The purple deepened to black.

Broad sheets of lightning flared over the western wall.

There were not yet any ropes or zigzag streaks darting down through the gathering darkness.

The storm center was still beyond Surprise Valley.
"Listen!...

Listen!" cried Bess, with her lips close to Venters's ear.
"You'll hear Oldring's knell!" "What's that ?" "Oldring's knell.