there were no shadows. He made out running streams in the distance.
Beside them were trees of a peculiar kind; they were rooted in the
ground, but the branches also were aerial roots, and there were no
leaves. No other plants could be seen. The soil was soft, porous
rock, resembling pumice. Beyond a mile or two in any direction the
light merged into obscurity. At their back a great rocky wall
extended on either hand; but it was not square like a wall, but full
of bays and promontories like an indented line of sea cliffs. The
roof of this huge underworld was out of sight. Here and there a
mighty shaft of naked rock, fantastically weathered, towered aloft
into the gloom, doubtless serving to support the roof. There were no
colours--every detail of the landscape was black, white, or grey.
The scene appeared so still, so solemn and religious, that all his
feelings quieted down to absolute tranquillity.

Leehallfae fell back suddenly. Maskull dropped on his knees, and
helplessly watched the last flickerings of aer spirit, going out like
a candle in foul air. Death came.... He closed the eyes. The awful
grin of Crystalman immediately fastened upon the phaen's dead
features.

While Maskull was still kneeling, he became conscious of someone
standing beside him. He looked up quickly and saw a man, but did not
at once rise.

"Another phaen dead," said the newcomer in a grave, toneless, and
intellectual voice.

Maskull got up.