The quick compulsion of my will was rewarded.

I no longer had chest nor heart.

I was only a mind, a soul, a consciousness--call it what you will--incorporate in a nebulous brain that, while it still centred inside my skull, was expanded, and was continuing to expand, beyond my skull.
And then, with flashings of light, I was off and away.

At a bound I had vaulted prison roof and California sky, and was among the stars.

I say "stars" advisedly.