Its appearance there, apparently undisturbed, might, I thought, make our crossing of the water seem even more mysterious.

All this while I watched the doors in the sides of the cave, expecting every moment to see the women rush out.

But none came.

Perhaps they slept, or perhaps they were absent; I do not know to this day.
We started, and in solemn silence threaded our way down the windings of the cave, extinguishing our torches as soon as we saw light at its inland outlet.

At a few paces from its mouth stood a sentry.