in time and after some effort
succeeded in placing the rock in the limbs of the tree.

"Fits as if it had been here before," declared Chunky.

"Perhaps it has. We shall see. Are you ready?"

"Yep."

"Here's another."

By the time the third stone had been put in place the top of the tree
began to settle. The fourth rock brought the tree down to the ground,
exposing the opening in the rocks once more.

"Hurrah!"

"Keep still. Don't move till I get enough up there to equalize your
weight. Then you may come down."

The remaining stones were quickly laid in place. Tad motioned for
Chunky to descend. The fat boy leaped down. The tree top remained
on the ground leaving a wide opening in the rocks.

"Now, Chunky, keep your nerve. You may need it."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going in there. I think perhaps it might be the wiser plan for
you to remain out here and keep watch."

"No, sir, I guess not! I've helped discover that hole and I'm going to
reap my reward by exploring the inside."

"Come along then. It is taking long chances, but I guess the tree is
safe unless some one should come along and trip the stones. Then we
would be in a fine fix, shouldn't we?"

"I reckon we would. We wouldn't be getting out of that hole, right
smart, should we, Tad?"

"I guess not. We should be buried alive."

"Still, there may be some other opening to the place. We will take a
chance. Got your matches?"

"Yes."

"Then you light a match when we get inside. I'll have my revolver
ready in case there is anything in there."

Taking a final glance about, Tad moved toward the opening in the rocks
with brisk step. Chunky was trotting along behind him, the fat boy
full of importance over the discovery they had made. At the opening
they paused, glancing apprehensively at the great roots towering
above them. Were the butt of that giant tree to settle down now, it
would crush them.

The boys stepped inside. They could see but a few feet ahead of
them, but saw that they were in a huge crevice in the rocks, a sort
of cave formed by the splitting apart of the rocks themselves, perhaps
from some long past earthquake disturbance.

"Light a match, Stacy."

The fat boy did so.

"There have been horses in here," announced Tad.

"Yes, I guess there have, but there aren't any here now."

"Fortunately for us."

The air was cool, though a little damp in the cave. To this the boys
gave no heed. They h