s."

We did and started, still travelling downhill. Yva walked ahead with me
and Tommy who seemed somewhat depressed and clung close to our heels.
The other two followed, arguing strenuously about I know not what. It
was their way of working off irritation and alarms.

I asked Yva what was about to happen, for a great fear oppressed me.

"I am not sure, Beloved," she answered in a sweet and gentle voice, "who
do not know all Oro's secrets, but as I think, great things. We are now
deep in the bowels of the world, and presently, perhaps, you will see
some of its mighty forces whereof your ignorant races have no knowledge,
doing their everlasting work."

"Then how is it that we can breathe here?" I asked. "Because this road
that we are following connects with the upper air or used to do so,
since once I followed it. It is a long road and the climb is steep,
but at last it leads to the light of the blessed sun, nor are there any
pitfalls in the path. Would that we might tread it together, Humphrey,"
she added with passion, "and be rid of mysteries and the gloom, or that
light which is worse than gloom."

"Why not?" I asked eagerly. "Why should we not turn and flee?"

"Who can flee from my father, the Lord Oro?" she replied. "He would
snare us before we had gone a mile. Moreover, if we fled, by tomorrow
half the world must perish."

"And how can we save it by not flying, Yva?"

"I do not know, Humphrey, yet I think it will be saved, perchance by
sacrifice. That is the keystone of your faith, is it not? Therefore if
it is asked of you to save the world, you will not shrink from it, will
you, Humphrey?"

"I hope not," I replied, without enthusiasm, I admit. Indeed it struck
me that a business of this sort was better fitted to Bastin than
to myself, or at any rate to his profession. I think she guessed my
thoughts, for by the light of the lamp I saw her smile in her dazzling
way. Then after a swift glance behind her, she turned and suddenly
kissed me, as she did so calling down everlasting blessings on my
head and on my spirit. There was something very wonderful about this
benediction of Yva's and it thrilled me through and through, so that to
it I could make no answer.

Next moment it was too late to retreat, for our narrowing passage turned
and we found ourselves in a wondrous place. I call it wondrous because
of it we could see neither the beginning nor the end, nor the roof, nor
aught else save the rock on which