The wounded man followed him step for step. The ladder was resting against a platform about two yards in width, completely concealed in a mass of inextricable foliage. On this platform stood the giant to whom his Chief had given the name of Orson, a name which was exactly suitable, so rough and savage did he appear. "Any news?" the Captain asked, as he stepped on the platform. "None," the other answered laconically. "Have all the detachments returned?" "All except you." "Are the Gazelle and the American girl in the grotto?" "They are." "That is well. When all the people have come up, you will remove the ladder and join us." "All right, Caray, I suppose I know what I have to do." Sandoval contented himself with shrugging his shoulders. "Come," he said to the Scalper, who was a silent witness of this scene. They crossed the platform. The centre of the tree was entirely hollow, but it had not been rendered so by human agency; old age alone had converted the heart of the tree into dust, while the bark remained green and vigorous. The pirates, who had for many years inhabited a very large cave that ran under the hill, had one day seen the earth give way at a certain spot, in consequence of a storm; this was the way in which the chimney, as they called it, had been discovered. The pirates, like all plundering animals, are very fond of having several issues to their lairs; this new one, supplied to them by accident, caused them the greater pleasure, because by the same occasion they obtained an observatory, whence they could survey an immense extent of country, which enabled them to see any enemy who might attempt to take them by surprise. A platform was formed at a certain height to keep the bark intact; and by means of two ladders, fitted one inside and one out, a communication was established. Sandoval, in his heart, enjoyed his guest's surprise. In fact, the pirate's ingenious arrangement seemed marvellous to White Scalper, who, forgetting his phlegm and stoicism, allowed his surprise to be seen. "Now," he said to him, pointing to a second ladder, which descended a considerable depth into the ground, "we will go down." "At your service, at your service," the stranger answered. "It is really admirable. Go on, I follow you." They then began descending cautiously owing to the darkness, for the pirate placed as sentry on the _Mirador_ had, either through forgetfulness or malice, neglected to bring torches, not supposing, as he said, that his comrades would return so late. White Scalper alone had followed the pirates by the strange road we have indicated. This road, very agreeable for foot passengers, was, of course, completely impracticable for horsemen; hence Ruperto and his three comrades quitted Sandoval at the foot of the hill, and making a rather long detour, sought the real entrance of the cave, with which all four had been long acquainted.