After a stretch of black forest, we issued on a narrow track that grew steeper at every step.

The moon presently ceased to help us here, so that my guides lit torches, which flared and cast long shadows on the rocky wall.

By degrees the track became a mere watercourse, up which we could only scramble one by one.

So narrow was it that two men could scarcely pass, yet so richly clothed in vegetation that our torches scorched the overhanging ferns.
Peter led the way, and I followed close at his heels, for fear of loose stones; but every now and then a crash and a startled cry from Paul behind us told us that we had sent a boulder flying down into the depths.

Beyond this and the noise of our footsteps there was no sound.