Fyne fell suddenly into a strange cavity--probably a disused lime-kiln.

His voice uplifted in grave distress sounded more than usually rich, solemn and profound.

This was the comic relief of an absurdly dramatic situation.

While hauling him out I permitted myself to laugh aloud at last.

Fyne, of course, didn't.
I need not tell you that we found nothing after a most conscientious search.