This passage was about fifty yards in length, and at the other end was an open cave, which was lighted by a hole in the roof, naturally formed. Gliding down the walls were glistening drops of water, and the floor was very uneven, and covered with masses of rock that must at some remote period have become detached from the roof. Some of the tracery on the walls Edgar looked at with wonder. It was of a rich cream colour, and almost like the texture of a cashmere shawl.
All sorts of shapes and figures could be seen caused by the action of the water, which must have taken thousands of years to perform its work, and would take thousands more years to complete it. Hanging from the roof were large pendants like icicles, and the water ran slowly down them and dripped off at the end. The hollow underneath caused by these drips showed the extreme age of the cave.
Leaning against the side of the cave Edgar saw close to him what at first looked like a bunch of grapes; but when he observed it closely he found it was a peculiar formation in the rock.
‘That is one of the secrets,’ said Yacka. ‘It is a guide to the inner cave we must enter. Watch.’
Yacka pushed the bunch of grapes, and a large slab of rock moved slowly round, and through the opening they saw another large cave beyond.
‘Enter and wait,’ said Yacka.
‘Are you coming?’ said Edgar.
‘I will fetch you,’ said Yacka; ‘but I must enter the White Spirit’s cave before you, or harm may befall.’
‘I don’t half like it,’ said Edgar. ‘We are not afraid, but you had better go on with us.’
Yacka said: ‘You must remain alone.’