There was no possible way open; for, if he should attempt to descend by means of the grape-vine, he would be at such a disadvantage that it would be nothing less than suicide. So he could only hold his rifle ready to seize the first opportunity that should present itself.
It was not long in coming. When Teddy toppled his man over the edge of the rock, he had scarcely reached the water below, when the sharp crack of the trapper’s rifle rung above the din of waters, and the miserable red-skin floated away, as limp and lifeless as the garments upon his person.
“Now, give us another, Teddy!” called out old Stebbins, as he caught up the other gun.
But there was good reason why the other didn’t come.
When Teddy turned to seize him, he saw him spring to his feet, and start backward into the cave with all speed.
“Be jabers, yees can’t run fur in that direction, as me mither observed whin the piggy run his head into the pratie-pot,” exclaimed Teddy, as he dashed after him.
But it was impossible for him to take heed to his feet, and he had taken scarcely a half dozen steps, when a sudden rise in the floor of the cavern caused him to trip and fall forward, with no little violence, upon his face.
“Worrah, worrah, but that rock ain’t very soft,” he muttered, as he picked himself up, and rubbed his bruised countenance. “Where did that spalpeen go?”
At his first entrance into the cave, he naturally supposed that it extended backward but a short distance; but he had already penetrated a hundred feet, and there were no signs of its ending.
Nor did the light decrease. It was faint; but still, when the eyes became accustomed to it, sufficient to see one’s surroundings. Looking ahead, Teddy saw a circular opening, through which this partial light of day entered.