"Yes, it's a cave," said Hackett, a moment later, with great interest, "and we ought to take a look inside."
Spreading the bushes apart, Hackett boldly pushed inside.
"Talk about blackness," came a muffled voice, as the twigs rustled back in place. "Whew! a lump of pitch would make a light in here."
"Better strike a match."
A few moments passed, then Hackett followed his companion's advice, and a feeble light flickered against the blackness.
"How big is it?" began Bob, with his face close to the opening. "I—"
But his further words were stopped by a loud yell. It came with such abruptness, and expressed so much fright, that Bob Somers jumped quickly backward, with an exclamation.
Before he had time to frame a question, Hackett suddenly reappeared, without his rifle. His eyes were wild and staring, and, almost hurling himself through the opening, he sprawled in the snow.
"What—what's the matter?" cried Bob, in alarm.
The slim boy instantly picked himself up, and, with a terror-stricken glance over his shoulder, yelled, hoarsely, "Mind your eye, Somers! Lose yourself! It's big as a house, and comin' right out!"