"You are right," answered Snap. "And that proves that the deer have been here since that heavy rain. Now, boys, if we follow this trail with care we may be able to bring down something worth while." And then they set off to follow the trail, little dreaming of the strange adventure in store for them. CHAPTER XV THE CAVE IN THE MOUNTAIN The opposite shore of the lake was rocky and full of brushwood, and it was rather difficult to follow the deer tracks, which occasionally led directly across the rocks. Once in a while they would miss the trail and then a grand hunt for prints would be instituted, until the trail was recovered. They passed over one small hill and then came to a broad hollow, fronting something of a mountain. "I see some deer!" cried Whopper, pointing with his hand. "Five or six of 'em." The young hunter was right, and all gazed at the game with longing eyes. The deer were more than a third of a mile away, on the mountainside. "Let me see," said Snap, "the wind is blowing from the west. So we had better make a semicircle and come up on the other side of the game. If we don't, the wind will carry our scent to them and they'll be off like a shot." Silently the others followed the directions of their leader, and once again they plunged into the brushwood. The way was harder than before and more than once they had to halt, not knowing exactly how to proceed. "This is dead loads of fun," grunted Whopper. "Never had such fun since I was born. It's almost as good as chopping wood when the other fellows are playing ball!" "Do you want to go back?" questioned Snap, quickly. "For you can if you wish, you know." "Humph! not much. I'm going to see the end of it." "Then, don't grumble," put in Giant. "It's harder work for me to climb the rocks than you." On they went until they came to another opening. They gazed forward eagerly, but to their chagrin the deer had disappeared. "Now what do you make of that?" came quickly from Shep. "They can't be far off," said Snap, cheerfully. "Perhaps they are just beyond the bushes yonder." Up the mountainside they went, sometimes abreast and then in Indian file. Soon they came to a mass of heavy undergrowth. "Gracious, what a tangle this is!" cried Giant. "I don't seem to be \able to get through, no matter how hard I try." "I'll help you," answered Snap, and worked his way to the small youth's side. "Say, fellows, the bottom isn't very safe here!" exclaimed Whopper, a second later. "It's all spongy!" "Let us get out!" put in Shep, thinking of his experience in the hollow tree. They tried to turn, but before they could make any progress felt the brushwood sinking rapidly. Then came a crashing of branches and vines, and down slipped all four of the young hunters, from the bright light of day into utter darkness!