The_AT secret_NN1 is_VBZ how_RRQ to_TO die_VVI ._. 
Since_CS the_AT beginning_NN1 of_IO time_NNT1 ,_, the_AT secret_NN1 had_VHD always_RR been_VBN how_RRQ to_TO die_VVI ._. 
The_AT thirty-four-year-old_JJ initiate_VV0 gazed_VVN down_RP at_II the_AT human_JJ skull_NN1 cradled_VVN in_II his_APPGE palms_NN2 ._. 
The_AT skull_NN1 was_VBDZ hollow_JJ ,_, like_II a_AT1 bowl_NN1 ,_, filled_VVN with_IW bloodred_JJ wine_NN1 ._. 
Drink_VV0 it_PPH1 ,_, he_PPHS1 told_VVD himself_PPX1 ._. 
You_PPY have_VH0 nothing_PN1 to_TO fear_VVI ._. 
As_CSA was_VBDZ tradition_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 had_VHD begun_VVN this_DD1 journey_NN1 adorned_VVN in_II the_AT ritualistic_JJ garb_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 medieval_JJ heretic_NN1 being_VBG led_VVN to_II the_AT gallows_NN2 ,_, his_APPGE loose-fitting_JJ shirt_NN1 gaping_JJ open_JJ to_TO reveal_VVI his_APPGE pale_JJ chest_NN1 ,_, his_APPGE left_JJ pant_NN1 leg_NN1 rolled_VVN up_II21 to_II22 the_AT knee_NN1 ,_, and_CC his_APPGE right_JJ sleeve_NN1 rolled_VVN up_II21 to_II22 the_AT elbow_NN1 ._. 
Around_II his_APPGE neck_NN1 hung_VVD a_AT1 heavy_JJ rope_NN1 noose_NN1 --_NN1 a_AT1 "_" cable-tow_NN1 "_" as_II the_AT brethren_NN2 called_VVN it_PPH1 ._. 
Tonight_RT ,_, however_RR ,_, like_II the_AT brethren_NN2 bearing_VVG witness_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ dressed_VVN as_II a_AT1 master_NN1 ._. 
The_AT assembly_NN1 of_IO brothers_NN2 encircling_VVG him_PPHO1 all_DB were_VBDR adorned_VVN in_II their_APPGE full_JJ regalia_NN2 of_IO lambskin_NN1 aprons_NN2 ,_, sashes_NN2 ,_, and_CC white_JJ gloves_NN2 ._. 
Around_II their_APPGE necks_NN2 hung_VVD ceremonial_JJ jewels_NN2 that_CST glistened_VVD like_II ghostly_JJ eyes_NN2 in_II the_AT muted_JJ light_NN1 ._. 
Many_DA2 of_IO these_DD2 men_NN2 held_VVD powerful_JJ stations_NN2 in_II life_NN1 ,_, and_CC yet_RR the_AT initiate_VV0 knew_VVD their_APPGE worldly_JJ ranks_NN2 meant_VVD nothing_PN1 within_II these_DD2 walls_NN2 ._. 
Here_RL all_DB men_NN2 were_VBDR equals_NN2 ,_, sworn_JJ brothers_NN2 sharing_VVG a_AT1 mystical_JJ bond_NN1 ._. 
As_CSA he_PPHS1 surveyed_VVD the_AT daunting_JJ assembly_NN1 ,_, the_AT initiate_VV0 wondered_VVD who_PNQS on_II the_AT outside_NN1 would_VM ever_RR believe_VVI that_CST this_DD1 collection_NN1 of_IO men_NN2 would_VM assemble_VVI in_II one_MC1 place_NN1 ..._... much_RR less_RRR this_DD1 place_NN1 ._. 
The_AT room_NN1 looked_VVN like_II a_AT1 holy_JJ sanctuary_NN1 from_II the_AT ancient_JJ world_NN1 ._. 
The_AT truth_NN1 ,_, however_RR ,_, was_VBDZ stranger_JJR still_RR ._. 
