In one place, I dropped from the track down upon the next returning spire of the stair; which being broad in this particular portion, and standing out from the wall at right angles, received me upon my feet safe, though somewhat stupefied by the shock.

After descending a great way, I found the stair ended at a narrow opening which entered the rock horizontally.

Into this I crept, and, having entered, had just room to turn round.

I put my head out into the shaft by which I had come down, and surveyed the course of my descent.

Looking up, I saw the stars; although the sun must by this time have been high in the heavens.