Above all, the swift, brisk, business-like manner of my companion, and his occasional abrupt remarks, brought my fancies back to the ground once more.

He held the door open for me now, and closed it again when I had passed through.
We found ourselves in a long vaulted corridor, with a stone-flagged floor, and a dim oil lamp burning at the further end.

Two iron-barred windows showed that we had come above the earth's surface once more.
Down this corridor we passed, and then through several passages and up a short winding stair.

At the head of it was an open door, which led into a small but comfortable bedroom.
'I presume that this will satisfy your wants for to-night,' said he.
I asked for nothing better than to throw myself down, damp clothes and all, upon that snowy coverlet; but for the instant my curiosity overcame my fatigue.
'I am much indebted to you, sir,' said I.

'Perhaps you will add to your favours by letting me know where I am.' 'You are in my house, and that must suffice you for to-night.