Here their conversation was interrupted by a low growl from Bounce.
"Something is wrong," said Martin. "I can't sleep here without a fire. Let us look for wood again."
As they groped around in the dark searching for wood, Martin slipped, and at the same time grasped the side of the cave to prevent his falling. The huge rock yielded, and opened like the massive door of some great dungeon, disclosing a lurid light farther in the cave.
"Heavens! what is this?" gasped the boy, losing his hold and letting the rock swing back to its former position.
"A robbers' den," whispered Owen, trembling with fright. "They have not seen us; let us get away as fast as we can."
Fortunately, the dogs did not bark. The boys would have left the place unobserved, had not a man met them at the entrance.
"Who are you?" demanded he, in a gruff voice.
"Two boys; we were overtaken by the night, and had to sleep in the woods. It commenced to rain, and we came here for shelter," said Owen.
"Youngster, don't tell me a lie! Is there no one around here except yourselves?"
"No, sir! No one!"