“No, never!” said George Strong, with a shiver. He had not yet forgotten his terrible experience with his insane relatives.
The party of four had made a long detour and were returning to the Hall by a route that was somewhat new to them. They had a large hill to cross, the other side of which was filled with thick trees growing among some large rocks.
“This is wild enough for anything,” said Pepper. “I didn’t know there was any ground around here so rough.”
“Be careful that you don’t sprain an ankle,” cautioned the teacher.
“Hullo, what’s this?” cried Dale, coming to a sudden halt.
“A cave!” ejaculated Pepper. “A regular cave,” he added, peering into the opening.
“Let’s explore it,” said Jack. “We’ve got time enough.”
George Strong was willing, and a minute later the exploration of the cave began.
CHAPTER XVII
IN THE CAVE
The cave was an irregular one of uncertain depth. The opening lay under a big, jagged rock, with other rocks on either side. One after another they passed into the underground chamber without much trouble.