It was rather dark in the cavern, the only light coming from the entrance, which was partly screened by the bushes, and from a small crack overhead. This crack served to ventilate the place, there being a continual current of air from the opening in front to that above.
It must be admitted that the four boys felt anything but happy as they peered at their surroundings. All were too fatigued from the forced ride over the rocky trail to do much talking. They gathered in a group on the stony floor of the cave, trying to attend to their cuts and bruises as well as their limited means permitted.
“Gee, if a fellow only had a bit of water!” said Fred.
“They are a bunch of beasts!” cried Randy.
“They have certainly made us prisoners,” said Jack grimly. “Evidently they fixed this place on purpose for us.”
“Certainly looks it,” came from Andy. “Gee, it’s just like a regular prison! Not much chance of getting away from here, I’m afraid.”
A little later Tate came in carrying two buckets of water and two towels. He was followed by Jackson, who unlocked the chain holding the log of the doorway in place, so that the water and towels might be placed inside of the prison-like apartment. The men had a lantern with them, and this they placed on a flat stone.
“There is one bucket to wash in and another for drinking,” said Tate. “And here are a couple of towels you can use on your hurts. We didn’t mean to treat you quite so rough, and it wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t put up a fight.”
“What are you going to do with us, Tate?” demanded Jack.
“You’ll find out a little later. Davenport will come in and talk with you.”