"Reckon it's been used to do the trick many a time," advanced Chatz.
"I wouldn't wonder," Elmer added.
Using the broken blade as a lever he soon pried the trap up far enough to allow the others a chance to insert their ready fingers. After that it was easily completed, and the square of wooden flooring removed.
"Dark as Egypt," remarked Lil Artha, as he tried to pierce the gloom with his gaze.
Elmer made a move, and Chatz, thinking he intended descending the ladder that led down into the unknown depths, caught his arm.
"I wouldn't do it, Elmer," he said.
"Do what?" asked the other.
"Go down there," continued Chatz. "No telling how deep it may be or what lies there, either. If anybody must go, send me."
"Well," laughed Elmer, "I like your nerve, Chatz. You think something might hurt me, but you don't care so much for yourself. That's like you Southern fellows, though. But make your mind easy, my boy, because just at present I don't think any of us need drop into this hole."
"I'm glad of that," declared the other; "but when you made a move I thought you were going."