Wait a while, all shall be explained." While she spoke and Miriam clung to her affrighted, Ithiel struck iron and flint together.

Catching the spark upon tinder he blew it to a flame and lighted a taper which burnt up slowly, causing his white beard and face to appear by degrees out of the darkness, like that of a ghost rising from the tomb.
"Oh! surely I am dead," said Miriam, "for before me stands the spirit of my uncle Ithiel." "Not the spirit, Miriam, but the flesh," answered the old man in a voice that trembled with joy.

Then, since he could restrain himself no longer, he gave the taper to the brother, and, taking her in his arms, kissed her again and again.
"Welcome, most dear child," he said; "yes, even to this darksome den, welcome, thrice welcome, and blessed be the eternal God Who led our feet forth to find you.

Nay, do not stop to talk, we are still too near the wall.

Give me your hand and come." Miriam glanced up as she obeyed, and by the feeble light of the taper saw a vast rocky roof arching above them.