The Doors of Death (1936) by Arthur Beecher Waltermire A strange and curious story is this, about a banker whose only feat. was that he might be buried alive, like his grandfather before him A heavy stillness hung about the great halls and richly furnished rooms of Judson McMasters' residence, and even seemed to extend out over the velvet lawns, the shrub-lined walks and sun-blotched reaches under the lacy elms and somber maples. "Biggs!" The voice, still strong and commanding, cut the semi-gloom like a knife. "Did you call, sir?" His voice quavered. "Biggs, I want some air and sunshine." "Hiram."