He handed his gun to the sailor, and stepped cautiously forward, separating the tangle of creepers, which hung down from above, and clambering over loose fragments of lava-like rock, found that he was at the entrance of what was evidently a rift penetrating far into the bowels of the earth, while a strange feeling of awe came over him, as he now became aware of low hissing and muttering sounds, evidently from somewhere far below.
“Quick’s the word!” said the young man to himself, and stepping boldly in he seized hold of the serpent’s tail with both hands, and at his touch galvanised it into life, for it gave a violent jerk, which dragged him off his feet. At the same moment, the loose blocks of stone beneath him gave way, and to the horror of his companions, there was a rustling sound as of an avalanche being set in motion, Oliver uttered a loud cry as he disappeared; then came a hollow booming roar, a whispering echo, and all was still.
Chapter Five.
Lane’s Escape.
“Lane!” shouted Panton, hurrying forward toward where his friend had disappeared.
“Mind! take care!” yelled Drew. “Here, you Smith, run back to the ship for ropes and help.”
“And leave him like that, sir?” cried the sailor. “Not me; I’m a-going after him, that’s my job now.”
The man stepped quickly forward to where Panton had paused, holding on by a mass of lava, and peering into the huge rift.