The Quest. Frederik van Eeden

does that mean?" asked Pluizer, with a grim glare. "Can you prevent me? Do you not know how strong I am?"

      "You shall not!" said Johannes. He set his teeth and drew in a deep breath, looked steadily at Pluizer, and tried to stay his hand.

      But Pluizer persisted. Then Johannes seized his wrists, and wrestled with him.

      Pluizer was strong, he knew. He never yet had opposed him; but he struggled on with a fixed purpose.

      The knife gleamed before his eyes. He saw sparks and red flames; yet he did not give in, but wrestled on.

      He knew what would happen if he succumbed. He knew, for he had seen before. But it was his father that lay behind him, and he would not let it happen now.

      And while they wrestled, panting, the dead body behind them lay rigid and motionless – just as it was the instant when silence fell – the whites of the eyes visible in a narrow strip, the corners of the mouth drawn up in a stiffened grin. The head, only, shook gently back and forth, as they both pushed against the bed in their struggle.

      Still Johannes held firm, though his breath failed and he could see nothing. A veil of blood-red mist was before his eyes; yet he stood firm.

      Then, gradually, the resistance of the two wrists in his grasp grew weaker. His muscles relaxed, his arms dropped limp beside his body, and his closed hands were empty.

      When he looked up Pluizer had vanished. Death sat, alone, by the bed and nodded to him.

      "You have done well, Johannes," said he.

      "Will he come back?" whispered Johannes. Death shook his head.

      "Never. He who once dares him will see him no more."

      "And Windekind? Shall I not see Windekind again?"

      The solemn man looked long and earnestly at Johannes. His regard was not now alarming, but gentle and serious, and attracted Johannes like a profound depth.

      "I alone can take you to Windekind. Through me alone can you find the book."

      "Then take me with you. There is no one left – take me, too! I want nothing more."

      Again Death shook his head.

      "You love men, Johannes. You do not know it, but you have always loved them. You must become a good man. It is a fine thing to be a good man."

      "I do not want that – take me with you!"