This waste extended for many miles; the distance
formed by a more elevated range of mountains, and beyond these, high in
the blue sky, rose the loftiest peaks of Elburz,[8] shining with sharp
glaciers of eternal snow.
It was apparent that Alroy was no stranger in the scene of his flight.
He had never hesitated as to his course, and now, after having rested
for a short time on the summit, he descended towards the left by a
natural but intricate path, until his progress was arrested by a black
ravine. Scarcely half a dozen yards divided him from the opposite
precipice by which it was formed, but the gulf beneath, no one could
shoot a glance at its invisible termination without drawing back with a
cold shudder.
The Prince knelt down and examined the surrounding ground with great
care. At length he raised a small square stone which covered a metallic
plate, and, taking from his vest a carnelian talisman covered with
strange characters, he knocked thrice upon the plate with the signet.
A low solemn murmur sounded around. Presently the plate flew off, and
Alroy pulled forth several yards of an iron chain, which he threw over
to the opposite precipice. The chain fastened without difficulty to
the rock, and was evidently constrained by some magnetic influence.
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