I_PPIS1 am_VBM just_RR blocks_VVZ away_II21 from_II22 the_AT White_NP1 House_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 colossal_JJ edifice_NN1 ,_, located_VVN at_II 1733_MC Sixteenth_MD Street_NN1 NW_ND1 in_II Washington_NP1 ,_, D.C._NP1 ,_, was_VBDZ a_AT1 replica_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 pre-Christian_JJ temple_NN1 --_NN1 the_AT temple_NN1 of_IO King_NNB Mausolus_NP1 ,_, the_AT original_JJ mausoleum_NN1 ..._... a_AT1 place_NN1 to_TO be_VBI taken_VVN after_II death_NN1 ._. 
Outside_II the_AT main_JJ entrance_NN1 ,_, two_MC seventeen-ton_NNU1 sphinxes_NN2 guarded_VVN the_AT bronze_NN1 doors_NN2 ._. 
The_AT interior_NN1 was_VBDZ an_AT1 ornate_JJ labyrinth_NN1 of_IO ritualistic_JJ chambers_NN2 ,_, halls_NN2 ,_, sealed_JJ vaults_NN2 ,_, libraries_NN2 ,_, and_CC even_RR a_AT1 hollow_JJ wall_NN1 that_CST held_VVD the_AT remains_NN2 of_IO two_MC human_JJ bodies_NN2 ._. 
The_AT initiate_VV0 had_VHD been_VBN told_VVN every_AT1 room_NN1 in_II this_DD1 building_NN1 held_VVD a_AT1 secret_NN1 ,_, and_CC yet_RR he_PPHS1 knew_VVD no_AT room_NN1 held_VVD deeper_JJR secrets_NN2 than_CSN the_AT gigantic_JJ chamber_NN1 in_II which_DDQ he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ currently_RR kneeling_VVG with_IW a_AT1 skull_NN1 cradled_VVN in_II his_APPGE palms_NN2 ._. 
The_AT Temple_NP1 Room_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 room_NN1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 perfect_JJ square_NN1 ._. 
And_CC cavernous_JJ ._. 
The_AT ceiling_NN1 soared_VVD an_AT1 astonishing_JJ one_MC1 hundred_NNO feet_NN2 overhead_RL ,_, supported_VVN by_II monolithic_JJ columns_NN2 of_IO green_JJ granite_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 tiered_JJ gallery_NN1 of_IO dark_JJ Russian_JJ walnut_NN1 seats_NN2 with_IW hand-tooled_JJ pigskin_NN1 encircled_VVD the_AT room_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 thirty-three-foot-tall_JJ throne_NN1 dominated_VVD the_AT western_JJ wall_NN1 ,_, with_IW a_AT1 concealed_JJ pipe_NN1 organ_NN1 opposite_RL it_PPH1 ._. 
The_AT walls_NN2 were_VBDR a_AT1 kaleidoscope_NN1 of_IO ancient_JJ symbols_NN2 ..._... 
Egyptian_NN1 ,_, Hebraic_NN1 ,_, astronomical_JJ ,_, alchemical_JJ ,_, and_CC others_NN2 yet_RR unknown_JJ ._. 
Tonight_RT ,_, the_AT Temple_NP1 Room_NN1 was_VBDZ lit_VVN by_II a_AT1 series_NN of_IO precisely_RR arranged_VVN candles_NN2 ._. 
Their_APPGE dim_JJ glow_NN1 was_VBDZ aided_VVN only_RR by_II a_AT1 pale_JJ shaft_NN1 of_IO moonlight_NN1 that_CST filtered_VVD down_RP through_II the_AT expansive_JJ oculus_NN1 in_II the_AT ceiling_NN1 and_CC illuminated_VVD the_AT room_NN1 's_GE most_RGT startling_JJ feature_NN1 --_NN1 an_AT1 enormous_JJ altar_NN1 hewn_JJ from_II a_AT1 solid_JJ block_NN1 of_IO polished_JJ Belgian_JJ black_JJ marble_NN1 ,_, situated_VVN dead_JJ center_NN1 of_IO the_AT square_JJ chamber_NN1 ._. 
