It was an
indescribably mournful reunion. We could not see each other, and when
silence fell upon us I had a horrible sensation that the choking,
depressing darkness of the place was wafting Edith Herndon away from me.
I longed to find and clasp the hand that had taken mine the night on
board _The Waif_ when I made an offer of my services.
The Professor had explained that the opening through which they had been
lowered was immediately above their heads. They had not moved from the
spot lest they would not be able to find it again to obtain the food
which Leith had promised to send till they saw fit to accede to his
proposals, and when Holman suggested moving forward upon a tour of
investigation the old man combated the idea vigorously.
"We will lose ourselves, and we will never be able to find our way back
here to get the food," he cried.
"But we will never get out by remaining here," said Holman. "If he has
made the acceptance of those proposals the only grounds upon which he
will grant you your liberty, I don't see that it will serve any good to
remain here taking the food he throws down.
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