This move was no sooner decided upon than our hero was leading the way upstairs.
His companions followed slowly behind him.
When they reached the landing Jack struck a match.
The floor was in one vast room, which looked so ancient and strange that a feeling of awe came over them.
"I say, Van, what do you think of this?" remarked Jack, turning around.
But there was no answer to his question.
Much mystified Jack glanced at his companions.
They were all there but Van.
"Van—Van!" he shouted. "Where are you?"