Chapter NineteenCareful not to stumble over the many lumps of fallen masonry and pieces of sharp, protruding metal, Ben inched forward. In his hand was the old oil lantern he had found half-buried amongst the debris, lighting it with one of his remaining matches. He never stopped to ask himself how the wick remained soaked in paraffin for so many years, but he felt certain the voice had something to do with helping him discover the old, rusted lamp, which spluttered and hissed. Although weak, the glow allowed him to navigate his way ever deeper into the interior of the subterranean passages and, hopefully, a way out.
Stretching before him, at one point the passages branched off into a number of different directions. Ben raised the lantern, trying to reveal what lay within. Most were knee
