A quick glance showed them the hollow interior of the huge tree and the distance they were from the open door. As they caught sight of the ground they both gave a start, for it was composed solely of half a dozen branches stretched across from side to side, and beneath the branches was a big black hole that went down and down and looked as if it had no bottom. They realized that they were standing at the extreme edge of the hole, on a little step of thick, sticky clay. However were they to walk over on one of those thin branches to the door on the other side without missing their footing and falling down into the hole? But even as they caught hold of hands, determined to make a desperate effort to cross while there was light to see, the Grey Pumpkin passed out into the daylight, and the door swung slowly to again, and they were left in darkness once more. They stood stock still, not daring to move. “Oh, Jack, whatever shall we do?” said Molly, almost crying. “Knock on the door behind us and go back home,” suggested Jack. “Let’s get out of this old dark hole, and the Pumpkin can go where it jolly well likes.... Leave go my arm a moment, Molly, and I’ll turn round and knock.” He turned to suit the action to his words, tearing the corner of his sleeve out of the crack as he did so. “But, Jack,” Molly said hurriedly. “Wait a minute.... Somehow ... I’ve got a feeling that we _ought_ to go on, if only we could.... Don’t knock yet, Jack.... I feel as if somebody wants us, through that door on the other side ... if only we could get across. Oh, Jack, do be careful—you’ll slip!” “Look here,” said Jack, “are you afraid to chance the crossing—do you really think it’s worth it?” “The Pumpkin must have rolled across without the floor giving way—but then, it—he—I mean, what shall we do, Jack?” “Shall we try?” suggested Jack. Molly hesitated. Then “Yes, let’s,” she said. “Only—shall we?” she faltered. “You stay here while I go across and knock three times on the other door,” said Jack, at once decided. “Then while it’s light you run across.” “Oh, Jack, do be careful,” cried Molly. For Jack had already started. He felt with his foot for the thickest branch and stepped recklessly forward. To his delight he found that it was quite easy to walk across, and all their fears had been groundless. “Why, Moll,” he called joyfully, “it’s as easy as anything. Wait a sec. I’m almost there.” He reached the clay step on the other side and gave three good knocks to relieve his feelings. With a low creaking the door opened slowly, and as the light streamed in Molly ran quickly and easily across, and the next moment they both stood outside the tree, and the door was shut. CHAPTER III _The Other Side of the Tree_