oyle。 It was now time to return to the Dochart pit。 The road was easy； the gallery running nearly straight through the rock up to the orifice opened by the dynamite； so there was no fear of their losing themselves。
But as James Starr was proceeding towards the gallery Simon Ford stopped him。
〃Mr。 Starr；〃 said he； 〃you see this immense cavern； this subterranean lake； whose waters bathe this strand at our feet？ Well！ it is to this place I mean to change my dwelling； here I will build a new cottage； and if some brave fellows will follow my example； before a year is over there will be one town more inside old England。〃
James Starr； smiling approval of Ford's plans； pressed his hand； and all three； preceding Madge； re…entered the gallery； on their way back to the Dochart pit。 For the first mile no incident occurred。 Harry walked first； holding his lamp above his head。 He carefully followed the principal gallery； without ever turning aside into the narrow tunnels which radiated to the right and left。 It seemed as if the returning was to be acplished as easily as the going； when an unexpected accident occurred which rendered the situation of the explorers very serious。
Just at a moment when Harry was raising his lamp there came a rush of air； as if caused by the flapping of invisible wings。 The lamp escaped from his hands； fell on the rocky ground； and was broken to pieces。
James Starr and his panions were suddenly plunged in absolute darkness。