"I shall go first," he said. "If there is any danger from
poisonous gas, or from reptiles, I shall take the risk. You boys
have parents and homes. I have no one. If I should suffer any
mishap, do not attempt to rescue me. It would not be worth
while."
"Nothing will happen," declared Adrian. "I have a hunch and my
hunches are usually right."
The rope having been properly fastened and warded off the side by
an ingenious arrangement of several large rocks, Strong began his
descent. In his left hand he carried a flaming torch and Donald
leaned over the edge, looking down, with rifle sighted, to fire
upon any reptile which might be brought to light by the torch's
ruddy glare.
Step by step Strong went down, stopping every now and then to
hold his torch below him, if perchance it might come into contact
with fire damp or any other noxious gas.
He had descended at least three-fourths of the way, when, as he
swung his torch below, he uttered a cry that was almost a shriek
and the torch fell from his hand.
At the same instant Donald gave vent to a loud exclamation and
his rifle cracked.
"Hold on," he cried as he arose from the ground, "as you value
your life, don't lose your hold."
"What is it?" asked the others in one voice.
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