"I thank you," answered Sybil, as they passed out of that division into
another.

It was as the girl had told her, a net-work or cell-work of caverns,
occupying, as far as it had been explored, several acres under the
mountain. All these caverns bore a natural resemblance to each other.
All had their roofs and walls incrusted with pearly spars and hung with
glittering stalactites, and their floors covered with living moss; and
all were connected by narrow passages, with the walls lapping past each
other.

But some of these caverns were large, and lighted by crevices in the
roof, and others were small and dark. Some of the passages between them
were also wide and free, and some narrow and impassable. And in some
black inaccessible holes was heard the fearful sound of subterranean
waters. In one of the larger divisions of the cavern there were boxes
and bales of merchandise, and silver plate and jewels; in another there
was the complicated machinery of an underground distillery; and in still
another was a collection of burglars' tools, counterfeiters'
instruments, and firearms.

"I show you all! I do not fear to do so! You will never betray us, even
if you have a chance; but you will never have a chance," said the guide.

"What! You would not keep me here for ever?"

"No; for _we_ shall not stay for ever. Be comforted, lady! No harm is
intended you," said the girl, as, having shown her guest all that was to
be seen of the caverns, she conducted her back to the bedroom.

"I am very much surprised at all that I have seen," said Sybil. "I had
no idea that there was a cave of such extent and beauty so near our
home."

"I believe," answered the girl, "that there are many caves in the
mountains, as there are many isles in the ocean, that have never been
discovered."

Sybil looked up in surprise. "You call yourself the companion of
thieves, yet you talk like a person of intelligence and refinement," she
said.

The girl laughed sardonically. "Of course people 'of intelligence and
refinement' are all and always honest and true. You should know Belial!
He taught me to read. I taught myself everything else. I have read
Homer, Dante, Milton, and Shakespeare. But now you are tired; you look
so. Lie down on my bed of moss and rest, and I will cover you up warm."

"Thank you, I will do so," answered Sybil, gladly stretching her wearied
limbs upon the soft couch.

Her wild hostess covered her carefully, and then left her, s