The_AT secret_NN1 is_VBZ how_RRQ to_TO die_VVI ,_, the_AT initiate_VV0 reminded_VVN himself_PPX1 ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 is_VBZ time_NNT1 ,_, "_" a_AT1 voice_NN1 whispered_VVD ._. 
The_AT initiate_VV0 let_VV0 his_APPGE gaze_NN1 climb_VVI the_AT distinguished_JJ white-robed_JJ figure_NN1 standing_VVG before_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
The_AT Supreme_JJ Worshipful_JJ Master_NN1 ._. 
The_AT man_NN1 ,_, in_II his_APPGE late_JJ fifties_MC2 ,_, was_VBDZ an_AT1 American_JJ icon_NN1 ,_, well_RR loved_VVN ,_, robust_JJ ,_, and_CC incalculably_RR wealthy_JJ ._. 
His_APPGE once-dark_JJ hair_NN1 was_VBDZ turning_VVG silver_NN1 ,_, and_CC his_APPGE famous_JJ visage_NN1 reflected_VVD a_AT1 lifetime_NNT1 of_IO power_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 vigorous_JJ intellect_NN1 ._. 
"_" Take_VV0 the_AT oath_NN1 ,_, "_" the_AT Worshipful_JJ Master_NN1 said_VVD ,_, his_APPGE voice_NN1 soft_JJ like_II falling_VVG snow_NN1 ._. 
"_" Complete_VV0 your_APPGE journey_NN1 ._. "_" 
The_AT initiate_VV0 's_VBZ journey_NN1 ,_, like_II all_DB such_DA journeys_NN2 ,_, had_VHD begun_VVN at_II the_AT first_MD degree_NN1 ._. 
On_II that_DD1 night_NNT1 ,_, in_II a_AT1 ritual_JJ similar_JJ to_II this_DD1 one_PN1 ,_, the_AT Worshipful_JJ Master_NN1 had_VHD blindfolded_VVN him_PPHO1 with_IW a_AT1 velvet_NN1 hoodwink_NN1 and_CC pressed_VVD a_AT1 ceremonial_JJ dagger_NN1 to_II his_APPGE bare_JJ chest_NN1 ,_, demanding_VVG :_: "_" Do_VD0 you_PPY seriously_RR declare_VVI on_II your_APPGE honor_NN1 ,_, uninfluenced_JJ by_II mercenary_NN1 or_CC any_DD other_JJ unworthy_JJ motive_NN1 ,_, that_CST you_PPY freely_RR and_CC voluntarily_RR offer_VV0 yourself_PPX1 as_II a_AT1 candidate_NN1 for_IF the_AT mysteries_NN2 and_CC privileges_NN2 of_IO this_DD1 brotherhood_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 do_VD0 ,_, "_" the_AT initiate_VV0 had_VHD lied_VVN ._. 
"_" Then_RT let_VV0 this_DD1 be_VBI a_AT1 sting_NN1 to_II your_APPGE consciousness_NN1 ,_, "_" the_AT master_NN1 had_VHD warned_VVN him_PPHO1 ,_, "_" as_II31 well_II32 as_II33 instant_JJ death_NN1 should_VM you_PPY ever_RR betray_VVI the_AT secrets_NN2 to_TO be_VBI imparted_VVN to_II you_PPY ._. "_" 
At_II the_AT time_NNT1 ,_, the_AT initiate_VV0 had_VHD felt_VVN no_AT fear_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 will_VM never_RR know_VVI my_APPGE true_JJ purpose_NN1 here_RL ._. 
