Holding the stick up sideways, so that it would burn and light the way, the two advanced on a tour of discovery.
It soon came to an end. On all sides were the same perpendicular rocks.
“Not much encouragement there,” remarked Oliver grimly. “But we must find some way out. Here, hold the torch, while I see if I cannot scale this side.”
Gus took the extended torch, and Oliver made a desperate leap forward.
He gained a hold, and arrived three-quarters of the way up. Then he slipped, and rolled down to his friend’s feet.
“Not that time,” he cried; “but I think I can do it.”
Again he tried, and again the same result.
“This clumsy coat and the heavy boots bother me,” he declared. “I will take them off.”
“How am I to get up, even if you do?” asked Gus dolefully.
“One thing at a time, Gus. Here, take the things. One, two, three!”