Dick hastened to the spot and got a small lantern, which was all that was left of three that they had brought along with them.
When he reached the obelisk again his companions had already entered the doorway, and were waiting for him on the steps.
It was but the work of a moment to strike a match and light the lantern; and then the boy followed them down into the place beyond.
Down they went, for at least a hundred steps, and the end of the flight was not reached yet.
Another hundred, and still it appeared the same.
“I wonder how many miles we have got ter go afore we git ter ther bottom?” said the Yankee.
“Have patience, Martin,” replied Prof. Easy. “We are on the eve of a great discovery—mark my word for it!”
“Humph! I heerd ye say that same thing a good many times before. But, by the great boots in ther haymow, I stepped on somethin’ alive jist then!”
“A ground hog!” exclaimed Dick, holding up the lantern. “How in thunder did it ever get there, I wonder?”
“If it can live in here, I am sure we can a little longer. Let us proceed,” returned the professor, quietly.