"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going in there. I think perhaps it might be the wiser plan for you to remain out here and keep watch."
"No, sir, I guess not! I've helped discover that hole and I'm going to reap my reward by exploring the inside."
"Come along then. It is taking long chances, but I guess the tree is safe unless some one should come along and trip the stones. Then we would be in a fine fix, shouldn't we?"
"I reckon we would. We wouldn't be getting out of that hole, right smart, should we, Tad?"
"I guess not. We should be buried alive."
"Still, there may be some other opening to the place. We will take a chance. Got your matches?"
"Yes."
"Then you light a match when we get inside. I'll have my revolver ready in case there is anything in there."
Taking a final glance about, Tad moved toward the opening in the rocks with brisk step. Chunky was trotting along behind him, the fat boy full of importance over the discovery they had made. At the opening they paused, glancing apprehensively at the great roots towering above them. Were the butt of that giant tree to settle down now, it would crush them.