CHAPTER III.
IN THE CAVERN.
Early the following morning, Sedai went into the village to find the old man Umsaga. After much inquiry he learned that the old man still lived but was very feeble. He went to his hut and telling him what he wanted, and that he would be well paid for the information which he would give to the party, the old man agreed to go. Sedai had to support him, for he was too feeble to walk alone. They reached the camp and Sedai acting as interpreter, Mr. Graham asked Umsaga:
“Do you know where the opening to the cave is?”
The old man made quite a long speech, which when interpreted ran as follows:
“I will show you the opening on condition that you take none of the carriers or soldiers with you, and for this service I demand one hundred yards of cloth, and one pack of beads. The opening is about four hours’ march from here, and one of your men will have to carry me to the place, as I will not allow either my countrymen, or your carriers to accompany us. If you will agree to this I will go with you to-day, to-morrow, or any time that you wish.”
“We will remain here to-day to settle up with our carriers, and to-morrow morning we will have him show us the opening.”
Sedai interpreted this to Umsaga, and then helped him back to the village.
The caravan had only been engaged to go this far, but it was decided to have it wait three months for them. If they had not returned at the end of that time, the carriers need wait no longer. They had paid the natives well for their work, and had promised them still more for the return trip if they would but wait for them. They hoped that these inducements would hold them until the expiration of the three months. Arrangements were made with the chief of the village to give sustenance and shelter to the members of the caravan during this time.
Late in the afternoon, the goods promised Umsaga, besides a liberal present to the chief were sent to the village, after which the remaining bales and boxes were carried up the mountain side to a place designated by Umsaga. This place was near the opening of the mountain, and here the party camped for the night.
Early the following morning, Sedai went into the village and helped the old man up the mountain. Umsaga directed them in the way to go, and it was not long before they reached a level spot well up on the mountain. The trees in this vicinity appeared to have been planted in the far distant past, with a peculiar regard for regularity. A broad avenue of stately trees of an unknown species to the travelers, led directly to the face of the cliff. It suggested that the hand of man had long ago intended that they should serve as a hint of the possibilities within the mountain.