Indeed its huge coils seemed to occupy the larger part of the chamber.
All had good reason to congratulate themselves upon their escape from what might have been death for Pomp at least.
But now that the affair was over there was no use in further waste of time in the vicinity.
It was necessary at once to continue their quest for the Steam Man.
Accordingly they started to descend the stairs.
But the incidents of the moment were by no means spent. A strange and startling thing occurred.
No sooner had Barney put his foot upon the topmost stairs than the whole affair crumbled and fell.
Down went the Celt through a cloud of dust and rotten stone. It was a sudden happening and took the others quite off their guard.
“Heavens!” cried Frank, recoiling. “What does that mean?”
“The stairs have given way!” cried Buckden, with horror.