The Equinox (Volume I, Number VI)

THE ELECTRIC SILENCE For but a little way beyond us (quoth he) is a mighty swimmer and a dexterous. So with a mighty effort my comrade put forth all his strength, and we gained upon this one, and greeted him. Thereupon he (and he was a goodly man, and fair) did most heartily welcome me as a fellow—traveller to that house, and confirmed me in my belief that the ark did indeed hold the secret 01 the way thereto. And as for the guide that might convey us through the darkness and the tumult 01 the stream, he spoke (something darkly) of one appointed, and more clearly that he was aware of divers marks upon the way; for, said he, to them that view it from above this trackless waste 01 water is mapped out and charted with a perfect science. Behold! quoth he. And at that moment was there a glimmer just before me of a white shining triangle, and what was most strange, rather an impression than a vision of a man that hung upon a gibbet by one heel. This, said the fair man, is a most notable sign that we travel the right road. Now by the light 01 the triangle I perceived another wonder; {or my friend was not swimming as I was in the stream, but was borne by a boat, frail indeed, yet sufficient. Within this shallop or cockleshell he pulled me, and set me at the bench. Then (still by the light of the triangle) I saw a dark man at the thwart, rowing a strong stroke. We pulled on almost in silence; for when I asked of the fair man his name he answered me only ”I wish to know,” and 01 the dark man “ I wish it were light,” the first clearly a confession of ignorance, the second a patent evasion; which things discomforted me much. Yet we progressed evenly and rapidly, and were mightily 57