"It doesn't feel very warm at present," replied the other, who did not seem to be in a hurry to explore this unpromising territory.
"Ay, but you wait till we get to the lower level; you might live there, if the rats would let you, for a whole winter, and never need a fire."
"Oh, there are rats, are there? Why, what do they live upon?"
"Well, that's their look-out," laughed Solomon; "they would be very glad to have us, no doubt. It would be only just in my case, for I have lived on them before now; with rats and water a man may do very well for a week or two."
"What! there is water laid on in this establishment, is there?"
"No; the low levels are quite dry. But come, let us see for ourselves. We are losing time. I will start first, and do you follow close upon me, but without treading on my fingers;" and Solomon placed his heavy foot upon the first rung.
"No, no," said Balfour, drawing back; "I will not trust myself on the same ladder with a man of your weight. When you are at the bottom give me a call, and then I'll join you."
"As you like, Sir," responded Solomon, civilly; but his thick lips curled contemptuously, and he muttered, "So this man is lily-livered after all; so much the better: it is well to have a coward for a partner."
The next moment his descending form was lost in the gloom.
Balfour waited, torch in hand, until an "All right," that sounded like a voice from the tomb, assured him that his companion had reached terra firma. Then he descended very carefully, and joined him.