Game will be plentiful in the woods and gorges of the lower part of the mountain, and perhaps at the top we shall find a fire to cook it, already lighted." "Already lighted, Mr.Smith ?" "And why not, Mr.Strock?
These flames! These superb flames, which have so terrified our country folk! Is their fire absolutely cold, is no spark to be found beneath their ashes?
And then, if this is truly a crater, is the volcano so wholly extinct that we cannot find there a single ember?
Bah! This would be but a poor volcano if it hasn't enough fire even to cook an egg or roast a potato.

Come, I repeat, we shall see! We shall see!" At that point of the investigation I had, I confess, no opinion formed.

I had my orders to examine the Great Eyrie.

If it proved harmless, I would announce it, and people would be reassured.

But at heart, I must admit, I had the very natural desire of a man possessed by the demon of curiosity.