From above, as the flying boat had hovered over the ice peaks, the party had gained rather an unsatisfactory idea of what the gorge was like. But, of course, had it not been for the accident to the pontoon Tom would never have descended into the cañon between these towering, icy walls with his invention. Beyond the place where the _Winged Arrow_ had been forced to land there seemed to be several miles of the gorge, and it was by no means a straightaway cleft in the ice. It twisted and turned like the path of a tortured snake. “We’d have a fat chance following this cañon in that flying boat,” remarked Ned. “Quick as they got one thing repaired, we’d crash into a spur of this ice and crack something else. I tell you, Tom, just as soon as we can, we want to get up out of this hole.” “Reckon you are right,” agreed his chum. “Hi! See there! What is it that Koku has found?” The giant had suddenly increased his stride, thrusting his spear forward and showing every evidence of excitement. He was several rods in advance of the remainder of the party. Tom and the others half expected to see somebody rise up to face the giant, but as they rounded a spur of ice and joined Koku there seemed to be nobody else in sight. “What is it?” demanded Tom. “Master see?” exclaimed the giant, and showed them what he had speared. “Great Scott! A bean can!” cried Tom. Ned burst into laughter. “Civilization—a sure mark!” he chortled. “Yankees have been here, you may be sure.” Tom turned to Captain Karofsen. “How about it, Captain? There is the label still sticking to it. Was that a brand of beans included in the stores of the _Kalrye_?” “That iss idt,” rejoined the schooner captain. “They been here—yes. See that cave yonder, Misder Swift? Perhaps they have been there in that cavern.” Koku had already seen the opening of a considerable cavity in one wall of the gorge. He advanced cautiously. The cavern appeared to be very deep. It was dark beyond the entrance. As the party hesitated before the opening they could distinctly feel a draught of air blowing from the hole. “It’s a tunnel, I bet,” said Ned. “What say? Think it goes clear through this ice mountain to the plain beyond?” “Why not?” demanded Tom. “These ice cliffs seem honeycombed with such caves.” Koku suddenly shouted and darted forward into the mouth of the cave. There was a savage roar in reply—but it was no human voice that answered the giant’s challenge. “A bear!” exclaimed Tom, and he was first to follow the excited Koku into the half darkened cavity. Ned was close on the young inventor’s heels. “Tom, do have a care!” he shouted. “No time for care!” panted Tom. “Koku’s fearless! No telling what he’ll do!” The giant thrust mightily with his spear and the challenging roar of the bear changed instantly to a scream of pain. With a crash of ice and breaking spear-handle, the huge beast appeared in the entrance to the cave.