Instantly with their going, the eyes contracted; were but slits; were gone.

And before us within the oval was only the waiting portal.
The leading block leaped forward.

As abruptly, those that bore us followed.

Again under that strain of projectile flight we clutched each other; the pony screamed in terror.

The metal cliff rushed to meet us like a thunder cloud of steel; the portal raced upon us--a square mouth of cold blue flame.
And into it we swept; were devoured by it.
Light in blinding, intolerable flood beat about us, blackening the sight with agony.