But the torso still remained visible.
"Devil or not," cried Roland, "I follow you!" He fired a second shot, which filled the cavernous space, into which the ghost had disappeared, with flame and smoke.
When the smoke had cleared away, Roland looked vainly around.

He was alone.

He sprang into the cistern howling with rage.

He sounded the walls with the butt-end of his pistol, he stamped on the ground; but everywhere, earth and stone gave back the sound of solid objects.

He tried to pierce the darkness, but it was impossible.