“I’m not very hungry. But come, we must go with Fenn and see if we can’t help him locate that cave. I don’t imagine we shall find anything of any account. Most likely the men were engaged in working an abandoned mine from which the prehistoric inhabitants took everything of value. Perhaps the men were those Chinese smugglers. I have telephoned word to the Government authorities about them, and some detectives may arrive any minute.”
“Those men were not smugglers,” declared Fenn. “They were taking something valuable from that mine, and they were so secretive about it that I’m sure they had no right to the stuff.”
“Well, we’ll soon see,” declared Mr. Hayward.
“Where are we going to begin?” asked Bart.
“Let’s go up to that hole, where we found Fenn’s hat, and work down,” suggested Ned.
“That’s no good,” declared the lad who had made the queer passage. “That chute only comes out on the ledge, where the main shaft begins. If we could get to the ledge we’d be all right.”
“I think we can get there without crawling or sliding down that dark, roped passage,” said Mr. Hayward. “But I was going to suggest that we take the motor boat and cruise along near where we picked Fenn up. If we found the opening in the cliff, from where he jumped, it would be easier. It is rather difficult to get to the ledge.”
“I think that’s the best idea,” remarked Frank.
“May I go with you, daddy?” asked Ruth, a bright flush of excitement coming into her cheeks.
“Maybe I can find the—” She stopped suddenly.