They stood in a little square chamber, apparently cut out of solid rock. Beyond was a narrow passage, but black as Erebus.
“What is it?” asked Randall. “It looks like a tomb.”
“And so it may be,” agreed Frank, “or perhaps a treasure vault. At any rate, we will explore it.”
He stepped into the dark passage, but before he had proceeded ten feet he abruptly halted.
In the darkness ahead there blazed two fearful balls of fire. Instinctively Frank shivered.
He knew that some fierce animal—a panther or wolf—had made this hole its den.
He was face to face with the creature, and it was by no means a despicable foe or an enviable situation. In this dark place it would not be easy to defend one’s self.
A deep, hoarse growl came from the depths. Then Frank gasped:
“A bear!”
He retreated backward precipitately, hoping to reach the outer chamber, but the glaring eyeballs were close upon him.