Among these sad skeletons we wandered disconsolately, seeking a path up the opposing cliff, and finding none, until at length we came to a halt, not knowing which way to turn.

Then it was that we met with our first strange experience on the Mountain.
The gulf and its mouldering relics depressed us, so that for awhile we were silent, and, to tell the truth, somewhat afraid.

Yes, even the horse seemed afraid, for it snorted a little, hung its head and shivered.

Close by us lay a pile of bones, the remains evidently of a number of wretched creatures that, dead or living, had been hurled down from the cliff above, and on the top of the pile was a little huddled heap, which we took for more bones.
"Unless we can find a way out of this accursed charnel-house before long, I think that we shall add to its company," I said, staring round me.
As the words left my lips it seemed to me that from the corner of my eye I saw the heap on the top of the bones stir.

I looked round.