"I have no idea," was Harry's faltering reply. He looked around to assure himself that it was not all a dream. The sudden acquisition of what appeared to be an immense store of wealth, the ghastly relics below, seemed to stun him.
"Have you a reason for wanting to know how high up we are?" asked George when he had partially recovered.
"You wanted to know a little while ago how the smoke in the cavern might affect them. Haven't you noticed a perceptible movement in the atmosphere since we entered the chamber?"
The boys started and stared at him. Could it be that the cave had an outlet in the hills?
"Was that the reason you suggested we should make a circuit around the chamber after we entered it?"
"Yes; and I know where the outlet is."
"And does that explain why the pirates made their home at this end?"
"Undoubtedly; and what will be still more interesting information is, that the opening is within sight of the cataract."
Could anything be more exciting than this information?
"I now see the reason why you always wanted to come back to the cave. Did you suspect this when we first entered the cave?"