Margaret...! I was recalled by Mr.Trelawny's firm voice: "Now we shall see to the lamps and finish our preparations." Accordingly we set to work, and under his supervision made ready the Egyptian lamps, seeing that they were well filled with the cedar oil, and that the wicks were adjusted and in good order.

We lighted and tested them one by one, and left them ready so that they would light at once and evenly.

When this was done we had a general look round; and fixed all in readiness for our work at night.
All this had taken time, and we were I think all surprised when as we emerged from the cave we heard the great clock in the hall chime four.
We had a late lunch, a thing possible without trouble in the present state of our commissariat arrangements.

After it, by Mr.Trelawny's advice, we separated; each to prepare in our own way for the strain of the coming night.

Margaret looked pale and somewhat overwrought, so I advised her to lie down and try to sleep.