As they kept on they reached parts of the cavern which were quite empty. The Fox brothers were in the position of householders who occupied a house too large for their needs.
By and by the lamps ceased and the portion farther on looked dark and gloomy.
“I am afraid to go any farther, Ernest.”
“Why, Frank? What are you afraid of?”
“There may be wild animals there.”
“But how could they live there?”
“I don’t know, but papa told me there were some.”
Ernest understood why the boy had been told this. It was to prevent his going too far. But it made Ernest all the more eager to continue his explorations.
“Even if there were any wild animals I would protect you, Frank.”
“But we may not find our way back. It is so dark,” said the child with a shudder.