"That's right. And yet--the inland sea sounds natural enough. We know,
too, that there are such things as underground rivers, outside of Jules
Verne's yarns. But those animals,--or reptiles,--which?"

"Both, I believe," answered Bruno, with a subdued laugh.

"That's all right, old man. I never was worth a continental when it came
to such things. I prefer to live in the present, and so--well, now, will
you just look at that old cow!"

In surprise Waldo pointed across to where a bovine shape showed not far
beyond the pool at the base of the miniature waterfall; but his brother
had a fairer view, and, instantly divining the truth, grasped an arm and
hastily whispered:

"Hush, boy; can't you see? It's a buffalo, a hill buffalo, and--"

"Quick! the guns are in the machine! Down, Bruno, and maybe we can get a
shot and--"

His eager whisper was cut short, though not by grip of arm or act by
his brother. A rumbling roar broke forth from the further side of that
mountain stream, and as the dense bushes beyond were violently agitated,
the hill buffalo wheeled that way with marvellous rapidity.

Just as a long head and mighty shoulders spread the shrubbery wide
apart, jaws opening and lips curling back to lay great teeth bare, while
another angry sound, half growl, half snort, only too clearly proclaimed
that monster of the mountains, a grizzly bear.

"Smoke o' sacrifice!" gasped Waldo, as the grizzly suddenly upreared its
mighty bulk, head wagging, paws waving in queer fashion, lolling tongue
lending the semblance of drollery rather than viciousness.

"This way; to your guns, boys!" cautiously called out the professor,
whose notice had likewise been caught by those unusual sounds, and who
had already armed himself with his pet dynamite gun.

"Careful! He'll make a break for us at first sight, unless--down close,
and crawl for it, brother!"

Bruno set the good example, and Waldo was not too proud of spirit to
humble himself in like manner. Although this was their first glimpse
of "Old Eph" in his native wilds, both brothers entertained a very
respectful opinion of his prowess.

Under different circumstances their expectations might have been more
fully met, but just now the grizzly seemed wholly occupied with the
buffalo bull, whose sturdy bulk and armed front so resolutely opposed
his further progress towards that common goal, the pool of water.

The boys quickly reached the flying-machine and gripped the Winchest