But somehow or other they seemed to be in no humor for enjoyment, as enjoyment is understood by such characters. A gloom seemed to have settled on the whole party. They could not even get their spirits up, by pouring spirits down. And although they drank freely, they drank for the most part in silence. "How is this?" shouted captain Flint, "at last have we all lost our voices? Can no one favor us with a song, or toast or a yarn?" Hardly had these words passed the lips of the captain, when the piteous moan which had so startled the pirates, on the previous evening again saluted them, but in a more suppressed tone of voice. The last faint murmurs of this moan had not yet died away, when a shout, or rather a yell like an Indian war whoop, rang through the cavern in a voice that made the very walls tremble, its thousand echoes rolling away like distant thunder. The whole group sprang to their feet aghast. The two woman followed by Black Bill, terror stricken, joined the group. This at least might be said of Hellena and the negro. The latter clinging to the skirts of the white maiden for protection, as a mortal in the midst of demons might be supposed to seek the protection of an Angel. Captain Flint, now laying his hand violently on Lightfoot, said, "What does all this mean? do you expect to frighten me by your juggling tricks, you infernal squaw?" At these words he gave her a push that sent her staggering to the floor. In a moment he saw his mistake, and went to her assistance (but she had risen before he reached her,) and endeavored to conciliate her with kind words and presents. He took a gold chain from his pocket, and threw it about her neck, and drew a gold ring from his own finger and placed it upon hers. These attentions she received in moody silence. All this was done by Flint, not from any feelings of remorse for the injustice he had done the woman, but from a knowledge of how much he was in her power and how dangerous her enmity might be to him. Finding that she was not disposed to listen to him, he turned from her muttering to himself: "She'll come round all right by and by," and then addressing his men said: "Boys, we must look into this matter; there's something about this cave we don't understand yet. There may be another one over it, or under it. We must examine." He did not repeat the explanation he had given before, feeling no doubt, that it would be of no use. A careful examination of the walls of the cave were made by the whole party, but to no purpose. Nothing was discovered that could throw any light upon the mystery, and they were obliged to give it up. And thus they were compelled to let the matter rest for the present.