"N—not much, but m—my wind was kno—knocked out of me."
"Can you climb up to the top?"
"Hardly, Tom, the sides are very steep, and—yes, there is a regular cave down here," went on Sam.
"A cave?"
"Yes."
"Where does it lead to?"
"I don't know. It's on the south side of the opening."
Tom's curiosity was aroused, and bringing forth the new rope they had brought along for hoisting the flag, he tied one end to a tree and lowered himself to his brother's side. By this time Sam was on his feet and inspecting some scratches his left hand had received.
"Where is the cave, Sam?"
"There," and the youngest Rover pointed it out.