The crisis was near when I should be discovered, for there was no question of my shirking the oath.
Then for the first time since I entered the cave I realized the frightful danger in which I stood.

My mind had been strung so high by the ritual that I had forgotten all else.

Now came the rebound, and with shaky nerves I had to face discovery and certain punishment.

In that moment I suffered the worst terror of my life.

There was much to come later, but by that time my senses were dulled.