The only possible way, therefore, was to be lowered by some rope, or something that would answer the same purpose, and such a thing was not in the possession of a member of the company. “What shall we do?” The two men stood silent, and debating the question with themselves. Neither had the remotest doubt of there being unbounded wealth lying within a few feet of them, and they were determined to reach it by some means or other. As they stood looking about them, as if in search of something that would suggest help, the trapper started, and pointed toward the trees and woods, a short distance away. “We’ll git in thar,” he said; “it ain’t the time of year fur bark to peel good, but thar ar’ vines thar.” The next minute both were running at full speed toward the trees, where good fortune awaited them. There was found any quantity of grape-vines, which, by the aid of their knives, were speedily trimmed into the proper size and length. They were not as flexible as could be desired, but, with the assistance of powerful muscles, they could be made to answer their purpose. There was considerable to be overcome before they could hope for success. It was agreed that Teddy should leave his rifle behind upon the rocks, so as not to be encumbered with it, while he should grasp the vine in his powerful hands and lower himself to the table, when he could let go of his support, and be free to make his explorations. When he chose to ascend to _terra firma_ again, he could do so by means of the vine, as he proposed to use it in descending in the cañon. All this presupposed the fastening of the upper end of the vine, as it would be rather a too difficult task for old Stebbins to act the part of windlass. By twisting it around a projecting point of the rock, this was finally accomplished, and then Teddy prepared for his descent. He let himself carefully over the edge of the chasm, and the next moment was dangling over the cañon, with the trapper anxiously watching his movements. Slowly down, down, sunk the Irishman, until half the distance was descended, and he looked at his feet to make sure of reaching their support. Carefully the rough vine slid through his hands, until at last he touched the edge of the table, and believing his support secure, he let go his hold, and stood at the mouth of the cavern. As he looked in the twilight of the chasm, he saw something move, and instantly after, to his unbounded amazement, discerned two Blackfoot Indians! “Begorra! but I didn’t dhrame _that_, either,” he muttered, as he prepared to defend himself as best he could. CHAPTER X. THE WONDERFUL CAVERN. Teddy O’Doherty had no time to wonder how these red-skins had got there. It was sufficient to know that he was thrown among them, and that there was no retreat for either party. The Irishman anxiously peered into the cavern to see how many foes he had, but was somewhat relieved to find that he had but two to combat.