Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/165

Rh 'I do not know; the lamp went out of itself; perhaps my hand shook; perhaps, sir, Astoragus has followed us.'

'May all the devils——' he said; 'but I beg pardon—let us be brave. Misfortunes will happen. But how, in the name of all that is frightful—how shall we find our way back again? How shall we get down these rugged steps?'

'In the name of all that is bright, noble, and true,' I answered, 'we shall get down safely; but my pockets are empty of matches, and I do not know what we shall do. Doctor Julius—if that is your name—have I offended you? Have you resolved on my destruction?'

'Hush, you foolish boy; why should I destroy you? Have I not saved you? You do not know my power. Mind what you say. We are about to enter a glorious presence. We are going to see Helen! Be brave and fear nothing.' I could now hear him breathing in a short and peculiar manner, as if he himself were affrighted. 'Come nearer,' he said; 'give me your hand; take care of that lamp!' My heart was beating with a wild fear. I heard a click, and then a harsh grating sound as if a heavy door were being turned on rusty hinges, and then my guide trying the ground with his feet.

'There is a step here. Stop that shaking; come forward, bend low, now up with you!'

I obeyed without doubting him; it would not have served me had I doubted and mistrusted him. I was in his power. I found myself now standing on a soft carpet, and heard the heavy door shutting again, with another great pang of terror. All was of a pitchy blackness, and dreadful silence reigned around, which my friend did not disturb for some minutes.

'Shut your eyes,' said he at last.

'There is no need, sir,' I was foolish enough to reply; 'there is nothing here to dazzle them.'

'Shut your eyes, I tell you,' he repeated more severely;