At one moment they were together, then separated; now rolling over and over in a sort of ball, then lifted up and cast down into the bottom of the wheel with a crash; now with their heads highest, now with their feet.

It was like a terrible nightmare; but gradually the sharp pain of the blows and falls were less vivid--a dull sensation came over them--and both lost consciousness.
Rupert was the first to open his eyes, and for a time lay but in dreamy wonder as to where he was, and what had happened.

He seemed to be lying under a great penthouse, with a red glow pervading everything.

Gradually his thoughts took shape, and he remembered what had passed, and struggling painfully into a sitting position, looked round.
The wheel no longer revolved; there was no longer the constant splash of water.

Indeed the wheel existed as a wheel no longer.
As he looked round the truth lighted upon him.