Evidently some forethoughtful man had prepared his cave early.
Uncertain what to do he did nothing, pressing his back against the earth and listening.

No sound came, and the dim light still flickering ahead reassured him.
The opening through which he had come was large, and admitted plenty of fresh air.

As he stood four or five feet from the entrance he saw several soldiers hurrying along the path, and he knew they were hunting for him.

He realized then his fortune in finding this improvised cave-house.

After the soldiers passed he walked gently toward the light.
Apparently the regular occupants were gone away for the time, and he might find a hiding place there until it was safe to go out.
The passage was narrow, but the carpet was still under his feet, and further in, the sides and roof of the earthen walls had been covered with planks.