Page:The Campaign of the Jungle.djvu/272

242 "True; but who knows but what we'll be going downward presently."

Still they kept on, but now Larry's heart began to fail him. They had progressed so far, had made so many turns, that to get back would probably be impossible. The caves were so vast one might wander about in them forever—if one's food did not give out. Larry shivered again and clutched the precious kettle of stew tighter than ever. He was once more hungry, but resolved to wait until the pangs of hunger increased before reducing the stock of food.

The passageway was now level for a considerable distance, with here and there a rock to be climbed over or a crack to cross. Both had just made a leap over an opening several feet wide when Leroy set up a shout.

"What is it?" asked Larry, eagerly.

"Put the torch behind ye, lad, an' look ahead. Perhaps my eyes deceive me," answered the old sailor.

Larry did as requested, and gave a searching look up the passageway. No, there was no mistaking it—there was a faint glimmer of light coming from what appeared to be a bend. He, too, gave a shout, and both set off on a run.