suspense followed, while Chesty was following the
veteran into the first hollowed-out apartment. Nothing followed where
Frank had been expecting all manner of evil things.

"Perhaps they're asleep," was the new thought that flashed through his
brain. He did not know what manner of man Uncle Felix was.

Now they were all gathered there in that outer chamber that might be
called an ante-room of the various apartments running along the face of
the cliff for some distance.

Even Charley Moi was there, full of curiosity, and willing to lend a
hand after a fashion. Bob looked around; just as his chum had done as
soon as he entered. He saw that some one had certainly been there
recently. There were plenty of evidences to that effect.

Old Hank raised his hand with the forefinger elevated. It was recognized
as a signal for absolute silence by all the others. Even Bob restrained
his desire to ask questions; and every one listened, as if expecting to
catch sounds.

Was that a human voice?

Frank started a trifle as the idea came to him. Still, it might only
have been an additionally strong movement of the breeze; turning some
angle that caused it to give forth a sound.

He turned to see if any of the others had heard, and judged from the way
old Hank had his head raised that he, too, had caught the sound; also
that it appealed to him as full of significance.

Again the veteran waved his hand. This time it meant not only caution,
but an invitation to advance. Hank was about to pass into the next
apartment, and wished the others to keep close at his heels.

Bob was quivering all over with the fever of suspense, as well as
pent-up eagerness. He did not know just how much longer he could hold
in; for he wanted to yell. Still, he did not do it. Since coming to this
wonderland country of the Southwest he had learned many lessons in the
way of self control; and every day he was gaining more and more of a
mastery over himself.

Now Hank was in the second room, and still heading onward toward another
hole in the wall, evidently the only means of communication between the
various houses forming the little community.

When he reached this, voices were plainly heard beyond. Hank kept right
on, heading for yet a third doorway; and whoever was doing the talking,
he or they must be in that further apartment; so that in another minute
Frank expected to have his curiosity fully satisfied.

CHAPTER XXI

THE LITTLE OLD MAN OF