“Say, maybe we had better stay under the trees,” suggested Andy.
“Suppose the trees should be struck by lightning?” questioned Jack. “I think we had better go on, especially if we’re anywhere near those caves Jackson mentioned.”
A turn in the defile brought them to something of an open place. Here on one side the rocks towered fully fifty feet above their heads and at one point there was an opening perhaps fifteen feet square and leading into the side of the hill.
“This must be the first of the caves!” cried Spouter. “Come on in!” And without ceremony he led the way, and the others followed, glad to get out of the storm.
They found the cave an irregular one, running in somewhat of a semicircle and with a flooring that was comparatively level. It was dry and fairly comfortable, and once beyond the fury of the storm the lads dismounted and proceeded to make themselves at home.
The rain continued to come down and, with nothing better to do, the boys proceeded to make themselves as comfortable as possible. Near the entrance to the cave they found some leaves and dead tree branches which were still dry, and these they dragged inside and then made themselves a campfire.
“I reckon we’ll have to cut out going any further,” announced Spouter. “Even if the storm clears away, the trail will be very wet and slippery.”
It still lacked an hour to noon, and with nothing else to do the boys tethered their horses and then proceeded to investigate their surroundings. From the campfire they obtained several torches, and with these in hand they moved along slowly around the bend of the cave and over a series of rocks which led upward.
“It certainly is a larger cave than I supposed,” said Jack, as he and Gif led the way, with the others close behind.
“I think I see a light ahead, Jack,” was Gif’s remark. “That must be another opening to the cave.”