They even thought of the course they should take on arriving at the summit-level, for they knew that there was an open plain above.

All at once they were brought to a stop, though not by anything that obstructed their path.

On the contrary, it only seemed easier; for there were now two ways open to them instead of one, the ravine at this point forking into two distinct branches.

There was a choice of which to take, and it was this that caused them to make a stop, at the same time creating embarrassment.
The pause, however, was but for a brief space of time--only long enough to make a hasty reconnoissance.

In the promise of an easy ascent there seemed but little difference between the two paths, and the guide soon came to a determination.
"It's a toss up atween 'em," he said; "but let's take the one to the right.