He turned back, and ventured as far towards the crater as the noxious exhalation would permit; then, gazing below, carefully and deliberately he chalked out for himself a path, by which he trusted to shun the direction the fire-stream had taken, and trod firmly and quickly over the crumbling and heated strata.
He had proceeded about fifty yards when he halted abruptly: an unspeakable and unaccountable horror, not hitherto felt amidst all his peril, came over him.

He shook in every limb; his muscles refused his will; he felt, as it were, palsied and death-stricken.

The horror, I say, was unaccountable, for the path seemed clear and safe.

The fire, above and behind, burned out clear and far; and beyond, the stars lent him their cheering guidance.

No obstacle was visible, no danger seemed at hand.