When it took the big curve!
And now you stand before the door,
Before my gallant door, and bawl: Open the door! Open the door!
Let the devil open it for you,
You hen’s bugs.”
The pedestal of the machine boomed under the drumming rhythm of his boot-heels....
But suddenly they both stopped: drumming and singing. An exceedingly powerful, exceedingly white light flared up three times, under the dome of the building. A sound-signal, as gentle and as penetrating as the gong-beat of a temple bell, became audible, overpowering every sound.
“Yes!” said Grot, the guard of the Heart-machine.
He sprang to his feet. He raised his broad face, which shone with the joyful eagerness of obedience. “Yes, here I am!”
A voice said, slowly and clearly: