“I realize that,” Miss Meadows answered. “But is there no other way to reach him, if he’s still alive? Couldn’t the rangers blast the rock perhaps?”
“It would be impractical and dangerous, Ma’am.”
“But the cave must have an exit somewhere close—if only it could be traced down! If one could approach the siphon from the other direction—”
“Aye, Ma’am,” Captain Hager replied, “I’ve been pondering on it—pondering hard.”
“Then you do have an idea!” Judy cried. “Does it have anything to do with Calico Cottage?”
“I’ve been meditatin’ along that line,” the old man admitted.
“Is there any chance the cave connects in some way with the foundation of the cottage?” Judy demanded excitedly. “Remember, all those strange sounds which seemed to come from the basement! They might have been cave noises! And we noticed a gust of cool air coming through a crack in the mortar.”
“Aye,” the captain nodded. “Bart and I discussed it many a time. Those strange sounds that have scared the living daylights out of cottage tenants come from the cave right enough.”
“Then there must be a passageway close to the foundation wall!” Judy cried.
“I tried to convince Krumm he should build on a new foundation, but he wouldn’t take advice.”