The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey: "Is--it--you?" she asked, faintly.
"Yes," replied Venters.
"Oh! Where--are we?"
"I'm taking you to a safe place where no one will ever find you.
I must climb a little here and call the dogs. Don't be afraid.
I'll soon come for you."
She said no more. Her eyes watched him steadily for a moment and
then closed. Venters pulled off his boots and then felt for the
little steps in the rock. The shade of the cliff above obscured
the point he wanted to gain, but he could see dimly a few feet
before him. What he had attempted with care he now went at with
 Riders of the Purple Sage |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Chouans by Honore de Balzac: of Auray! the rector was right enough in telling us the Blues had
signed a compact with the devil. I'll bring you to life, I will!"
"Stop! my life is sacred," cried Merle, seeing his danger. "There's
the glove of your Gars," and he held it out.
"Ghosts' lives are not sacred," replied the Chouan, "and I sha'n't
give you yours. Ave Maria!"
He fired, and the ball passed through his victim's head. The captain
fell. When Francine reached him she heard him mutter the words, "I'd
rather die with them than return without them."
The Chouan sprang upon the body to strip it, saying, "There's one good
thing about ghosts, they come to life in their clothes." Then,
 The Chouans |