The knocking continued beside her and she closed her eyes, trying to shut out the sound, but it only grew, as others outside became amused by it and began to knock on the other windows as well.

"Look up ahead," said Horton. "Communists."

"Can't we get out of here?" begged Katherine.

And beside her Damien's eyes began to register fear, picking up his mother's alarm.

"It's all right . .. it's all right," soothed Thorn, seeing the fear in the child's eyes. "These people can't hurt us, they just want to see who's inside."

But the child's eyes began to widen, and they were not focused on the people but on a point high above them; the towering spires of the church.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, Damien," said Thorn. "We're just going to a wedding."

But the child's fear grew, his face gripped with tension as they inched inexorably closer to the massive, towering church.

''Damien .. ."

Thorn glanced at Catherine, directing her eyes to the child. His face was stony, his body tightening as the crowds slid away and the cathedral suddenly loomed into view.

"It's all right, Damien," whispered Katherine, "the people are gone .. ."

But his eyes were riveted to the church, growing wider with each moment.

"What's wrong with him?" asked Thorn quickly.

"I don't know."

"What is it, Damien?"

"He's frightened to death."

Katherine gave him her hand and he clutched at it, gazing desperately into her eyes.

"It's a church, darling," said Katherine intensely.

As the boy turned, his lips went dry; the panic welling up within him as he began to pant, his face draining of color.

"My God," gasped Katherine.

"Is he ill?"

"He's like ice. He's cold as ice!"

The limousine stopped suddenly in front of the church and the door swung open; the usher's hand reaching in for Damien sent him into instant panic. Grabbing at Katherine's dress, he clung hard, beginning to whimper with fear.

"Damien!" cried Katherine. "Damien!"

As she tried to pull him off, he clung tighter, becoming more desperate as she fought to pull him off.

"Jeremy!" cried Katherine.

"Damien!" shouted Thorn.

"He's tearing my dress!"

Thorn reached for him, pulling forcefully, the child fighting harder to cling to his mother, his hands clawing her face and pulling her hair in his desperation to hold on.

"Help! God!" screamed Katherine.

"Damien!" shouted Thorn as he pulled futilely on the child. "Damien! Let go!"

As the child began to scream in terror, a crowd gathered around to watch their desperate struggle. Trying to help, Horton raced from the front seat, grabbing Damien and trying to pull him out the door. But the child had become an animal, shrieking as his fingers dug deep into Katherine's face and head, ripping a handful of hair.

"Get him off!" she screamed.