ls of diamonds
dazzling the eye by their numerous refracting rays, were united in this
subterranean habitation of the genii. This story, which had made a deep
impression on his youthful imagination, now came to his recollection,
and appeared to be realised in what he saw before him. He stopped every
moment in fresh surprise, and holding the torch high up, viewed in
amazement and wonder the lofty and majestic vaulted arches which
continued the whole length of the cavern, sparkling and glittering like
thousands of crystals and diamonds. But his astonishment was still more
excited when his leader, turning to the left, conducted him into a
spacious grotto, which fancy might figure to itself the magnificent
saloon of the subterranean palace.

The fifer could not help remarking the powerful impression which this
wonder of nature made on the mind of the young man. He took his torch
from him, and mounting a high jutting rock, illumined more effectually
the greatest part of the grotto.

Brilliant white rocks composed its walls. The bold arched cupola,
formed of innumerable stalactites, from the ends of which hung millions
of small drops of water, reflected the light in all the colours of the
rainbow. The surrounding rocks were thrown together in such happy
confusion, as to give the imagination full scope to fancy it could
discover in their grotesque shapes, here a chapel, having its high
altarpiece ornamented with flowing drapery; there its corresponding
pulpit of rich gothic architecture. An organ even was not wanting to
complete the idea of a subterranean church, and the changing shadows
thrown on the walls by the light of the torches, resembled the solemn
figures of martyrs and holy men placed in niches.

The guide came down again from his position on the rock, after having,
as he thought, sufficiently satisfied the curiosity of his companion.
"This is called the Nebelhoehle, or the Misty Hollow," said he; "it is
little known in the country, excepting to huntsmen and shepherds, and
few venture to enter it, as all kinds of fearful stories are abroad of
ghosts inhabiting its chambers. I would not advise any one who is not
minutely acquainted with its locality to venture down, for there are
deep cavities and subterranean waters, whence no one would see the
light again, if once entangled amidst their intricacies. There are also
secret passages and compartments known only to five individuals now
alive."

"But the banished kni