Slowly at first, then swiftly it sank, growing larger as it came nearer.

I felt as if the treasure of the universe were giving itself to me--put out my hand, and had it.

But the instant I took it, its light went out; all was dark as pitch; a dead book with boards outspread lay cold and heavy in my hand.

I threw it in the air--only to hear it fall among the heather.
Burying my face in my hands, I sat in motionless misery.
But the cold grew so bitter that, fearing to be frozen, I got up.

The moment I was on my feet, a faint sense of light awoke in me.