So saying, the young man rose, and then stood for a while gazing at
Tangle.
"I wish I could see that country too," he said. "But I must mind my work."
He led her to the side of the cave, and told her to lay her ear against the wall.
"What do you hear?" he asked.
"I hear," answered Tangle, "the sound of a great water running inside the rock."
"That river runs down to the dwelling of the oldest man of all—the Old
Man of the Fire. I wish I could go to see him. But I must mind my work.
That river is the only way to him."
Then the Old Man of the Earth stooped over the floor of the cave, raised a huge stone from it, and left it leaning. It disclosed a great hole that went plumb-down.
"That is the way," he said.
"But there are no stairs."
"You must throw yourself in. There is no other way."