Through the Tunnel
THEY examined the door carefully, and at last found near the center of it a small hole. Twinkle put the golden key into this and found that it fitted exactly. But it took all of Chubbins's strength to turn the key in the rusty lock. Yet finally it did turn, and they heard the noise of bolts shooting back, so they both took hold of the ring, and pulling hard together, managed to raise the iron door on its hinges.
All they saw was a dark tunnel, with stone steps leading down into the mountain.
"No treasure here," said the little girl.
"P'raps it's farther in," replied Chub-bins. "Shall we go down?"
"Won't it be dangerous?" she asked.
"Don't know," said Chubbins, honestly. "It's been years and years since this door was opened. You can see for yourself. That rock must have covered it up a long time."
"There must be something inside," she declared, "or there wouldn't be any door, or any steps."
"That's so," answered Chubbins. "I'll go down and see. You wait."
"No; I'll go too," said Twinkle. "I'd be just as scared waiting outside as I would be in. And I 'in bigger than you are, Chub."