168 KECKLESS DARING. 



tracks one in, and the other out. What did this 

 indicate ? a question which it required some know- 

 ledge of venerie to decide. Were these marks 

 caused by the egress of the original occupant, or had 

 a stranger paid the place a visit, and finding it un- 

 tenantable from the smoke, at once departed ? As 

 the footprints in both directions exactly tallied in 

 length and breadth, we unanimously came to the 

 latter conclusion. 



Having failed so thoroughly in carrying out our 

 project by means of smoke, it was apparent that 

 some other method had to be adopted ; and although 

 the old man had not said a word, I knew from the 

 expression of his face that he was determined to 

 investigate the cavern from end to end, and, if need 

 be, fight its tenant in its recess. 



I know I am not a coward, for I can scarcely 

 recall any occasion on which I experienced the sensa- 

 tion of fear ; but I was not prepared for such a 

 course as this, which appeared to me, not bravery, 

 but sheer recklessness. I was aware, however, that 

 I might as well attempt to stem the current of 

 Niagara as alter his purpose. Still I considered it 

 my duty to make a trial, and pointed out the risk. 

 A look from him told me that my solicitations were 

 useless, and that a further repetition of them would 

 probably lead to open hostilities between us. I felt, 

 however, that his determination placed me in a not 

 very enviable position ; for if a fight took place in the 

 interior of the cavern between my companion and its 



