It will be a risk to us to proceed, but certain destruction to those who follow.

And now let us make what haste we can.

Every moment is precious." The dreary and fast darkening waste had now opened upon them in all its horrors.

Far as the gaze could reach appeared an immense expanse, flat almost as the surface of the ocean, and unmarked, so far as could be discerned in that doubtful light, by any trace of human footstep or habitation.

It was a stern and sombre prospect, and calculated to inspire terror in the stoutest bosom.