"Yes," his chum continued. "When Joe pointed up this way I took note
of just the line, and followed it closely. That was why we came so
near the precipice. And if that is the opening to the cave, we want to
lie here and listen."
"Why, do you really believe the racket comes out of that hole?"
demanded Bob, astonished at the very idea of such a thing.
"Wait and see," replied the other, confidently. "In the meantime,
here's our opportunity to pick up a few candles that will come in
handy."
They had come to a halt directly under a tree; and Bob had already
discovered that the ground was thickly strewn with broken branches.
Some of these were apt to be fat with the inflammable gum that exudes
from certain species of cedar, and would, as Frank said, make splendid
torches.
Frank was already on his hands and knees searching for suitable ones;
and as Bob grasped the idea he, too, set to work.
"I have four already; how do you stand?" asked Frank, presently.
"Just as many--no, here's the fifth one, and the best of the lot," came
the reply from the Kentucky lad, who went into everything with ardor
and enthusiasm.
"That ought to do for us," Frank went on. "And now, listen for all
you're worth, because the war is on again!"
Lying there, Bob heard what seemed to be the first signal. It was as
though some giant hand had tapped the solid rock with his club. Then
faster came the blows, and more and more did the din increase, until it
was fairly deafening.
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