However, it ran straight and upon a level, although the numerous supports of the roof gave us occasional foul blows, and proved so confusing we were considerable time in traversing its distance.

All I have already pictured as occurring since I departed from the presence of Madame, and first plunged blindly into the underground labyrinths, had required several hours, and it must have been close upon sunset when we emerged from the gloom of the tunnel into the fresh sweet air.
The passage traversed so long terminated abruptly, and with a sheer turn to the left, coming forth between two huge rocks.

To all appearances, it ended at the high bank of a noisy stream, and was partly hidden by the overhanging cliff.

The latter, devoid of path or chasm, now barred our progress, towering aloft until its ragged summit appeared to press the blue sky.

At first view I thought the way ended here, but Cairnes pointed silently toward the right, and then I perceived where a path led upward, along the merest narrow, jagged shelf, skirting the boiling water, yet ever rising higher above it, until, as my eyes followed its serpentine windings from terrace to terrace, I grew dizzy contemplating the possibilities of so mad a climb.
"I suppose it must be tried," I admitted soberly, "for there is apparently no other passage.