What Margaret saw was different from the gradual excavation which had revealed itself before the eyes of Roland. She looked immediately into a hole nearly ten feet deep. The action of the apparatus was such that the power of penetration gained by the ray during its operation at any time was retained, so that when the current was shut off the photic boring ceased, and recommenced when the batteries were again put into action at the point where it had left off. The moment Margaret looked down she gave a little cry, and started back against the screen. She was afraid she would fall in.
“Roland,” she exclaimed, “you don't mean to say that this is not really an opening into the earth?”
He was near her on the other side of the screen, and he explained to her the action of the light. Over and over she asked him to come inside and tell her what it was she saw, but he always refused.
“The bottom is beautifully smooth and gray,” she exclaimed; “what is that?”
“Sand,” said Roland.
“And now it is white, like a piece of pottery,” she exclaimed.
“That is white clay,” said he.
“Don't you want to take my place,” said she, “if you will not come with me?”
“No,” said Roland. “Look down as long as you wish; I know pretty well what you will see for some time to come. Has there been any change?”
“The bottom is still white,” she replied, “but it is glittering.”