"I don't know that I would not have proposed to you that we should come here after he left, if I had been sure of finding my way, but I wasn't."
"Is the interior comfortable?"
"It is in warm weather, for none of the sun's rays can enter, and the stones seem to give it coolness."
"As dark as a wolf's mouth, I suppose?"
"Not at all. There are several windows, made by crevices between the stones, which let in enough light to help us see where we are."
"The young lady speaks the truth," said Worrell. "She has been in and remembers all about it."
"How came you to find it when it is so well concealed?"
"I was hunting a bear in these mountains some two years ago and wounded him, when he started to retreat. I followed him as fast as I could, when he put straight for this heap of stones, and he would have got away if I hadn't come in sight just in time to see him pull that door aside with one paw and start in. I gave him a shot as he was doing so, and it finished him before he could get out of my reach."
The reports of the cavern being so favorable, the fugitives were glad to avail themselves of its shelter without further delay. Ned Clinton was the first to explore the retreat, he being obliged to assume a stooping position to enter it. As soon as he was inside, he called to the others to follow, and Worrell himself obeyed, Jo going next, while Rosa came last.
The place was not a disappointment in the least when viewed from the inside. The windows of which Rosa spoke proved sufficient to give all the light they could ask, and more than the young scouts expected to see. Besides, when they were fairly within it was noticed that the roof ascended, while the floor was lowered to that extent that they could easily stand at their full height—a luxury which any one in their situation would have appreciated. It was dry, and there was nothing to make them uncomfortable. Expressions of delight came from all, excepting him who had taken them to the retreat. He seemed to enjoy listening to the praise bestowed upon his choice.