Brad and Dan nodded. Both suddenly seemed to have lost their voices.
“Walk carefully and watch your footing,” Mr. Hatfield instructed. “Don’t let your rope get tangled.”
He stepped from the ledge into the flowing stream. The water came well above his knees, and somewhat higher on Brad and Dan.
Finding the floor of the cavern smooth, the Cub leader moved along, slowly at first and then a little faster. Brad followed a few paces behind with Dan bringing up the rear.
Damp, dripping walls veered to a high rough roof only a few inches above their heads. Now and then Mr. Hatfield had to stoop to proceed. At one point he thought he could not go on. However, after he had squeezed through the “low bridge,” the passageway became higher.
Pausing to rest a moment, the three gazed back. The opening of the cave appeared as a circle of light.
“Everything’s okay!” Mr. Hatfield shouted to reassure Mr. Holloway and the Cubs who waited anxiously at the cave’s mouth. “We can’t see the end yet.”
His voice echoed weirdly in the cavernous depths.
Losing his balance, Dan grasped a jagged projection of rock for support. The walls at this point were slimy and covered with clusters of lichens. Farther on, the explorers passed an oozing icicle-like stalagmite which dangled from the roof.
“Need any ornaments for your Christmas tree?” Dan joked.