Leaving the engrossed sectary to refresh himself to the full of his capacity, I anxiously set to work searching after some species of cross-tunnel, shrewdly guessing this underground altar masked a junction point, from whence some such branch passageway would lead toward the open air.  With diligent care I passed along the walls, testing each separate section, yet discovering nothing to reward my efforts, until, finally creeping between the spreading feet of the effigy, which appeared to sway unsteadily, I lifted the crimson drapery hanging down its back, thus disclosing an opening, barely sufficient to permit the easy passage of a small man while lying flat.

“Most noble scavenger,” I said, feeling in better humor from this chance discovery of the means of escape, “are the wants of nature finally satisfied?  For if so, I have found a path which will lead us from this hole of iniquity.”

“Nay, call it not so while it offers such excellent bodily nurture,” he replied with fervor, cocking one eye up at me, yet keeping both hands busily employed in crowding his pockets full of eatables.  “Say rather the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, or a well of water in desert places.  I shall be ready to accompany you upon a journey after I lay in these few necessaries.  The Lord hath given me manna in the wilderness—­even as the ravens fed Elijah so hath He succored me—­and ’twould be sin to make mock of His mercy.”

“Very well; only hurry and follow my lead.”

“Will you not carry the torch to help guide?” he questioned, peering doubtfully into the yawning black opening.

“No; the light would serve to betray us to any spying eyes.  Perhaps that frightened priest may deem us spirits, and muster courage to come creeping back.  If so, it will be best for him to find things here unchanged, although in faith he will scarcely doubt we possess earthly appetites when he notes your onslaught on the sacred food.  Come, man, enough of stuffing; your pockets can hold no more, so press on with me.”

“It grieves me sorely to leave behind so much good pabulum,” he explained, eying still the few morsels left.  “It would be well, to my judgment, did you pack the rest of this providential supply.”

Never pausing to answer, I crept between the spreading wooden limbs, and, with the expenditure of no small effort, succeeded in wriggling into the narrow hole beyond.  It was a cramped passage for a man of my girth, yet, by digging in firmly with both hands and feet, I managed to advance, until I finally emerged, within space of perhaps a yard, into a much larger excavation, resembling the tunnel we had previously traversed.

“Now, Master Cairnes,” I spoke back encouragingly, “it is only a short distance to good footing; so take fresh breath and come on.”

His massive head completely shut out the faint light of the narrow opening, and I heard heavy breathing as the fellow squeezed his broad shoulders through the hole.  There followed sounds of violent struggle during his slow and painful advance.