A call from the other announced that he had discovered the opening, and the colour flushed into the younger boy's face as he hastened on.
In my dream I seemed permitted to follow them unseen, and saw before me the mouth of the caverns, large and wide.
The boys laughed gaily, but I was not sure if I were right in imagining an uneasiness in their merriment.
They eagerly traversed the outer caves, which were quite light, and chose one of the many winding turnings.
"You will want your candle soon, Edred," said the younger.
"So I shall, and I mean to have it too, and see all the beauties of which I have heard."
They stopped to light the tapers, and I could not help wondering whether they would last long enough to guide them safely out again; but as I knew nothing of these dangerous caves, I could only follow silently, with an anxiety which increased as I perceived how headstrong Edred appeared to be.
They wandered on and on, the light from their tapers illuminating the wonderful caverns, and the boys were full of interest and enjoyment, while my eyes watched the quickly-lessening candles.
"You told me the Guide-book spoke of evil beasts," said Edred mockingly, "but I don't see a sign of them, and this place is like a fairy palace."
"I wish we were going out towards the light," said Alwin; "we have been going inwards so long, and I am sure we shall lose our way, there are such numbers of turnings."