Paulo scrambled on until he reached a shelf about halfway up the cataract; he threw aside bushes, brambles, and logs, speedily disclosing a hole large enough to admit a man.
"You go first," said Paulo, standing aside.
"No," answered Toza; "you know the way, and must go first. You cannot think that I wish to harm you—I am completely unarmed.
"Nevertheless," said Paulo, "I shall not go first. I did not like the way you looked at me when I told you the gold was still in the hills. I admit that I distrust you."
"Oh, very well," laughed Toza, "it doesn't really matter." And he crawled into the hole in the rock, Paulo following him.
Before long the tunnel enlarged so that a man could stand upright.
"Stop!" said Paulo; "there is the door near here."
"Yes," said the robber, "I remember that you spoke of a door," adding, however, "What is it for, and why is it locked?"
"It is bolted on this side," answered Paulo, "and we shall have no difficulty in opening it."
"What is it for?" repeated the brigand.