Tonight_RT ,_, however_RR ,_, he_PPHS1 sensed_VVD a_AT1 foreboding_NN1 solemnity_NN1 in_II the_AT Temple_NP1 Room_NN1 ,_, and_CC his_APPGE mind_NN1 began_VVD replaying_VVG all_DB the_AT dire_JJ warnings_NN2 he_PPHS1 had_VHD been_VBN given_VVN on_II his_APPGE journey_NN1 ,_, threats_NN2 of_IO terrible_JJ consequences_NN2 if_CS he_PPHS1 ever_RR shared_VVD the_AT ancient_JJ secrets_NN2 he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ about_RPK to_TO learn_VVI :_: Throat_NN1 cut_VVN from_II ear_NN1 to_II ear_NN1 ..._... tongue_NN1 torn_VVN out_RP by_II its_APPGE roots_NN2 ..._... bowels_NN2 taken_VVN out_RP and_CC burned_VVN ..._... scattered_VVN to_II the_AT four_MC winds_NN2 of_IO heaven_NN1 ..._... heart_NN1 plucked_VVD out_RP and_CC given_VVN to_II the_AT beasts_NN2 of_IO the_AT field_NN1 My_APPGE God_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 looked_VVD back_RP at_II the_AT truncated_JJ stone_NN1 pyramid_NN1 on_II the_AT desk_NN1 ._. 
Its_APPGE apex_NN1 was_VBDZ flat_JJ --_NN1 a_AT1 small_JJ square_JJ area_NN1 --_NN1 a_AT1 blank_JJ space_NN1 symbolically_RR awaiting_VVG its_APPGE final_JJ piece_NN1 ..._... that_DD1 piece_NN1 which_DDQ would_VM transform_VVI it_PPH1 from_II an_AT1 Unfinished_JJ Pyramid_NN1 into_II a_AT1 True_JJ Pyramid_NN1 ._. 
Langdon_NN1 now_RT realized_VVD the_AT tiny_JJ pyramid_NN1 he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ carrying_VVG was_VBDZ not_XX a_AT1 pyramid_NN1 at_RR21 all_RR22 ._. 
It_PPH1 's_VBZ a_AT1 capstone_NN1 ._. 
At_II that_DD1 instant_NNT1 ,_, he_PPHS1 knew_VVD why_RRQ he_PPHS1 alone_RR could_VM unlock_VVI the_AT mysteries_NN2 of_IO this_DD1 pyramid_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 hold_VV0 the_AT final_JJ piece_NN1 ._. 
And_CC it_PPH1 is_VBZ indeed_RR ..._... a_AT1 talisman_NN1 ._. 
When_CS Peter_NP1 had_VHD told_VVN Langdon_NP1 the_AT package_NN1 contained_VVD a_AT1 talisman_NN1 ,_, Langdon_NP1 had_VHD laughed_VVN ._. 
Now_RT he_PPHS1 realized_VVD his_APPGE friend_NN1 was_VBDZ right_JJ ._. 
This_DD1 tiny_JJ capstone_NN1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 talisman_NN1 ,_, but_CCB not_XX the_AT magic_JJ kind_NN1 ..._... the_AT far_RG older_JJR kind_NN1 ._. 
Long_RR before_II talisman_NN1 had_VHD magical_JJ connotations_NN2 ,_, it_PPH1 had_VHD another_DD1 meaning_NN1 --_NN1 "_" completion_NN1 ._. "_" 
From_II the_AT Greek_JJ telesma_NN1 ,_, meaning_VVG "_" complete_JJ ,_, "_" a_AT1 talisman_NN1 was_VBDZ any_DD object_NN1 or_CC idea_NN1 that_CST completed_VVD another_DD1 and_CC made_VVD it_PPH1 whole_JJ ._. 
The_AT finishing_JJ element_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 capstone_NN1 ,_, symbolically_RR speaking_VVG ,_, was_VBDZ the_AT ultimate_JJ talisman_NN1 ,_, transforming_VVG the_AT Unfinished_JJ Pyramid_NN1 into_II a_AT1 symbol_NN1 of_IO completed_JJ perfection_NN1 ._. 
Langdon_NN1 now_RT felt_VVD an_AT1 eerie_JJ convergence_NN1 that_CST forced_VVD him_PPHO1 to_TO accept_VVI one_MC1 very_RG strange_JJ truth_NN1 :_: with_IW the_AT exception_NN1 of_IO its_APPGE size_NN1 ,_, the_AT stone_NN1 pyramid_NN1 in_II Peter_NP1 's_GE Chamber_NN1 of_IO Reflection_NN1 seemed_VVD to_TO be_VBI transforming_VVG itself_PPX1 ,_, bit_VVN by_II bit_NN1 ,_, into_II something_PN1 vaguely_RR resembling_VVG the_AT Masonic_JJ Pyramid_NN1 of_IO legend_NN1 ._. 
