But, as before, it was of no avail.
Jack concluded not to waste his strength any further, but to wait for a more fitting opportunity.
About ten minutes after he reached this conclusion, the dwarfs came to a halt, and he was deposited upon the ground.
But before he was allowed to rise to his feet his hands were securely tied behind him.
Joe, who had not yet recovered from his faint, was also securely bound.
Jack found that he was in a small cave, which appeared to be situated in a vast cavern.
In front of its opening a fire was burning, and around this those who had brought him there were seated.
The young man soon saw that the cave was reserved solely for the use of Joe and himself, for the dwarfs all remained outside near the fire.
Knowing it was useless to attempt to escape, Jack sat down near the mouth of the cave and watched his captors to see what they were doing.
In a few minutes Joe came to himself, and crept to the side of his friend.