“Grand!” exclaimed Dale; but the next moment he turned to the opening by which they stood, the rushing waters having a weird fascination for them both.
“The schlucht,” said Melchior quietly.
“I say,” said Saxe: “you don’t mean to say we’ve got to go through there?”
“Yes,” said the guide calmly. “I have never taken a mule through, but I think we can manage it.”
“But is it all like this?” said Saxe, looking aghast.
“Oh no, herr; it runs together a few yards farther in, and is so narrow that in one place you can stretch your arms and touch both sides at once.”
“Then it is open right through?”
“Yes, herr. The mountain must have split open at some time or other, to let the water of the lake run out.”
“Yes; and how far is it through?” said Dale.
“About a mile: less than half an hour.”