Built into the granite wall of the cavern, some thirty feet from
the ground, was a deep alcove. At each side of the entrance was
an urn resting on a ledge, similar to those on the columns, only
smaller, from which issued a mounting flame.
On the floor of the alcove was a massive chair, or throne, which
seemed to be itself of fire, so brilliant was the glow of the
metal of which it was constructed. It could have been nothing but
gold. And seated on this throne was an ugly, misshapen dwarf.
"God save the king!" I cried, with a hysterical laugh; and in the
profound silence my voice rang from one side of the cavern to the
other in racing echoes.
Immediately following my cry the figure on the throne arose; and
as he did so the creatures round us fell flat on their faces on
the ground. For several seconds the king surveyed them thus,
without a sound or movement; then suddenly he stretched forth his
hand in a gesture of dismissal. They rose as one man and with
silent swiftness disappeared, seemingly melting away into the
walls of rock. At the time the effect was amazing; later, when I
discovered the innumerable lanes and passages which served as
exits, it was not so difficult to understand.
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