But come, we have scant time for preparation; no, do not endeavor to walk; your weight is nothing to my arms." There was no spot within where, even for a short period, we might hope to avoid discovery, except the rock gallery.

Here, crouching behind the parapet, we could see without being seen, unless some savage chanced to stray that way.

At my order the sullen, psalm-quoting preacher dragged the helpless old chief priest after him, and so we went groping forward through the darkness of the short passage, until we attained the stone steps.

Stumbling blindly upward, our hearts throbbing in realization of the peril that was closing us in, we flung our bodies flat behind the concealing rocks, peering fearfully forth into the great deserted chamber.

Even amid that lonely silence it was a sight to chill the heart; and to us, comprehending something of what it would soon reveal of savage orgy.