ked.'

But the experienced master of the infernal yacht knew well how to steer
his charge through the intricate windings of the river, which here,
though deep and navigable, became as wild and narrow as a mountain
stream; and, as the tide no longer served them, and the wind, from their
involved course, was as often against them as in their favour, the crew
were obliged to have recourse to their oars, and rowed along until they
arrived at the mouth of an enormous cavern, from which the rapid stream
apparently issued.

'I am frightened out of my wits,' exclaimed Proserpine. 'Surely this
cannot be our course?'

'I hold, from your Majesty's exclamation,' said Tiresias, 'that we have
arrived at the passage of Night. When we have proceeded some hundred
yards, we shall reach the adamantine portals. I pray your Majesty be not
alarmed. I alone have the signet which can force these mystic gates to
open. I must be stirring myself. What, ho! Manto.'

'Here am I, father. Hast thou the seal?'

'In my breast. I would not trust it to my secretaries. They have my
portfolios full of secret despatches, written on purpose to deceive
them; for I know that they are spies in the pay of Minerva; but your
Majesty perceives, with a little prudence, that even a traitor may be
turned to account.'

Thus saying, Tiresias, leaning on Manto, hobbled to the poop of the
vessel, and exclaiming aloud, 'Behold the mighty seal of Dis, whereon
is inscribed the word the Titans fear,' the gates immediately flew open,
revealing the gigantic form of the Titan Porphyrin, whose head touched
the vault of the mighty cavern, although he was up to his waist in the
waters of the river.

'Come, my noble Porphyrion,' said Tiresias, 'bestir thyself, I beseech
thee. I have brought thee a Queen. Guide her Majesty, I entreat thee,
with safety through this awful passage of Night.'

'What a horrible creature,' whispered Proserpine. 'I wonder you address
him with such courtesy.'

'I am always courteous,' replied Tiresias. 'How know I that the Titans
may not yet regain their lost heritage? They are terrible fellows; and
ugly or not, I have no doubt that even your Majesty would not find them
so ill-favoured were they seated in the halls of Olympus.'

'There is something in that,' replied Proserpine. 'I almost wish I were
once more in Tartarus.'

The Titan Porphyrion in the meantime had fastened a chain-cable to the
vessel, which he placed over his shoulder, and turn