Again the groan sounded, this time not quite so loud, and after it had died away Teddy called:
"Who's in there? What's the matter with you?"
No answer came to this. Then Ted added:
"If you don't come out I'm going to tell my uncle on you. He owns this ranch. Come on out! Who are you?"
This time there came a different sound. It was one that the Curlytops knew well, having heard it before.
"That's a horse whinnying!" cried Teddy.
"Or a pony," added Janet. "Yes, it did sound like that. Oh, Ted, maybe it's a poor horse in there and he can't get out!" she went on.
Again came the whinny of a horse or a pony. There was no mistake about it this time.
"Come on!" cried Teddy. "We've got to get him out, Janet. He's one of Uncle Frank's cow ponies and he's hurt in that cave. We've got to get him out!"
"But how can you?" Janet inquired. "It's an awful little cave, and I don't believe a pony could get in there."