“That being the case,” declared the major with a smile, “Jumbo had better set out for the canoes at once, and bring some provisions and the lanterns.”
The lanterns referred to were of the variety used by miners, which had been brought along for the special purpose in which they were now to be employed.
But Jumbo was not allowed to set off alone on his expedition. The eager Boy Scouts raced off with him. They soon returned with a supply of canned goods, plenty of matches and some firearms and the lanterns. The latter were quickly lighted and, each member of the party shouldering a burden, the dash into the cave was begun.
It was a creepy, mysterious sensation. The light seemed to go out with a sudden snap as they passed the portals of the cave entrance. Only the yellow light of the lanterns, pale after the bright sunshine, illumined the damp walls. A queer, dead, musty smell was in the air.
“Better proceed carefully,” said the professor; “we may encounter a pocket of poisonous air before long.”
“I thought we were looking for a pocket full of money,” whispered Tubby to Merritt, behind whom he was pacing.
The party had to advance in single file, for beyond the entrance of the cave was a narrow passage.
“I wonder how your ancestor ever located this place?” said Rob, wonderingly, as they proceeded cautiously.
“The family legend has it that he came in here in pursuit of a wounded wild animal he had shot, and which sought refuge here,” said the major.
It was a strange, rather uncanny feeling to be treading the long unused path leading into the bowels of the cliff. They talked in whispers and low tones. A loud voice would go rumbling off in a weird way, not altogether comfortable to listen to.