[CHAPTER III.
THE STONE CUBE AND THE OBELISK.]
Three weeks later we find Prof. Remington Easy and his exploring party in the very heart of the great Everglades.
Had they not been possessed of a vast amount of pluck and endurance they would never have reached this far.
But to turn back was strictly out of the question to them, and this, coupled with the fact that they were completely fitted out for such an undertaking, was the secret of their success.
As Prof. Easy had expected, they found the central position of the swamp less dangerous to traverse. It seemed to be upon higher and more solid ground, and there was less water, and, consequently, less alligators to look out for.
It is a beautiful morning upon which we find them camped in a very picturesque spot.
The air seems purer than at any time since they entered the recesses of the unexplored region, and all appear happy and contented.
The stranger and his dog have not been seen during all this time, nor has any other human being, outside of their own party.
Each one of the swamp explorers has lost more or less flesh, though it cannot be said that Martin Haypole’s loss, in that respect, amounts to much.