Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/103

 I endeavoured to preserve a vivid conception of the way which I had already passed, and to keep the images of the left and right hand wall, and the gulf, in due succession in my memory.

The path, which had hitherto been considerably smooth, now became rugged and steep. Chilling damps, the secret trepidation which attended me, the length and difficulties of my way, enhanced by the ceaseless caution and the numerous expedients which the utter darkness obliged me to employ, began to overpower my strength; I was frequently compelled to stop and recruit myself by rest. These respites from toil were of use, but they could not enable me to prosecute an endless journey; and to return was scarcely a less arduous task than to proceed.

I looked anxiously forward in the hope of being comforted by some dim ray, which might assure me that my labours were approaching an end. At last this propitious token appeared, and I issued forth into a kind of chamber, one side of which was open to the air, and allowed me to catch a portion of the checkered sky. This spectacle never before excited such exquisite sensations in my bosom: the air, likewise, breathed into the cavern was unspeakably delicious.

I now found myself on the projecture of a rock: above and below, the hill-side was nearly perpendicular. Opposite, at the distance of fifteen or twenty yards, was a similar ascent: at the bottom was a glen, cold, narrow, and obscure. The projecture, which served as a kind of vestibule to the cave, was connected with a ledge, by which, though not without peril and toil, I was conducted to the summit.

This summit was higher than any of those which were interposed between itself and the river. A large part of this chaos of rocks and precipices was subjected at one view to the eye. The fertile lawns and vales which lay beyond this, the winding course of the river, and the slopes which rose on its farther side, were parts of this extensive scene. These objects were, at any time, fitted to inspire rapture: now my delight was enhanced by the contrast which this lightsome and serene element bore to the glooms from which I had lately emerged: my station also was higher, and the