A narrow flight of stone steps led
onward and downward further than he could see, and, driven by imminent
necessity, he walked boldly down them.
The way was rough with the decay of time from which stone itself cannot
escape, but he always steadied himself with one hand against the wall.
The stone was very cold and Ned had the feeling that he was in a tomb.
Once more he had that overwhelming sense of old, old things, of things
as old as Egypt. At another time, despite every effort of reason, he
would have thrilled with superstitious terror, but now it was for his
life, and down he went, step by step.
The air remained pure like that of great caves in the States, and Ned
did not stop until a black void seemed to open almost before him when he
drew back in affright. Calming himself he held up the lantern and looked
at the void. It was a deep and square well, its walls faced as far as he
could see with squared stones. His lantern revealed no water in the
depths and he fancied that it had something to do with ceremonials,
perhaps with sacrifice. There was a way around the well, but it was
narrow and he chose to go no further. Instead he crouched on the steps
where he was safe from a fall, and put the lantern beside him.
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