"Haven't you noticed that we have had no rain for the past five weeks?"
Such was, indeed, the case. The boys had not been observant, like the Professor.
"Evidently the water is supplied from rains, and the floor of the cave permits more or less of the water to leak through, so that, in time, if we had no rains, the cave would be entirely free of water."
"But how about the animal in there; if it is a water animal, how did it get in; and if the water ever dries up, how can it live there?"
"There may not be any subterranean connection directly with the sea, and the animal has been trapped there; or it may be able to reach the sea in the cave at any time, by some underground channel."
"How far do you think the cave goes in?"
"That is one of the impossible things to say. It may extend for miles. Like yourselves, I am curious to know all about it, as soon as we can make further investigations. In the meantime, don't forget about the flag."
"I had forgotten that. I am willing to start on it in the morning. How large should it be made?"
"We should make it a regulation flag, by all means."
"Let me see; how many stripes must we have?" said Harry.