From_II the_AT brightness_NN1 with_IW which_DDQ the_AT capstone_NN1 shone_VVD on_II the_AT X-ray_NN1 ,_, Langdon_NP1 suspected_VVD it_PPH1 was_VBDZ made_VVN of_IO metal_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 very_RG dense_JJ metal_NN1 ._. 
Whether_CSW31 or_CSW32 not_CSW33 it_PPH1 was_VBDZ solid_JJ gold_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 had_VHD no_AT way_NN1 of_IO knowing_VVG ,_, and_CC he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ not_XX about_RPK to_TO let_VVI his_APPGE mind_NN1 start_NN1 playing_VVG tricks_NN2 on_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
This_DD1 pyramid_NN1 is_VBZ too_RG small_JJ ._. 
The_AT code_NN1 's_VBZ too_RG easy_JJ to_TO read_VVI ._. 
And_CC ..._... it_PPH1 's_VBZ a_AT1 myth_NN1 ,_, for_IF heaven_NN1 's_GE sake_NN1 !_! 
Sato_NN1 was_VBDZ watching_VVG him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" For_IF a_AT1 bright_JJ man_NN1 ,_, Professor_NN1 ,_, you_PPY 've_VH0 made_VVN some_DD dumb_JJ choices_NN2 tonight_RT ._. 
Lying_VVG to_II an_AT1 intelligence_NN1 director_NN1 ?_? 
Intentionally_RR obstructing_VVG a_AT1 CIA_NP1 investigation_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 can_VM explain_VVI ,_, if_CS you_PPY 'll_VM let_VVI me_PPIO1 ._. "_" 
"_" You_PPY will_VM be_VBI explaining_VVG at_II CIA_NP1 headquarters_NN ._. 
As_II21 of_II22 this_DD1 moment_NN1 ,_, I_PPIS1 am_VBM detaining_VVG you_PPY ._. "_" 
Langdon_NP1 's_GE body_NN1 went_VVD rigid_JJ ._. 
"_" You_PPY ca_VM n't_XX possibly_RR be_VBI serious_JJ ._. "_" 
"_" Deadly_JJ serious_JJ ._. 
I_PPIS1 made_VVD it_PPH1 very_RG clear_JJ to_II you_PPY that_CST the_AT stakes_NN2 tonight_RT were_VBDR high_JJ ,_, and_CC you_PPY chose_VVD not_XX to_TO cooperate_VVI ._. 
I_PPIS1 strongly_RR suggest_VV0 you_PPY start_VV0 thinking_VVG about_II explaining_VVG the_AT inscription_NN1 on_II this_DD1 pyramid_NN1 ,_, because_CS when_CS we_PPIS2 arrive_VV0 at_II the_AT CIA_NP1 ..._... "_" 
She_PPHS1 raised_VVD her_APPGE BlackBerry_NN1 and_CC took_VVD a_AT1 close-up_JJ snapshot_NN1 of_IO the_AT engraving_NN1 on_II the_AT stone_NN1 pyramid_NN1 ._. 
"_" My_APPGE analysts_NN2 will_VM have_VHI had_VHN a_AT1 head_NN1 start_NN1 ._. "_" 
Langdon_NP1 opened_VVD his_APPGE mouth_NN1 to_TO protest_VVI ,_, but_CCB Sato_NP1 was_VBDZ already_RR turning_VVG to_II Anderson_NP1 at_II the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
"_" Chief_NN1 ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, "_" put_VVD the_AT stone_NN1 pyramid_NN1 in_II Langdon_NP1 's_GE bag_NN1 and_CC carry_VV0 it_PPH1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 'll_VM handle_VVI taking_VVG Mr._NNB Langdon_NP1 into_II custody_NN1 ._. 
