The next instant Milton Rhodes had stepped aside—yes, had stepped right to the very edge of the rock. The demon whirled at him, and, as it whirled, one of its great wings struck me full across the face. I gave myself up for lost, but somehow I kept my place on that ribbon of rock. Another instant, and the monster would be at Milton's throat. But no! From this dizzy position which he had so suddenly taken, the angel was no longer behind the demon, and on the instant Rhodes fired.
Oh, that scream which the monster gave. It struck the rock, and that Rhodes managed to keep his footing on the edge of that fearful place is one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen. But keep it he did, and he fired again and yet again. The demon flapped backward, jerked the angel to her knees and near the edge and then suddenly flat on her face. The next instant the monster disappeared. Its wings began to beat against the rock with a spasmodic sound.
I gave a cry of relief and joy.
But the next moment one of dismay and horror broke from me.
The monster was dragging the angel over the edge!
Chapter 21
INTO THE CHASM
Milton Rhodes threw himself prone on the rock and his right arm around the angel's waist.
"Quick, Bill, quick! Her arm—the whole weight of the monster!"