)
Moved either by curiosity or a command of Providence, I stooped
and peered intently downward, and saw that the movement was the
almost imperceptible reflection of a stray ray of light from
above on the surface of water. At the time I merely wondered idly
if the water came from the same source as that in the lake
outside, not thinking it sufficiently important to mention to
Harry.
Then a question came from him:
"No good, Paul. They are a hundred to one, and we are
empty-handed. Do we go?"
"There is nothing else to do," I answered, and I placed my foot
on the first step of the spiral stair.
Behind us came the guide, with a dozen others at his heels.
The ascent seemed even longer and more arduous than before, for
then we had been propelled by keen curiosity. Twice I stumbled in
the darkness, and would have fallen if it had not been for
Harry's supporting hand behind me. But finally we reached the top
and stepped out into the glare of the great cavern. I saw the
stone slab close to behind us, noiselessly, and wondered if I
should ever see it open again.
We looked about us, and as our eyes sought the alcove in the wall
opposite, we gave a simultaneous start of surprise, and from
Harry's lips came a cry, half of gladness, half of wonder.
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