"How did you know about it, Alkali?" demanded another officer.
"Injuns."
"Did they give any explanation of the mystery?"
"Some did, some didn't."
Further discussion of the wonder was prevented for the moment, at least, by the arrival of Colonel Edwards.
"Have you got the devil cornered, Smythe?" he asked of the officer.
"I believe so, sir."
"Believe? Don't you know?" thundered his superior.
"No, sir. I'm waiting for Alkali to determine whether Rogers has entered that opening in the rock or not."
"Well, I guess the surest way to put an end to him is for the earth to swallow him," chuckled the colonel. "What do you find, Alkali?"