The path, leading to the summit, was short, but rugged and intricate.

Even star-light was excluded by the umbrage, and not the faintest gleam was afforded to guide my steps.

What should I do?
To depart or remain was equally and eminently perilous.
In this state of uncertainty, I perceived a ray flit across the gloom and disappear.

Another succeeded, which was stronger, and remained for a passing moment.

It glittered on the shrubs that were scattered at the entrance, and gleam continued to succeed gleam for a few seconds, till they, finally, gave place to unintermitted darkness.
The first visitings of this light called up a train of horrors in my mind; destruction impended over this spot; the voice which I had lately heard had warned me to retire, and had menaced me with the fate of my father if I refused.