"A whole lot of people never did, I suppose," said Dunstan.
"To me it suggests a retreat where plotters, in comfort and seclusion, could plan dark deeds," commented Chase, and as he spoke in a loud tone his voice echoed and reëchoed in a most startlingly weird fashion.
The boys thought there was something very strange and unique in the situation. Here they were, exploring a mysterious underground room, and while Don Hale's light flashed and crisscrossed through the intense blackness and objects momentarily tumbled into view and out again, they speculated as to who had been the last person to visit it.
"Let's make a hasty exploration of the whole place before spending any time in here," suggested Dunstan.
"A good idea," agreed Don. "I say, if we were to all yell together wouldn't it sound just like an exploding marmite?"
"Please don't remind me of 'em," pleaded Chase.
Preceded by the "torch-bearer," they filed out into the "subway," as Don termed the passageway, and walking a short distance came across another room, situated, however, on the opposite side. But the ambulanciers, desirous of finding out where the corridor led, did not enter.
Their curiosity was quickly gratified. At the end they discovered a third room—the largest of all, and though bare of furnishing, the light immediately disclosed the fact that it was by no means empty. Neatly piled against the four walls were great numbers of boxes and cases of all sixes.
"Hello, what's in those, I wonder!" cried Don.
"I can't offer any explanation," replied Chase, dryly.