Dick’s strength soon returned and he scrambled to his feet and gave the peculiar shout which had been agreed upon as a signal between Charley and himself. There was so answer, although Dick shouted again and again. Still he did not give up hope now, for it was easy to imagine that Charley might have been swept on further and still have escaped. Dick ran on, calling, wild with anxiety, but nevertheless keeping cool, until at length he came under the opening, where he halted from sheer exhaustion and again sank down upon the sand. “This won’t do,” he thought. “I must brace up. I escaped before and I shall escape again. It’s a wonder that these underground outlets don’t drain the lake off. I’ve seen two of them now and I believe there are others. Hello! What’s that on ahead?” The sun struck down through the big hole in the roof of the cavern and far in the distance there seemed to be a curious shimmering of light. “It’s a lake--that’s what it is--an underground lake, just as Charley said,” thought Dick. “I’ll make for it, only I must get the water out of my clothes.” He hurriedly undressed and wrung his wet clothing out as dry as possible, dressing himself as soon as he had finished. “I suppose I shall get my death of cold either way,” he thought “so I might as well put my clothes on as to leave them off. Now for the lake. Nothing like a good run to warm a fellow up in a case like this.” He ran with all his might, coming in a few moments out upon the shore of a broad sheet of water, which extended off as far as the eye could penetrate into the darkness. The cavern was of vast proportions. Dick could see no walls on either side now, and as the lake cut off further advance, his heart sank, for how could he hope to escape from this strange place? The case seemed hopeless, indeed. As Dick stood there on the shore of the lake wondering what he ought to do, his attention was suddenly attracted by seeing in the distance a shadowy form hurrying toward him along the shore. “Charley! Charley! That you, Charley?” he shouted, starting off on the run again. The shadow halted and stood motionless, but there was no response. “It’s not Charley,” thought Dick. “If it was he would certainly answer. Who can it be? By gracious, it’s a woman! Hello, there! Hello! Don’t be afraid of me! I’ll not do you any harm.” The shadow had turned and started to run away, but seeming to be reassured by Dick’s cry, stopped again and now waited for him to come up. As Dick drew nearer he almost forgot Charley in the excitement which came over him as he recognized Clara Eglinton. “Who is it?” she called out. “What do you want with me? I won’t go back! No, I won’t!” “Miss Eglinton! Don’t you know me?” cried Dick. She recognized him the instant he spoke. “Oh, Mr. Darrell!” she exclaimed. “What ever brought you here? Oh, I am so thankful to see you! I--I----” She paused and burst into a passion of tears.