The Dromans, all standing now, were singing a low and sweet song of thanksgiving and gladness. Yes, so sweet were the tones that they seemed to linger in the air, for some moments, even after the song had ceased.
We east our looks along the margin of the forest, but not a single glimpse was caught of that mysterious object, or objects, that we had seen moving down there.
It was patent that the Dromans knew no more what to make of that apparition than we did ourselves and that they looked forward with no little apprehension to our entry into those trees.
The descent was resumed. Were eyes, somewhere below, watching our every movement? I feared that it was indeed so, and, as I well knew, every other member of our little band feared it, too. There was nothing, however, that we could do except descend and face the issue. To turn aside would be futile, for the watcher, or the watchers, would turn aside also to meet us.
Ere long we reached the talus, and
our troubles were then over—that
is, as regards the descent. But
heaven only knew what troubles were
awaiting us somewhere in that forest,
to which we were now drawing so
very near. As we made our way
down over the reek-fragments, amidst
which shrubs and stunted trees were
growing, more than once did we
pause and send keen, searching looks
and glances into the silent recesses
of that mysterious wood. Some of
those sylvan depths were enshadowed,
gloomy; others were pervaded with
the strong, transparent light-mist—the
objects involved in which cast no
shadows.
At the foot of the talus, almost beneath the branches of the great palm-trees, there was a pause.
"Now for it!" said Rhodes solemnly.
The Dromans were clustered together in earnest but laconic dialogue, their eyes employed the while in a keen scrutiny of the forest aisles and recesses, before us and on either hand.
Insects were in the air about us; one or two shadowy butterflies flitted past; and that was all. Not a leaf stirred; the air was without the slightest movement. No song, no call of a bird broke the silence, which seemed to press dowm upon us and about us as though it were a tangible thing. It was as if the spot, the forest itself had never known either the voice or the movement of. any sentient thing. But, somewhere in that forest, hidden and close at hand, there was something sentient—something, in all likelihood, watching us, watching us and waiting. Waiting for what? Or, came the sudden thought, even now it was stealing toward the place where we stood.
"This suspense," said I to myself, "is simply awful—as terrible even as that we knew when moving across the bridge."
Drorathusa turned to us and pointed in a rather vague direction out into the trees.
"Narranawnzee," she said.
"They plan to strike that stream," said Milton.
"I pray heaven," I told him, "that we live to see it."
Whereupon Rhodes laughed outright—the effect of the sudden sound curious and startling, so great was the tension of our nerves.
"One would think, Gloomy Face," said he, "that you had just issued from the Cave of Trophonius. 'And he never smiled again.'"
"I have an idea, grinning Shaky Knees," I retorted, "that we have got ourselves into a place more awful than any Cave of Trophonius. I don't blink, that's all."
