The sight of the big hole made all eager to know if it was really a portion of the shattered cave and they worked on the big rock with renewed energy. Twice it slipped back on them, but then they got a new purchase and over it went and rolled out of the way. Then all of the treasure hunters got on their hands and knees to gaze down into the hole.
"It must be part of the cave," said Mr. Rover.
"I'll climb down on the rope," said Tom. "Hurry up, I can't wait!"
"You be careful, Tom, or you'll get hurt," warned his father. But it must be confessed he was as eager as his son to learn whether or not they had discovered the treasure cave.
Tom went down, and Dick and Sam came after him. The bottom of the hole was rough. On one side was another opening, leading to what certainly looked like a cave of considerable extent.
"Drop down the lantern," called Dick, and Captain Barforth did so. With the lantern lit Dick crawled into the side opening and his brothers followed.
"This is certainly a cave," said Tom. "But whether it is the right one or not remains to be seen."
"It must be a part of the original cave, Tom," answered Dick. "Because it is in the spot cov-