Your_APPGE weapon_NN1 ,_, if_CS I_PPIS1 may_VM ?_? "_" 
Anderson_NP1 was_VBDZ stone-faced_JJ as_CSA he_PPHS1 advanced_VVD into_II the_AT chamber_NN1 ,_, unsnapping_VVG his_APPGE shoulder_NN1 holster_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 came_VVD ._. 
He_PPHS1 gave_VVD his_APPGE gun_NN1 to_II Sato_NP1 ,_, who_PNQS immediately_RR aimed_VVD it_PPH1 at_II Langdon_NP1 ._. 
Langdon_NP1 watched_VVD as_CS21 if_CS22 in_II a_AT1 dream_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 can_VM not_XX be_VBI happening_VVG ._. 
Anderson_NP1 now_RT came_VVD to_II Langdon_NP1 and_CC removed_VVD the_AT day_NNT1 bag_NN1 from_II his_APPGE shoulder_NN1 ,_, carrying_VVG it_PPH1 over_RP to_II the_AT desk_NN1 and_CC setting_VVG it_PPH1 on_II the_AT chair_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 unzipped_VVD the_AT bag_NN1 ,_, propped_VVN it_PPH1 open_RR ,_, and_CC then_RT hoisted_VVD the_AT heavy_JJ stone_NN1 pyramid_NN1 off_II the_AT desk_NN1 and_CC into_II the_AT bag_NN1 ,_, along_II21 with_II22 Langdon_NP1 's_GE notes_NN2 and_CC the_AT tiny_JJ package_NN1 ._. 
Suddenly_RR there_EX was_VBDZ a_AT1 rustle_NN1 of_IO movement_NN1 in_II the_AT hallway_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 dark_JJ outline_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 man_NN1 materialized_VVD in_II the_AT doorway_NN1 ,_, rushing_VVG into_II the_AT chamber_NN1 and_CC approaching_VVG fast_RR behind_II Anderson_NP1 ._. 
The_AT chief_NN1 never_RR saw_VVD him_PPHO1 coming_VVG ._. 
In_II an_AT1 instant_NNT1 ,_, the_AT stranger_NN1 had_VHD lowered_VVN his_APPGE shoulder_NN1 and_CC crashed_VVN into_II Anderson_NP1 's_GE back_NN1 ._. 
The_AT chief_NN1 launched_VVD forward_RL ,_, his_APPGE head_NN1 cracking_VVG into_II the_AT edge_NN1 of_IO the_AT stone_NN1 niche_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 fell_VVD hard_RR ,_, crumpling_VVG on_II the_AT desk_NN1 ,_, sending_VVG bones_NN2 and_CC artifacts_NN2 flying_VVG ._. 
The_AT hourglass_NN1 shattered_VVN on_II the_AT floor_NN1 ._. 
The_AT candle_NN1 toppled_VVN to_II the_AT floor_NN1 ,_, still_RR burning_VVG ._. 
Sato_NP1 reeled_VVD amid_II the_AT chaos_NN1 ,_, raising_VVG the_AT gun_NN1 ,_, but_CCB the_AT intruder_NN1 grabbed_VVD a_AT1 femur_NN1 and_CC lashed_VVD out_RP with_IW it_PPH1 ,_, striking_VVG her_APPGE shoulder_NN1 with_IW the_AT leg_NN1 bone_NN1 ._. 
Sato_NP1 let_VVD out_RP a_AT1 cry_NN1 of_IO pain_NN1 and_CC fell_VVD back_RP ,_, dropping_VVG the_AT weapon_NN1 ._. 
The_AT newcomer_NN1 kicked_VVD the_AT gun_NN1 away_RL and_CC then_RT wheeled_VVN toward_II Langdon_NP1 ._. 
The_AT man_NN1 was_VBDZ tall_JJ and_CC slender_JJ ,_, an_AT1 elegant_JJ African_JJ American_NN1 whom_PNQO Langdon_NP1 had_VHD never_RR seen_VVN before_RT in_II his_APPGE life_NN1 ._. 
