They were at the breakfast table nearly two hours, and when they at length arose their host, who gave his name as Poppet, told them to follow him and they would see something worth looking at.
They were all glad to get outside, and when they did so they could no longer wonder why it was that none who came to the place ever left.
The air was balmy and soft, and as our friends breathed it they felt exhilarated and refreshed.
"By Jove!" exclaimed Dr. Pestle, "I'll bet that such a thing as lung troubles are unknown here. Never in my life before have I breathed such pure air."
After ten minutes' walk their host halted before a pit, which had a strong iron railing around it.
"Look down there!" said he.
[CHAPTER XIX.]
DOC CLANCY'S CONFESSION.
When Van saw that it was Doc Clancy who had been thrown in to the lion, he could scarcely believe his senses.