"It is larger than you imagine," replied Levi. "Besides, you only have to crawl a few feet. After that the way opens up quite suddenly. I will go first with my torch. Then you can all follow."
"I'm afraid," Miriam whispered to Esther. She did not wish Solomon to hear her. She feared he would make fun of her.
"Hold on to my hand and have courage. I will go ahead of you," was the answer.
One by one, they passed through the opening.
"Isn't this fun!" cried Solomon as they all stood in the chamber worn out of the rocks.
"It makes me feel queer to think of being underground," said Esther.
"Hark! What's that noise?" said Miriam, in a frightened voice.
"It's only a family of bats we have taken by surprise. They are not used to callers," said Levi.
The bats were more frightened than Miriam. They flew about in a blind way. Several times they almost brushed against the faces of Rebecca and Levi, the tallest ones in the party.
"Ugh! I don't like bats," said Miriam. "I am going outside."