p another of these papers; and we must
utilise the light to get past this gulf, if possible; it will never do
for us to remain where we are. The question is--In which direction will
it be most advisable for us to proceed? We must devote a moment or two
to a hasty survey of the place, as far our light will allow us, before
we move. Neither the time nor the light will be wasted. And it will be
better that you should turn your glance upward and away from the edge of
the chasm; your nerves will then be all the steadier when we have to
make a move. Now, I am going to light up once more."

Another paper was lighted; and, placing himself in front of his
companion, or between her and the edge of the chasm, in order to guard
against the possibility of her turning faint or giddy and falling over,
Lance raised the light at arm's-length above his head to glance round.
As he did so, the tiny flame wavered, as if fanned by a faint draught.
He looked at it intently for a moment, and noticed that the wavering
motion was continuous, and such as would be produced by a steady current
of air flowing in the direction in which they had been proceeding. Then
he knelt down and held the lighted paper close against the surface of
the ground. The flame burnt steadily for an instant and then betrayed a
very slight draught in an opposite direction. Then it went out, the
paper being all consumed.

He thought intently for a moment; then turned to his companion and
said--

"Blanche, dearest, _we are saved_. Pluck up your courage, my own love,
and thank God with me for showing us a way out of this terrible
labyrinth."

"I don't understand you, Lance," answered the girl, trembling with
agitation; "are you only saying this to sustain my courage a little
while longer, or do you really mean that you believe there is still a
chance of our emerging once more into the blessed light of day?"

"I mean, dear, that I hope and believe we shall escape. Listen. That
bit of lighted paper has revealed the presence of two distinct currents
of air flowing along this passage. That means that an outlet to the
open air exists somewhere. The upper current, which is the warmer of
the two, is flowing in the direction of that outlet; and all we have to
do is to follow in the same direction, if we can, and we shall
eventually reach the opening."

"Then let us proceed at once, Lance dear, please," pleaded poor
terrified Blanche. "I feel as though I should go