At length we came to an immense cavern, which was darker than ever, and without any lamps at all.

Through a vast portal, which was closed with a barred gateway, the beams of the brilliant aurora penetrated and disclosed something of the interior.
Here Layelah stopped and peered through the gloom while I stood waiting by her side, wondering what means of escape could be found in this cavern.

As I stood I heard through the still air the sound as of living things.

For a time I saw nothing, but at length I descried a vast, shadowy form moving forward toward the portal, where the darkness was less.

It was a form of portentous size and fearful shape, and I could not make out at first the nature of it.