“The mountaineers claim that no one ever left it alive,” replied the boy with a very grave face.
“What ought we to take with us,” asked Ned, “in order to be of assistance to the boys? What do you suggest?”
“You must take plenty of ropes,” was the answer.
Jimmie looked up into Ned’s face appealingly.
“You’re not going with this gink?” he asked.
“I certainly am,” replied Ned. “The boys may really be in trouble.”
“Then I’ll go, too,” Jimmie decided, “but I’ll tell you right now that I don’t believe a word of this story.”
“Will you show the way?” asked Ned, bringing out a large coil of rope.
“Yes,” was the reply, “if you’ll treat me fairly while we’re together. Some one shot at me from the cave as I came by.”
Gilroy was now seen looking out of the cave. The firelight showed a set and frightened face.