A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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but here our progress ended at the great cavern in the chief square,
opposite the pyramid.
On entering the cavern we traversed an antechamber, and then passing
on we reached a vast dome, of dimensions so great that I could
perceive no end in that gloom. The twinkling lights served only to
disclose the darkness and to indicate the immensity of the cavern. In
the midst there arose two enormous columns, which were lost in the
gloom above.
It was only by passing through this that we learned its great extent.
We at length came to the other end, and here we saw numerous passages
leading away. The Kohen led us through one of these, and after passing
through several other domes of smaller dimensions we at length reached
an apartment where we stopped. This place was furnished with couches
and hangings, and lighted with flaming lamps. The light was
distressing to those who had accompanied us, and many of them left,
while the few who remained had to cover their eyes. Here we found that
all preparations had been made. The apartments were all illuminated,
though our love of light never ceased to be a matter of amazement to
the Kosekin, and a bounteous repast was spread for us. But the Kohen
and the others found the light intolerable, and soon left us to
ourselves.
After the repast some women appeared to take Almah to her chamber,
and, with the usual kindness of the Kosekin, they assured her that she
would not be expected to obey the law of separation, but that she was
to remain here, where she would be always within reach of me.
After her departure there came to visit me the lowest man in all the
land of the Kosekin, though, according to our view, he would be
esteemed the highest. This was the Kohen Gadol. His history
had already been told me. I had learned that through lack of Kosekin
virtue he had gradually sunk to this position, and now was compelled
to hold in his hands more wealth, power, and display than any other
man in the nation.
He was a man of singular appearance. The light was not so troublesome
to him as to the others--he merely kept his eyes shaded; but he
regarded me with a keen look of inquiry that was suggestive of
shrewdness and cunning. I confess it was with a feeling of relief