He began to think that may be after all, the cavern was under a spell of enchantment, and that the women had actually been carried off in the manner described by the negro. The boy was evidently honest in his statement, believing that he was telling nothing that was not true. But be all this as it might, the mere presence of a human being, even though a poor negro boy, was sufficient to enable him to shake off the feeling of loneliness and fear, with which he was oppressed upon entering the cavern. He now determined to remain in the cavern for a short time. Long enough at least to make a thorough examination of the place, before taking his departure. This determination of Captain Flint's was by no means agreeable to the negro boy. Bill was anxious to leave the cave, and by that means escape the clutches of the devil, who was in the habit of frequenting it. He endeavored to induce Flint to change his resolution by assuring him that he had heard the devil say that he was coming after him. But the captain only laughed at the boy, and he was compelled to remain. CHAPTER XV. For several days after the departure of Captain Flint, the inmates of the cavern felt no uneasiness at his absence; but when day after day passed, until more than a week had elapsed without his making his appearance they began to be alarmed. It had uniformly been the practice of Captain Flint on leaving the cave, to give Lightfoot charges to remain there until his return, and not to allow any one to enter, or pass out during his absence. This charge she had strictly obeyed. Singularly enough he had said nothing about it the last time. This, however, made no difference with Lightfoot, for if she thought of it at all, she supposed that he had forgotten it. Still she felt no disposition to disobey his commands, although her feelings towards him, since his late brutal treatment had very much changed. But their provisions were giving out, and to remain in the cavern much longer, they must starve to death. Lightfoot therefore resolved to go in search of the means of preventing such a catastrophe, leaving the others to remain in the cave until her return. On attempting to pass out, she found to her horror that the way was barred against her from the outside. In fact, they were buried alive! In vain she endeavored to force her way out. The entrance had been too well secured. There seemed to be no alternative but to await patiently the return of the captain. Failing in that, they must starve to death! Their supply of provisions was not yet quite exhausted, and they immediately commenced putting themselves on short allowance, hoping by that means to make them last until relief should come.