Perhaps Ted said this because, just then, he saw his grandfather coming out of the cave. The farmer had not been gone very long.
"Is it a cave?" called Ted.
"A sure-enough one?" added his sister.
"Yes, it's a sure-enough cave. But there's nothing in it."
"No wild animals?" Jan demanded.
"Not even a mouse, as far as I could see," laughed Mr. Martin. "But some one had been in the cave eating his lunch."
"Maybe there was a picnic, Grandpa," suggested Ted.
"No, I think only one or two persons were in the big hole," said his grandfather. "For it is a big hole, larger than I thought it was. I could stand up straight once I was inside."
"Take us in!" begged Ted.
"Yes, I think it will be all right. Come along, Jan. I'll hold your hand, and there isn't anything of which to be afraid. Come on!"