“One thing about this puzzles me,” said the young man, holding the torch aloft, as they stood in the furthest apartment, “and it is this. There is a slight circulation of air through the cavern, very perceptible when the stone is removed from the entrance; but there is no trace of an opening anywhere. I have searched repeatedly without success.”
“This apartment is higher than the other,” said Marion. “How gloomy it looks! Hold the torch this way, Wayne; I fancy that spot looks peculiar. Ah! it is an opening!”
“True,” said Kent, “but it is high up. And the wall is on such an angle that climbing is impossible. I regret it, as I have some curiosity to know where it opens. It seems strange that it should admit no light. It is at least twenty feet from the floor.”
Having thoroughly explored that part of the cavern, the party slowly retraced their steps to the first room. Vic had returned, and the two trappers sat in a dejected attitude, which struck Kent with a thrill of apprehension.
“What is the matter?” he asked.
“Ye look sort o’ down in de mouf,” said Scip, without waiting for a reply. “Yer lubly countenances is drawed down to a ’larming length. What’s up?”
“Matter enough,” said Vic, replying to Kent’s question. “The Injuns have discovered the cave, an’ we’re boxed up!”
Marion sunk down pale with apprehension.
“Oh de Lor’!” ejaculated Scip, “what’ll we do?”
“How did it happen?” asked Kent.