She broke off in the report, suddenly aware that the young milkman was smiling in an odd sort of way.
“That Pete!” he remarked. “He’s a natural-born spelunker.”
“A what?” demanded Judy.
“A spelunker. That’s what modern cave explorers call themselves. The science of caves is called speleology.”
Bart motioned for the girls to step over to the milk wagon. Peering in, they saw Pete sprawled comfortably on a rug, lying on the floor. He was fast asleep, his head resting on his forepaws.
“Pete found his own way out of the cave, as he usually does,” Bart explained. “I’ve tried to keep him out, but no soap. One of these days, he may lose his life in there.”
“Well, at any rate, he’s safe now,” Judy declared, greatly relieved. “Is the cave very deep?”
“The exit never has been found.”
“Really?” Ardeth’s eyes opened wide. “I guess Calico Cave is an unsafe place.”
“One shouldn’t venture in very far without a guide. Some ten years ago, a very courageous man whom I knew rather well, lost his life down there. He was seeking the cave exit. Since then, no one has ventured past the point where he last was seen.”