There below them was the sparkling surface of the lake. It presented just the same appearance and was just as high as when they had last seen it the night before.
“Barney,” said Frank, severely, “have you been drinking?”
The Celt stuttered and stammered and acted very foolish. But he managed to say:
“Be me sowl, Misther Frank, it was gone, and not an hour since, sor. I saw the sand an’ the rocks ’an’ all, sor!”
Frank and Nicodemus exchanged glances.
“What time was it when you discovered the disappearance of the lake, Barney?” asked Nicodemus.
“About two o’clock av the mornin’, sor!”
“Tell us all about it.”
Barney did this. Frank and the captain listened with interest. When he had finished Nicodemus said:
“Frank, there is no doubt of it. The lake went out and came back again while we were asleep.”