lings. More likely a
great corn-store or granary."

"Yes," said Bourne, "that seems likely;" but Griggs grunted and said
nothing.

"What do you think, then?" said the doctor.

"I don't fancy those old folks would do much farming and corn-growing,
sir," replied Griggs. "You see, it's a rocky sort of place all about
here, with very little soil except in patches, and a short supply of
water. Flocks and herds must have been more in their way."

"Then what would have been the use of a place like this?"

Griggs was silent for a few moments, and then he laconically uttered the
word--

"Trap!"

"A trap!" cried Chris wonderingly. "What could they catch up here?"

"Enemies," replied the American, as he stood looking down and then up.

"What are you thinking?" said the doctor quickly.

"Only this, sir. Perhaps I'm wrong, but you see this is a stronghold,
and I can't help thinking that this is the only way into it. There was
the first row of dwelling-places, got at only by a ladder, up which the
enemy had to fight their way, and they seem to have killed all that were
defending that part before fighting their way up to the second row.
There they did the same, and here must have been the way up to the top
part, which they tried to make stronger still. You see, it's rather a
ticklish bit up the side there, and plenty of room all round for those
who defended the place to use spears and stones to beat down those who
came against them. Just look, it wouldn't only be driving them back,
but knocking them off into a hole or trap where they'd be quite done
for."

"But if that were the case this hole would be piled-up with the remains
of the enemy," said Chris eagerly.

"That's so, my lad, and we can easily prove it. I'm going down to see."

"What, down into that horrible pit?" cried Ned. "I should have thought
you had had enough of going down for the water."

"I did, squire; but there's no water here. All's dry, and I fancy
there's a bottom to it. There didn't seem to be any where the water
went down. First of all, though, doctor, if it was a corn-store or
granary there'd be steps like those that go up, going down."

"Certainly," said the doctor.

"And from where we stand, so that the people could fetch up sacks full
or baskets."

"Of course."

"Let's see, then," said the American, and opening his box he took out a
match, lit it, and going down upon one knee held the burning splint
below him.

"No steps