Then came the frightful bellow once more and the head of the monster came darting toward them.
Flinging a protecting arm about Clara, Dick drew her hastily back and they ran for their lives.
CHAPTER XIV.
LOST UNDERGROUND.
The Plesiosaurus made no attempt to come up out of the water.
Once more it gave its strange cry and Dick, looking around, saw its huge back come up into view, and, with its long neck arched like a swan, it sailed away over the lake and was soon lost to view in the darkness.
Dick and Clara had now stopped running and stood looking off over the lake watching the strange creature as it sailed away.
“I ought to be ashamed of myself for being so timid, Mr. Darrell,” said Clara. “But I have had such a dreadful time that my nerves are all shaken. What is that creature? I didn’t suppose anything like it existed on earth.”
“And I don’t believe there is such a thing existing anywhere else,” replied Dick. “I’ll tell you all about it in a few moments. My friend is coming. I’ve got such a lot to tell you. Do you know I almost wonder that you remember my name—you only saw me for a moment that night in Washington.”
“Indeed, I am not likely to forget your bravery then,” replied Clara, “nor what you tried to do for me on the mountain the other night.”
“Hello, Dick! Hello! Hello! Where are you?” Charley’s welcome voice was heard shouting, although as yet he had not appeared.