"Is it bog, or are we getting on volcanic soil? I say, take care, the
ground's quite hot here." For he was conscious now of a peculiar
reeking as of steam, but his voice sounded as if it had been thrown back
in his face, and, growing slightly uneasy, he turned round and called to
those behind him,--"Take care how you come."
He stopped short, for there was no one in sight, and, turning sharply,
the dim, giant-like figure which had represented Panton was invisible.
"Hi! Panton, where are you?" he cried, in doubt now whether he had
turned completely round, and in his excitement he made a fresh step or
two, then, feeling that he might have gone wrong, he tried to return,
but only to become confused as he was conscious of the heat growing
stifling, of a strange ringing in his ears, and either of a peculiar
dimness of vision or the sudden thickening of the mist.
Then, with his heart beating heavily, he tried to raise his voice as he
shouted with all his might,--
"Panton!--Drew! Where are you?"
There was a low hissing sound apparently rising from somewhere by his
feet, otherwise all was silent as the grave.