Bickley noticed this the first and pointed it out to me.
We had little time to observe, however, for presently Yva said: "If you are rested, friends, I pray you light those lamps of yours, since we must walk a while in darkness." We did and started, still travelling downhill.

Yva walked ahead with me and Tommy who seemed somewhat depressed and clung close to our heels.
The other two followed, arguing strenuously about I know not what.

It was their way of working off irritation and alarms.
I asked Yva what was about to happen, for a great fear oppressed me.
"I am not sure, Beloved," she answered in a sweet and gentle voice, "who do not know all Oro's secrets, but as I think, great things.

We are now deep in the bowels of the world, and presently, perhaps, you will see some of its mighty forces whereof your ignorant races have no knowledge, doing their everlasting work." "Then how is it that we can breathe here ?" I asked.

"Because this road that we are following connects with the upper air or used to do so, since once I followed it.