At last, they disappeared altogether.

The shape was still holding me up and Cesar walked on, unled and sure-footed.

I could not tell you, even approximately, how long this ride lasted; I only know that we seemed to turn and turn and often went down a spiral stair into the very heart of the earth.

Even then, it may be that my head was turning, but I don't think so: no, my mind was quite clear.

At last, Cesar raised his nostrils, sniffed the air and quickened his pace a little.