Monella signed to him to hold it firmly, and proceeded to test its strength. Then, satisfied as to this, he quietly mounted it till he could insert his hand into the aperture. After a moment or two he called to Elwood and Templemore to assist in steadying the ladder; and, when they had come to the assistance of Matava and another Indian who was with him, Monella leaned over into the opening and, exerting all his great strength, pushed away the stone that was closing it, exposing to view a cavern beyond. After a brief look inside, he asked for a lighted lantern and a long stick, and, while these were being handed up, the expectations and curiosity of his companions became excited to a lively degree. The Indians, who had been amusing themselves in the water, came crowding round, half pleased, half afraid at this unexpected development of events. "You're never going to venture into that place?" Templemore asked. "It may be full of deadly serpents. For Heaven's sake do not be rash enough to risk it. Send one of the Indians----" Monella replied with a look--a look that Jack remembered for many a day after. His eyes simply flashed; and then he said quickly, "Did you ever know me bid another go where I would not venture myself?" Then he took the lighted lantern, swung it into the cavern at the end of the stick, and, having satisfied himself that the air within was not foul, he threw the stick in first and followed, himself, into the semi-darkness. A minute after, his head and shoulders re-appeared, just when Jack was half way up the ladder to follow him. "Wait a few minutes before you come up," he asked him. "I just want to give a glance round, and there is but one lantern. Or--well--suppose you come up and wait inside. But tell the others to keep to the bottom of the ladder, and be ready to hold it in case we should wish to beat a hasty retreat."