human
What do you see?
gpt
I see the rocks on my right, the outlines of the mountains beyond, a tremulous light around, but below it is jet black. No--there is a faint luminous track winding through the blackness.
human
That is the layer of mist over the river.
gpt
There is a glow on the summits of the distant mountains; and, oh! above me, on the rocks, there is the reflection as from fire. It is the sunlight streaming, and it stretches out, fan-shaped, pouring its radiance down into the darkness in countless quivering threads of silver.
human
Follow that gleam, he cried;
gpt
It is shivered by a projecting rock on the mountain side, she continued;
human
What--what?
gpt
Come and look at this--a gleaming spot far off, that glows like the heart of a furnace. Give me your hand.
human
No; I am tired. Laura, that is the rock; look well at it.
gpt
Is that the rock? it glows, it flashes back the light. There is a pale radiance that quivers above and around, and a wide belt of purple about its base--a belt of colour that widens, contracts, and coils upon itself. Purple--no, it is not purple; it is like a band of opal; now 'tis red, blood-red, and her voice sank to an awed whisper,
human
Mawoh,
gpt
Well, what now?
human
It is gone--faded! And she stood looking below her with wide-opened eyes and parted lips, and a glow of colour in her cheeks.
gpt
Frank, it was such a sight I saw when we were on the mid-Atlantic.
human
And has it repaid you for all you have suffered?
gpt
Repaid me; it was beautiful! But it has not repaid me, and will not till I stand beside the rock itself.
human
That cannot be,
gpt
And why?
human
Webster is ill.
gpt
He is rapidly recovering, I am sure; and the news that we have seen the Golden Rock will restore him.
human
Then Sirayo is wounded.
gpt
His arm is bruised, not broken; and then we have you.
human
But, he said,
gpt
I am blind!
human
Blind! she murmured,
gpt
and sinking beside him, she caught his hands in a convulsive grasp, and looked into his drawn and bandaged face.
human
Oh, Frank! why did not you tell me of this before? How did it happen? But never mind now; let me lead you to the cave. Blind! and out on that fearful ledge.
gpt
Yes, he said, with a ghastly smile;
human
Hullo! shouted Webster, as they approached the opening,
gpt
I thought you had left me, cast me adrift without compass or food, and I have a most extravagant appetite. Don't look so downcast; I assure you I am quite well. Why, what is it?
human
You see, I am crippled, Jim, disabled, helpless, worse than useless.
gpt
Lad, I don't believe it;