are you, and what is your mission?" I finally ventured to ask after
speech had found my lips, for I was altogether ignorant of his nature
or purpose.

"I am Blackana, from the lower world of spirits, and am commanded here
to stay until released."

[Illustration: Looking through the open door of the Twentieth Century.]

"Until released? What power binds you here, and how long will you
abide?" I asked in dread suspense. "I must remain, as your companion
and interpreter, until the vision is past."

I trembled under these announcements, but I was assured that underneath
me were "the everlasting arms" and, moreover, I heard a still, small
voice whispering within me: "Stand still, O mortal man! Neither Blackana
nor any of his horde shall do thee harm. He hovers before thee at my
bidding, and will leave thee only at my command. Ask him what thou
wilt, and he must answer thee, even to the limit of his knowledge."

At this juncture, and without a moment's warning, my vision was enlarged
and an unusual light flashed upon me. Quickly I cast my wondering eyes
all about me and saw that I was standing at the very threshold of a
great door. It was of such imposing dimensions and so magnificently
constructed that only the architects of Heaven could have designed it.

Instinctively I turned to Blackana, whom I could now face without fear:
"Where are we, and what is the meaning of this great door?" And as I
spoke unseen hands swung it open upon its hinges.