"_" Grab_VV0 the_AT pyramid_NN1 !_! "_" the_AT man_NN1 commanded_VVD ._. 
"_" Follow_VV0 me_PPIO1 !_! "_" 
Robert_NP1 Langdon_NP1 awoke_VVD slowly_RR ._. 
Faces_NN2 gazed_VVD down_RP at_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
Where_RRQ am_VBM I_PPIS1 ?_? 
A_AT1 moment_NN1 later_RRR ,_, he_PPHS1 recalled_VVD where_RRQ he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ._. 
He_PPHS1 sat_VVD up_RP slowly_RR beneath_II the_AT Apotheosis_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE back_NN1 felt_VVD stiff_JJ from_II lying_VVG on_II the_AT hard_JJ catwalk_NN1 ._. 
Where_RRQ 's_VBZ Katherine_NP1 ?_? 
Langdon_NP1 checked_VVD his_APPGE Mickey_NP1 Mouse_NP1 watch_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 's_VBZ almost_RR time_NNT1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 pulled_VVD himself_PPX1 to_II his_APPGE feet_NN2 ,_, peering_VVG cautiouslyover_VV0 the_AT banister_NN1 into_II the_AT gaping_JJ space_NN1 below_RL ._. 
"_" Katherine_NP1 ?_? "_" he_PPHS1 called_VVD out_RP ._. 
The_AT word_NN1 echoed_VVD back_RP in_II the_AT silence_NN1 of_IO the_AT deserted_JJ Rotunda_NN1 ._. 
Retrieving_VVG his_APPGE tweed_NN1 jacket_NN1 from_II the_AT floor_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 brushed_VVD it_PPH1 off_RP and_CC put_VV0 it_PPH1 back_RP on_II ._. 
He_PPHS1 checked_VVD his_APPGE pockets_NN2 ._. 
The_AT iron_NN1 key_NN1 the_AT Architect_NN1 had_VHD given_VVN him_PPHO1 was_VBDZ gone_VVN ._. 
Making_VVG his_APPGE way_NN1 back_RP around_II the_AT walkway_NN1 ,_, Langdon_NP1 headed_VVD for_IF the_AT opening_NN1 the_AT Architect_NN1 had_VHD shown_VVN them_PPHO2 ._. 
Steep_JJ metal_NN1 stairs_NN2 ascending_JJ into_II cramped_JJ darkness_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 began_VVD to_TO climb_VVI ._. 
Higher_JJR and_CC higher_RRR he_PPHS1 ascended_VVD ._. 
Gradually_RR the_AT stairway_NN1 became_VVD more_RGR narrow_JJ and_CC more_RGR inclined_JJ ._. 
Still_RR Langdon_NP1 pushed_VVD on_RP ._. 
Just_RR a_RR21 little_RR22 farther_RRR ._. 
The_AT steps_NN2 had_VHD become_VVN almost_RR ladderlike_JJ now_RT ,_, the_AT passage_NN1 frighteningly_RR constricted_VVN ._. 
Finally_RR ,_, the_AT stairs_NN2 ended_VVD ,_, and_CC Langdon_NP1 stepped_VVD up_RP onto_II a_AT1 small_JJ landing_NN1 ._. 
Before_II him_PPHO1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 heavy_JJ metal_NN1 door_NN1 ._. 
The_AT iron_NN1 key_NN1 was_VBDZ in_II the_AT lock_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT door_NN1 hung_VVD slightly_RR ajar_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 pushed_VVD ,_, and_CC the_AT door_NN1 creaked_VVD open_JJ ._. 
The_AT air_NN1 beyond_II felt_NN1 cold_NN1 ._. 
As_CSA Langdon_NP1 stepped_VVD across_II the_AT threshold_NN1 into_II murky_JJ darkness_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 realized_VVD he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ now_RT outside_RL ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 was_VBDZ just_RR coming_VVG to_TO get_VVI you_PPY ,_, "_" Katherine_NP1 said_VVD ,_, smiling_VVG at_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 's_VBZ almost_RR time_NNT1 ._. "_" 
When_CS Langdon_NP1 recognized_VVD his_APPGE surroundings_NN2 ,_, he_PPHS1 drew_VVD a_AT1 startled_JJ breath_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ standing_VVG on_II a_AT1 tiny_JJ skywalk_NN1 that_CST encircled_VVD the_AT pinnacle_NN1 of_IO the_AT U.S._NP1 Capitol_NP1 Dome_NN1 ._. 
