“Now we are down here we may as well do a little exploring,” whispered Pepper. “But let us keep close together.”
“Take care that you don’t fall into another hole!” answered his chum.
“Wonder if we can’t find sticks, or stones, or something.”
They felt around but nothing but the bare walls and bare floor met their touch.
At a distance they heard a strange rumble, but could not make out what it was or where it came from. They advanced with caution and passed through the open door. All was as dark as before, but they heard a rushing close at hand.
“Is that wind?” asked Andy.
“No, that must be the river, or the falls, Andy. We can’t be very far from the water.”
The boys had reached a flooring of wood. They passed along on this for several feet. They were side by side, trying to pierce the darkness, which was intense. A foul, musty odor greeted them.
“I’ll be glad to see daylight again,” said Andy. “Do you think——”
He got no further, for just then the flooring upon which they stood tilted downward. Both tried to save themselves from another fall, but in vain. Down they rolled over the flooring and fell with a splash into the water.