Something had gone wrong outside—I did not know what, and do not know to this day. The mysterious violet fire which accompanied a discharge of the zetbais was rolling all around the steel wall that hemmed us in, and a perfect tumult of shrieks and cries came frantically to our cars.
Violent hands were laid on the door, pushing it inward against the rope made fast by Gilhooly. Gilhooly and the others hurled themselves at the portal and flung it back, holding it so by main strength.
"We'll be killed!" shouted Meigs.
"No," I yelled, and jumped to the switch board.
The next instant the switch was thrown, and the billows of fire faded from the car windows as if by magic.
We were saved! Again had we plunged into space, and behind us—living or dead I knew not—we had left Professor Quinn.
Sinking down on my knees I buried my face in my hands.
CHAPTER XIX.
BACK TO EARTH.
I have heard some one say that life is only a dream, and that when we awaken in the other country we shall find it so. Far be it from me to dispute this or affirm it, yet I know, of my own experience, that our waking moments furnish events that seem as illusory as the stuff that dreams are made of.