Directly_RR above_II him_PPHO1 ,_, the_AT bronze_NN1 Statue_NN1 of_IO Freedom_NN1 gazed_VVD out_RP over_II the_AT sleeping_JJ capital_NN1 city_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 faced_VVD the_AT east_ND1 ,_, where_CS the_AT first_MD crimson_JJ splashes_NN2 of_IO dawn_NNT1 had_VHD begun_VVN to_TO paint_VVI the_AT horizon_NN1 ._. 
Katherine_NP1 guided_VVD Langdon_NP1 around_II the_AT balcony_NN1 until_CS they_PPHS2 were_VBDR facing_VVG west_ND1 ,_, perfectly_RR aligned_VVN with_IW the_AT National_JJ Mall_NN1 ._. 
In_II the_AT distance_NN1 ,_, the_AT silhouette_NN1 of_IO the_AT Washington_NP1 Monument_NN1 stood_VVD in_II the_AT early-morning_JJ light_NN1 ._. 
From_II this_DD1 vantage_NN1 point_NN1 ,_, the_AT towering_JJ obelisk_NN1 looked_VVD even_RR more_RGR impressive_JJ than_CSN it_PPH1 had_VHD before_RT ._. 
"_" When_CS it_PPH1 was_VBDZ built_VVN ,_, "_" Katherine_NP1 whispered_VVD ,_, "_" it_PPH1 was_VBDZ the_AT tallest_JJT structure_NN1 on_II the_AT entire_JJ planet_NN1 ._. "_" 
Langdon_NP1 pictured_VVD the_AT old_JJ sepia_NN1 photographs_NN2 of_IO stonemasons_NN2 on_II scaffolding_NN1 ,_, more_DAR than_CSN five_MC hundred_NNO feet_NN2 in_II the_AT air_NN1 ,_, laying_VVG each_DD1 block_NN1 by_II hand_NN1 ,_, one_MC1 by_II one_MC1 ._. 
We_PPIS2 are_VBR builders_NN2 ,_, he_PPHS1 thought_VVD ._. 
We_PPIS2 are_VBR creators_NN2 ._. 
Since_CS the_AT beginning_NN1 of_IO time_NNT1 ,_, man_NN1 had_VHD sensed_VVN there_RL was_VBDZ something_PN1 special_JJ about_II himself_PPX1 ..._... something_PN1 more_DAR ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD longed_VVN for_IF powers_NN2 he_PPHS1 did_VDD not_XX possess_VVI ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD dreamed_VVN of_IO flying_NN1 ,_, of_IO healing_NN1 ,_, and_CC of_IO transforming_VVG his_APPGE world_NN1 in_II every_AT1 way_NN1 imaginable_JJ ._. 
And_CC he_PPHS1 had_VHD done_VDN just_RR that_DD1 ._. 
Today_RT ,_, the_AT shrines_NN2 to_II man_NN1 's_GE accomplishments_NN2 adorned_VVD the_AT National_JJ Mall_NN1 ._. 
The_AT Smithsonian_NP1 museums_NN2 burgeoned_VVN with_IW our_APPGE inventions_NN2 ,_, our_APPGE art_NN1 ,_, our_APPGE science_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT ideas_NN2 of_IO our_APPGE great_JJ thinkers_NN2 ._. 
They_PPHS2 told_VVD the_AT history_NN1 of_IO man_NN1 as_CSA creator_NN1 --_NN1 from_II the_AT stone_NN1 tools_NN2 in_II the_AT Native_JJ American_JJ History_NN1 Museum_NN1 to_II the_AT jets_NN2 and_CC rockets_NN2 in_II the_AT National_JJ Air_NN1 and_CC Space_NN1 Museum_NN1 ._. 
