"Be careful, the walking may be treacherous," came from White Buffalo, and the warning came none too soon, for a short distance further on was an opening in the flooring a yard wide and of great depth. They leaped it with ease, but had one fallen into it there is no telling what would have happened. Beyond this the passageway narrowed for a short distance. Here some of the rocks were wet, showing that there was a small stream or a pool of water overhead. The flooring was exceedingly rough, so that they had to move slowly and make sure of one footing ere they tried another. "I wonder how long the Indians have known of this cave?" said Dave. "White Buffalo hear of strange cave many years ago," came from the Indian chief. "Hear much when Colonel Washington and General Braddock fight the French and the Indians under Pontiac." "Then is it a fact that Pontiac fought against us at that time?" asked Dave. "White Buffalo has heard so. Pontiac is a great warrior." "Hullo!" suddenly cried Barringford, who was a few feet in advance. "We're coming to something interesting now." "What is it?" asked Dave eagerly. "Look fer yourself, lad." They had gained a portion of the cave that was almost circular in form. In the center was an immense black stone. On this rested a large pile of tobacco and several pipes, and beside these were strings of beads and wampum, and curiously shaped shells and spears. There were likewise some strings of feathers, and a dozen or more pairs of curiously worked moccasins. There were also a number of medals, evidently of English design and workmanship. "Army medals!" cried Dave, picking one up. "Why, Sam, these must have been stolen from our soldiers!" "Taken from our dead heroes most likely," answered the old frontiersman. "It's a curious collection, ain't it, Dave?" "Cave of the big council," said White Buffalo, pointing to the wampum strings and belts. "Much magic here." "These are undoubtedly medals belonging to English soldiers and Royal Americans," said Dave, "They should be restored to their owners or else to the government." "I agree with ye there, lad," answered Barringford. "An' when we leave we can take 'em along." CHAPTER XXVIII AN UNDERGROUND STOREHOUSE To the Indians, as some of my young readers must know, many wampum belts were speech belts, usually given as a present when some great message was delivered. Consequently, White Buffalo looked the belts over with great interest, certain that they were connected with matters of great importance. "Pontiac is as powerful as White Buffalo supposed," said he presently. Dave and Barringford did not reply, for they had pushed on to another chamber of the cave. Here was an additional sight that made both cry out with wonder. "Didn't expect nuthin' like this, did you, Dave?" queried Barringford. "Not in the least," answered the young hunter.