We can't be much worse off than we are, anyhow.' Reasoning thus, he followed her a few steps, and came out in another great cavern, across which Irene walked in a straight line, as confidently as if she knew every step of the way.

Curdie went on after her, flashing his torch about, and trying to see something of what lay around them.

Suddenly he started back a pace as the light fell upon something close by which Irene was passing.

It was a platform of rock raised a few feet from the floor and covered with sheepskins, upon which lay two horrible figures asleep, at once recognized by Curdie as the king and queen of the goblins.

He lowered his torch instantly lest the light should awake them.