“I saw that too!” Jimmie agreed. “Now what do you think it can be?”
In a moment there was no longer doubt regarding the presence at the opening which was being watched so closely. The deep vocal vibrations which had been noticed from the other chamber seemed to shake the very wall against which the boy stood. As before, it was followed in a moment by the piercing, lifting cry which on the first occasion had suggested the appeal of a woman in agony or terror.
The boys stood motionless, grasping each other by the hand, and so each seeking the sympathy and support of the other, until the weird sound died out.
“And that,” said Jimmie in a moment, “is no ghost!”
“Ghost?” repeated Carl scornfully. “You may as well talk about a ghost making that gate and setting it against us!”
“Anyway,” Jimmie replied, “the wail left an odor of sulphur in the air!”
“Yes,” answered Carl, “and the sulphur you speak of is a sulphur which comes from the dens of wild beasts! Now do you know what we’re up against?”
“Mountain lions!” exclaimed Jimmie.
“Jaguars!” answered Carl.
“I hope they’re locked in!” suggested Jimmie.