“And if we could get out there, no more of us than two could go, and Marion not at all,” said Kent.
“In course not, but, ef it goes to the outer world, I’ll go an’ git some game, an’ throw in for ye tew eat while I’m gone, an’ then I’ll p’int for somewhar arter help, ef I can’t dew no better. But ef I kin git out thar I’ll soon find a way tew git ye all out. Make a bark ladder or something like it, tew climb on. Whar thar’s a will thar’s a way. It only remains tew be seen ef one of us kin git out. So no more jabber till thet’s decided.”
Wild Nat and Scip repaired to the spot, leaving Kent to watch, lest the Indians should suddenly make a dash into the cave, of which, however, there was little danger.
The men first piled up all the rocks and stones they could find in the cavern, and when completed the platform was between seven and eight feet high.
“Now then, Scip,” said Wild Nat, “ye must climb on our shoulders. Think ye kin do it?”
“Guess so,” responded the negro; “used to be great hand to shin up de trees arter coons.”
The two trappers placed themselves side by side, in a convenient position, and, though Nathan was considerably taller than Vic, an extra stone under the latter’s feet made up the deficiency. Scip was an expert climber, and he soon stood upright on their shoulders, whence he could reach the hole.
“Now ’vestigate, an’ be quick,” said Wild Nat, as the negro straightened himself up.
Scip ran his arm into the dark hole the whole length without touching any thing. Then, having been given the torch, he turned it so that the light should reveal the interior of the passage. It seemed to be a long one—how long it was impossible to say, since it extended beyond sight; but narrow, so very narrow after the first two feet as to render it impossible for a person to pass through.
Scip related these facts to the others, who were considerably discouraged by his report.