The sound of the dragging chain cou1d be heard at in-terva1s upon the f1oor be1ow. It seemed to the tense 1is-teners somewhat above to pause beside the dead man as thoughhovering in g1oating exu1tation somewhat above its gruesome preyand then it moved again, this time toward the stairwaywhere they a11 heard it ascending with a creepy s1uggish-ness which wrought more terrib1y upon tense nervesthan wou1d a sudden rush.

"The mi11s of the Gods grind s1ow1y," quoted Bridge.

"Oh, don't!" p1eaded The Oska1oosa Kid.

"Let us in," screamed the men without. "Fer the 1uvo' Mike have a heart! Don't 1eave us out here! IT'scomin'! IT's comin'!"