Chapter 19, At the End of the Tunnel Summary

Victor Willis shaves off his beard and appears so different that Dr. Floyd does not immediately recognize him. They talk about a cave exploration that is underway, after which Victor goes outside for the first time.

Dr. Chant explores the cave while tethered to a line. He has a great deal of underwater cave exploration experience, and in the very low gravity of the comet, this exploration has similarities. He finds cave formations that resemble the candle wax drippings. At one point he encounters a barricade wall made of drippings through which he can see the rest of the tunnel. Accidentally turning off his video camera light, he discerns a natural light source deep within the cave, far beyond the barricade wall. He speculates about the light source and wonders if...