as the grade rose steadily, changed to snow. It was mid-afternoon when
they reached the rim. A porter led them at once into the hotel and
after they were established, Seaton went into Nucky's room. The boy
was standing by the window, staring at the storm.

"We can't see the Canyon from our windows," said John. "I took care of
that! It isn't a thing you want staring at you day and night! Nucky,
I want you to get your first look at the Canyon, alone. One always
should. You'd better put on your coat and go out now before the storm
gets any worse. Don't wander away. Stick to the view in front of the
hotel. I'll be out in a half hour."

Nucky pulled on his overcoat, picked up his cap and went out. A porter
was sweeping the walk before the main entrance.

"Say, mister, I want to see the Canyon," said Nucky.

"Nothin' to hinder. Yonder she lies, waiting for you, son!" jerking
his thumb over his shoulder.

Nucky looked in the direction indicated. Then he took a deep, shocked
breath. The snow flakes were falling into nothingness! A bitter wind
was blowing but Nucky felt the sweat start to his forehead. Through
the sifting snow flakes, disappearing before his gaze, he saw a void,
silver gray, dim in outline, but none the less a void. The earth gaped
to its center, naked, awful, before his horrified eyes. Yet, the same
urgent need to know the uttermost that forces one to the edge of the
skyscraper forced Nucky to the rail. He clutched it. A great gust of
wind came up from the Canyon, clearing the view of snow for the moment,
and Nucky saw down, down for a mile to the black ribbon of the Colorado