We had just finished, when we heard the sound of wheels crossing the bridge, and the cart appeared, drawn by the cow and ass, led by Ernest.
Jack rode before on his buffalo, blowing through his hand to imitate a horn, and whipping the lazy cow and ass.

He rode up first, and alighted from his huge courser, to help his mother out.
I then lighted our candles, giving one to each, with a spare candle and flint and steel in our pockets.

We took our arms, and proceeded in a solemn manner into the rock.

I walked first, my sons followed, and their mother came last, with Francis.

We had not gone on above a few steps, when we stopped, struck with wonder and admiration; all was glittering around us; we were in a grotto of diamonds! From the height of the lofty vaulted roof hung innumerable crystals, which, uniting with those on the walls, formed colonnades, altars, and every sort of gothic ornament of dazzling lustre, creating a fairy palace, or an illuminated temple.
When we were a little recovered from our first astonishment, we advanced with more confidence.