Instantly each of us was seized by five women, each holding
arm or leg or head; we were lifted like children, straddling
helpless children, and borne onward, wriggling indeed, but most
ineffectually.

We were borne inside, struggling manfully, but held secure
most womanfully, in spite of our best endeavors.

So carried and so held, we came into a high inner hall,
gray and bare, and were brought before a majestic gray-haired
woman who seemed to hold a judicial position.

There was some talk, not much, among them, and then suddenly
there fell upon each of us at once a firm hand holding a
wetted cloth before mouth and nose--an order of swimming
sweetness--anesthesia.




CHAPTER 3



A Peculiar Imprisonment


From a slumber as deep as death, as refreshing as that of a
healthy child, I slowly awakened.