The settlers rested a few minutes in the upper grotto, which made a sort of landing-place halfway up the long granite staircase.

Then they began to climb again.
Soon fresher air was felt.

The drops of water, dried by evaporation, no longer sparkled on the walls.

The flaring torches began to grow dim.

The one which Neb carried went out, and if they did not wish to find their way in the dark, they must hasten.
This was done, and a little before four o'clock, at the moment when the sailor's torch went out in its turn, Cyrus Harding and his companions passed out of the passage..