Tom, who was in the lead, as he usually was, came to a sudden stop when they had traversed several hundred feet on the straight path. So unexpectedly did he come to a halt that Dick, who was right behind, collided with him.
“What’s the matter?” he asked. “See a snake, Tom?”
“No, but I see something better. If that isn’t a cave I’m all kinds of a star-gazer. Look!”
They peered through the gathering dusk to where he pointed and beheld a black opening underneath a ledge of rock.
“It’s a cave all right!” cried Jack.
“Go ahead in it,” urged Bert.
“Maybe it’s where that bear hangs out,” suggested Dick.
“Nonsense!” exclaimed Tom. “A bear wouldn’t have a cave so near a main-traveled trail. He’d pick out a more secluded place for a summer residence.”
“Say, you’re getting mighty polite all of a sudden,” declared Jack. “Go ahead inside then, if you think it’s all right, Tom.”