These
massive moss-grown arches and mighty iron-clamped doors were, indeed,
like the dim shadowy background of a vision; but the guttering taper, my
sodden bundle, and all the sordid details of my disarranged toilet
assured me only too clearly of their reality. Above all, the swift,
brisk, business-like manner of my companion, and his occasional abrupt
remarks, brought my fancies back to the ground once more. He held the
door open for me now, and closed it again when I had passed through.
We found ourselves in a long vaulted corridor, with a stone-flagged
floor, and a dim oil lamp burning at the further end. Two iron-barred
windows showed that we had come above the earth's surface once more.
Down this corridor we passed, and then through several passages and up a
short winding stair. At the head of it was an open door, which led into
a small but comfortable bedroom.
'I presume that this will satisfy your wants for to-night,' said he.
I asked for nothing better than to throw myself down, damp clothes and
all, upon that snowy coverlet; but for the instant my curiosity overcame
my fatigue.
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