I stared at him amazed, for the man seemed to be animated by some tremendous purpose.
Or rather it was as though a force from without had got hold of his will and were pushing him on to an unknown end.

Indeed his next words showed that this was so, for he exclaimed: "'There is something drawing me into that cave, my lord.

It may be death; I think it is death, but whatever it be, go I must.

Perhaps you would do well to stop outside till I have seen.' "I stepped forward to catch hold of the man, who I thought had gone mad, as perhaps was the case.

Before I could lay my hands on him he had run rapidly to the mouth of the cave.