Haunte skilfully landed the boat on this platform. Standing up, he raised the staff bearing the keel light and lowered the other; then removed both male stones, which he continued to hold in his hand. His face was thrown into strong relief by the vivid, sparkling blue-white rays. It looked rather surly.
“Do we get out?” inquired Maskull.
“Yes. I live here.”
“Thanks for the successful end of a dangerous journey.”
“Yes, it has been touch-and-go.”
Corpang jumped onto the platform. He was smiling coarsely. “There has been no danger, for our destinies lie elsewhere. You are merely a ferryman, Haunte.”
“Is that so?” returned Haunte, with a most unpleasant laugh. “I thought I was carrying men, not gods.”
“Where are we?” asked Maskull. As he spoke, he got out, but Haunte remained standing a minute in the boat.
“This is Sarclash—the second highest mountain in the land.”
“Which is the highest, then?”