Even Haypole became very much excited, and he hurried along after Leo as fast as any of his companions.
“I shan’t be astonished at anything we may find,” said Prof. Easy. “Hundreds of years ago it was supposed that a fountain of youth existed somewhere in these parts; and if that does not, I am sure something else equally as wonderful does.”
They had probably made half the distance to the obelisk, when the baying of a dog suddenly came to their ears.
“What in thunderation is that?” exclaimed the Yankee.
“It is a dog, if I am not mistaken,” replied Leo. “Be cautious, all hands, there is no use in our running headlong into danger.”
With their weapons ready for instant use, they hurried cautiously ahead through the tangled mazes of the swamp.
They did not hear the dog bark again, though they listened attentively for it.
In a few minutes they came in sight of the obelisk that had attracted Leo’s attention from the top of the tree.
It seemed to be very ancient in appearance, for in many places pieces were chipped from it.
Yet it stood as erect as it had when placed there.