Almost deafening was the double report of a repeating rifle as it rang throughout the cave. At the shots the jaguar leaped high in the air, turned over several times, and then stretched itself in a convulsive death shudder. Dave could scarcely believe his eyes and ears. Who had thus unexpectedly come to his deliverance? "Bob!" The cry was little short of a scream. "Where in the world did you come from?" "From the bowels of the earth, I reckon," was the reply, as the young engineer of the _Swallow_ ran forward. "Is the beast dead?" he went on, as he halted at the outer edge of the underground stream. "I guess he is," answered Dave, watching the jaguar for a moment. "You are a good shot." "I knew I had to kill him, or it would be all up with you, Dave. But how came you to be bound to yonder rock?" "It's a long story. Take care of that stream, or you'll go underground again. You'll have to get a tree limb, or something, before you can come over. I think you'll find a tree limb at the mouth of the cave." Without delay Bob Vilett ran out of the cave again, to return in a few minutes with the very tree limb Pete Rackley had used for crossing the stream. Soon the young engineer was at Dave's side, and a slash or two of a pocket-knife set the young diver free. Then both lost no time in quitting the cave. Sitting down near the entrance, each told his story, to which the other listened with close attention. Bob Vilett had lost his senses after going down into the hole, and had recovered, to find himself resting on a ledge in another cave, not far from the one Dave was occupying. In trying to get out he had lost his way, and had at last emerged in the middle of a tiny valley choked with brush, vines, and other tropical growth. He had wandered around until chance had brought him to the cave where Dave was a prisoner, and he had been astonished beyond measure to hear his friend calling loudly. "It was a lucky thing that I retained my rifle, and that the water didn't hurt the cartridges," concluded Bob. "Had it been otherwise, the jig would have been up with you." "That's true, Bob, and I shan't forget what you have done for me," returned Dave, warmly. "Where have the rascals gone?" "I don't know. Probably they have carried out the plot they mentioned while here." "Then the _Raven_ has sailed." "But what of the _Swallow_? Surely they wouldn't sail without us." "I don't think they would. We must hunt her up without delay." "I must have something to eat first. I am as hungry as--as that jaguar was." "Hurrah! I have it. Let's broil ourselves a jaguar steak, just for the novelty." To this Dave instantly agreed, and returning to the cave, they brought the beast forth and Bob proceeded to cut him up. The steak was soon broiling over a fire which Dave kindled, and the smell proved more than appetizing.