Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

Extreme physical or mental suffering; intense anguish.

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

Having no one else present.

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

the lower side of anything

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

rid of obstructions

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

extending or moving from a higher to a lower place

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

to say again or imitate

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

divisible by two

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading I merely state the fact.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

a cruel wicked and inhuman person

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

hold firmly

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

crowded or massed together

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

immediately past

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

the sound of laughing

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

and nothing more

From this reading I merely state the fact.

past form of “mock” — treat with contempt

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

not any; not one

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

affected with paralysis

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

thrust or throw into

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

To recall to mind.

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

hold back within

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

block consisting of a thick piece of something

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

expressive of contempt

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

past form of “stamp” — walk heavily

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading I merely state the fact.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

experiencing intense pain especially mental pain

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

not known

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

directed up

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading I awoke--how much later God alone knows--lying upon the rough stone bottom of an awful well, huddled in its blackness.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

at the time that

From this reading IN AND OUT THE SHADOW It is strange I remember so little from that instant when my tortured hands released their frantic grasp on the stone slab of the floor.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Whether excess of fear paralyzed the brain, or what may have been the cause for such a phenomenon, I know not.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I recall the sharp pain, as that fair-faced fiend stamped upon my clutching fingers; I heard the echo of sneering laughter with which she mocked my last upward look of agony, but, with the plunge downward into that black, unknown abyss, all clear recollection ceased--I even retain no memory of the severe shock which must have occurred as my fall ended.