Neb, go and cut some resinous branches." Neb and Herbert ran to the edge of the lake, shaded with pines and other green trees, and soon returned with some branches, which they made into torches.

The torches were lighted with flint and steel, and Cyrus Harding leading, the settlers ventured into the dark passage, which the overplus of the lake had formerly filled.
Contrary to what might have been supposed, the diameter of the passage increased as the explorers proceeded, so that they very soon were able to stand upright.

The granite, worn by the water for an infinite time, was very slippery, and falls were to be dreaded.

But the settlers were all attached to each other by a cord, as is frequently done in ascending mountains.

Happily some projections of the granite, forming regular steps, made the descent less perilous.