. “No!” cried she,
hoarsely, pointing to the closed door that had never been
opened, and whereon were engraved these words:

“Behold! Beyond this door is that alone which shall
satisfy all thy desires.”

“No!” cried she. “What is it that lies behind yon
door ?”
“T do not know,” said the young man.
“Then open the door, and let me see what lies within.”
‘T cannot open the door,” said he. ‘“ How can I open
the door, seeing that there is no lock nor key to it?”
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